If you've ever peeked at the label of a liver support supplement or a natural skincare product, chances are you've come across the word "silymarin." Derived from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), this powerful compound has been cherished for centuries for its antioxidant and liver-protective properties. Today, it's a staple in pharmaceuticals, health supplements, and even cosmetics, making reliable silymarin suppliers more crucial than ever. And when it comes to quality botanical extracts, Greece—with its sun-drenched fields, rich herbal traditions, and strict EU quality standards—stands out as a hidden gem. In this guide, we're diving into the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Greece, helping you navigate the bustling market of milk thistle extract and bulk botanical extracts with confidence.
Why Greece for Silymarin and Milk Thistle Extracts?
Greece isn't just about olive groves and ancient ruins—it's also a powerhouse for herbal extracts. The country's Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, creates the perfect conditions for growing milk thistle. Local farmers have cultivated the plant for generations, passing down knowledge of optimal harvesting times and sustainable practices. What's more, Greece's adherence to EU regulations ensures that every step of the extraction process, from seed to powder, meets rigorous safety and quality benchmarks. Whether you're looking for pharmaceutical-grade silymarin or organic milk thistle extract, Greek suppliers blend tradition with modern technology to deliver products that stand out in a crowded global market.
Top 10 Silymarin Suppliers in Greece: A Closer Look
To help you find the right partner, we've curated a list of Greece's top silymarin suppliers. These companies range from family-run manufacturers with decades of experience to innovative wholesalers specializing in bulk botanical extracts. Each brings something unique to the table—whether it's cutting-edge extraction methods, organic certifications, or a focus on global distribution. Let's dive in.
| Rank | Company Name | Location | Core Business | Key Products | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hellenic Herbal Extracts Ltd | Athens | Manufacturer & Exporter | Silymarin extract (80-95% purity), milk thistle extract powder | GMP, ISO 22000, EU Organic |
| 2 | Mediterranean Botanicals Co. | Thessaloniki | Wholesaler & Supplier | Organic milk thistle extract, bulk silymarin (50-90% purity) | EU Organic, Kosher, Halal |
| 3 | Greek Silymarin Traders | Patras | Trader & Distributor | Standardized silymarin extract, milk thistle seed oil | ISO 9001, FSSAI |
| 4 | Olympus Extracts | Larissa | Manufacturer | Pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, water-soluble milk thistle extract | EMA, GMP, ISO 13485 |
| 5 | Aegean Bulk Botanicals | Crete | Bulk Supplier | Bulk milk thistle extract (10-95% silymarin), silymarin granules | ISO 22000, GMP |
| 6 | Athenian Phytochemicals | Athens | Manufacturer & R&D | High-purity silymarin (95%+), liposomal silymarin | ISO 17025, GMP |
| 7 | Thessaly Herbal Wholesalers | Katerini | Wholesaler | Economy-grade silymarin extract, milk thistle powder | ISO 9001, HACCP |
| 8 | Ionian Extracts Ltd | Corfu | Sustainable Manufacturer | Eco-certified milk thistle extract, cold-pressed silymarin | ECOCERT, EU Organic |
| 9 | Peloponnese Botanicals | Tripoli | Traditional Manufacturer | Hand-harvested milk thistle extract, organic silymarin | EU Organic, Demeter Certified |
| 10 | Macedonian Silymarin Suppliers | Thessaloniki | Exporter & Trader | Standard and organic silymarin, milk thistle extract for cosmetics | ISO 22000, GMP |
1. Hellenic Herbal Extracts Ltd (Athens)
Pioneering Quality Since 1995
Tucked away in the industrial zone of Athens, Hellenic Herbal Extracts Ltd has been a cornerstone of Greece's botanical extract scene for nearly three decades. Founded by a team of pharmacists and botanists, this family-owned manufacturer prides itself on merging traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology. Their 10,000-square-meter facility is equipped with supercritical CO2 extraction units and state-of-the-art lab testing equipment, ensuring that every batch of silymarin extract meets the highest purity standards—ranging from 80% to 95% silymarin content.
What sets them apart? Their commitment to sustainability. Hellenic Herbal Extracts sources milk thistle seeds directly from small-scale farmers in the Peloponnese region, where the plant thrives in the rocky, sunlit soil. They even offer a "traceability program," allowing clients to track their batch from farm to final product. With certifications like GMP, ISO 22000, and EU Organic, they're a go-to for pharmaceutical companies and supplement brands across Europe, Asia, and North America. Whether you need 1kg of high-purity silymarin or 500kg of bulk milk thistle extract powder, their production capacity of 10 tons monthly ensures timely delivery.
2. Mediterranean Botanicals Co. (Thessaloniki)
Organic Focus, Global Reach
If "organic" is your top priority, Mediterranean Botanicals Co. in Thessaloniki should be on your radar. Established in 2008, this wholesaler has built a reputation for sourcing the finest organic milk thistle from certified farms in northern Greece, where the cooler climate slows growth, allowing the plant to accumulate higher levels of silymarin. Their product list includes everything from entry-level 50% purity silymarin (ideal for budget-friendly supplements) to premium 90% purity extract (perfect for pharmaceutical use).
What makes them a favorite among natural product brands? Their flexibility. Mediterranean Botanicals offers custom blends, whether you need water-soluble silymarin for beverages or oil-based extract for skincare. They also specialize in bulk orders, with minimum quantities starting at 1kg—though regular clients swear by their 1000kg "bulk botanical extracts" packages, which come with discounted pricing. Certified organic by the EU, Kosher, and Halal, they're trusted by clients in over 30 countries, from small health food stores to multinational cosmetic giants. Visit their Thessaloniki warehouse, and you'll find rows of labeled drums, each marked with harvest dates and purity test results—a testament to their transparency.
3. Greek Silymarin Traders (Patras)
Bridging Greece and the World
Not every business needs to manufacture its own extracts—and that's where Greek Silymarin Traders in Patras shines. As one of Greece's leading silymarin traders, they act as a bridge between local manufacturers and global buyers, curating a portfolio of high-quality products from trusted partners across the country. Founded in 2010 by a former logistics expert, the company specializes in streamlining the import-export process, making it easy for international clients to access Greek silymarin without navigating complex regulations.
Their catalog includes standardized silymarin extract (tested to contain 70-85% active compounds), milk thistle seed oil (rich in omega-6 fatty acids), and even raw milk thistle seeds for clients who prefer to extract in-house. What clients love most is their reliability: Greek Silymarin Traders offers door-to-door delivery, handles all customs paperwork, and provides batch-specific COAs (Certificates of Analysis) with every order. With ISO 9001 certification and partnerships with manufacturers who hold GMP and FSSAI credentials, they're a safe bet for businesses in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia—regions where their network is particularly strong. If you're new to sourcing from Greece, their team of multilingual consultants (fluent in English, Arabic, and Hindi) will guide you every step of the way.
4. Olympus Extracts (Larissa)
Pharmaceutical-Grade Excellence
When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, Olympus Extracts in Larissa is in a league of its own. Nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus (yes, that Mount Olympus), this manufacturer was founded in 1998 with a singular mission: to produce silymarin that meets the strictest standards of the pharmaceutical industry. Their facility is certified by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and compliant with ISO 13485, meaning every batch undergoes rigorous testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination.
What makes their silymarin unique? Their proprietary "cold extraction" method, which uses ultra-low temperatures to preserve the integrity of silybin, silychristin, and silydianin—the three key flavonolignans in silymarin. The result is a highly bioavailable extract that's a favorite among drug companies developing liver medications. They also offer specialized products, like water-soluble silymarin (ideal for liquid supplements) and micronized silymarin powder (for faster absorption in capsules). While their prices are higher than some wholesalers, clients say the quality is unbeatable. As one pharmaceutical buyer put it: "When you're formulating a drug, you don't cut corners—and Olympus Extracts never makes you feel like you have to."
5. Aegean Bulk Botanicals (Crete)
Bulk Solutions for Large-Scale Operations
For businesses that need silymarin in massive quantities, Aegean Bulk Botanicals in Crete is the answer. This bulk supplier, located in the port city of Chania, specializes in high-volume orders, with a production capacity of 50 tons of milk thistle extract per month. Founded in 2005, they've built their reputation on efficiency, offering competitive pricing for orders of 500kg or more—making them a top choice for supplement manufacturers and food additive companies.
Their product line includes standard silymarin extract (50-90% purity), silymarin granules (easy to blend into powders), and even "crude extract" for clients who want to further refine the product in-house. Sourcing milk thistle from Crete's fertile plains, where the plant is grown without irrigation (thanks to the region's mild rains), they ensure a consistent supply year-round. Certified GMP and ISO 22000, they're known for their fast turnaround times—most bulk orders ship within 48 hours of payment. Tour their facility, and you'll see automated packaging lines and climate-controlled storage rooms, designed to keep extracts fresh during transit. As one long-time client noted: "When you need 10 tons of silymarin in a week, Aegean is the only name that comes to mind."
6. Athenian Phytochemicals (Athens)
Innovation in Every Batch
Athenian Phytochemicals isn't your average botanical extract company—they're a research-driven manufacturer with a lab that's as busy as their production floor. Located in Athens' technology park, this company, founded in 2012, invests heavily in R&D, collaborating with the University of Athens to develop new extraction techniques and improve silymarin's bioavailability. Their flagship product? A 95% purity silymarin extract that's 30% more absorbable than standard extracts, thanks to a patented microencapsulation process.
While they cater to pharmaceutical and supplement clients, they're also a hit with cosmetic brands, offering liposomal silymarin—an oil-soluble form that penetrates skin deeply, making it ideal for anti-aging serums and liver detox creams. Certified ISO 17025 (for lab testing) and GMP, they're often the first to market with new silymarin-based ingredients. Their small-batch production option (starting at 500g) also makes them popular with startups and researchers. "We're not just selling extract—we're selling solutions," says their head of R&D. "If a client has a problem—like poor solubility—we'll work with them to fix it."
7. Thessaly Herbal Wholesalers (Katerini)
Budget-Friendly Quality
Not every business has a pharmaceutical-level budget, and Thessaly Herbal Wholesalers in Katerini understands that. This family-run wholesaler, founded in 2003, specializes in providing high-quality silymarin at affordable prices, making them a favorite among small supplement brands, health food stores, and even local herbalists. Their secret? They source directly from 20+ small milk thistle farms in Thessaly, cutting out middlemen and passing the savings on to clients.
Their product range includes economy-grade silymarin extract (50-70% purity), milk thistle powder (ground seeds, ideal for teas and tinctures), and "standardized extract" (80% purity, their most popular option). While they don't offer the ultra-high purity of pharmaceutical manufacturers, their extracts are still rigorously tested for contaminants and meet EU safety standards (certified ISO 9001 and HACCP). What clients love most is their personal touch—owner Maria Papadopoulos often answers the phone herself, offering advice on which extract best fits a client's needs. "We started this business because we wanted to make natural health accessible," she says. "That means great quality, fair prices, and treating clients like family."
8. Ionian Extracts Ltd (Corfu)
Eco-Friendly Extracts with a Conscience
For businesses prioritizing sustainability, Ionian Extracts Ltd in Corfu is a standout choice. This eco-conscious manufacturer, founded in 2010, has built its entire operation around green practices—from solar-powered extraction facilities to zero-waste packaging. Their milk thistle is sourced from organic, biodynamic farms on Corfu and neighboring islands, where farmers use crop rotation and natural pest control instead of chemicals.
Their star product is "EcoSilymarin," a cold-pressed extract made using only water and ethanol (no harsh solvents), preserving the plant's natural compounds while minimizing environmental impact. Certified ECOCERT and EU Organic, they're a favorite among clean beauty brands and eco-focused supplement companies. Even their shipping is green: they use biodegradable drums and offset carbon emissions from deliveries. "We believe that taking care of the planet and making great extract go hand in hand," says their sustainability director. It's a philosophy that resonates with clients—sales have grown 20% annually, and they've recently expanded to offer bulk orders of up to 500kg. For businesses that want to align their products with their values, Ionian Extracts is a perfect match.
9. Peloponnese Botanicals (Tripoli)
Traditional Methods, Timeless Quality
If you're drawn to tradition, Peloponnese Botanicals in Tripoli will feel like a breath of fresh air. This small-batch manufacturer has been using traditional extraction methods since 1985, when founder Yiannis Kostas first started making milk thistle extract in his family's barn. Today, their facility is larger, but they still harvest milk thistle by hand (to avoid damaging seeds) and use a slow, gentle extraction process that's been passed down for generations.
Their "Artisan Silymarin" is a hit with herbalists and boutique supplement brands, who appreciate its rich, earthy aroma and full spectrum of compounds (not just isolated silymarin). Certified organic by Demeter (the gold standard for biodynamic farming), they also offer custom formulations, like silymarin combined with other Greek herbs (think: oregano or chamomile) for unique supplement blends. While their production capacity is smaller (max 500kg monthly), clients say the wait is worth it. "You can taste the difference," says a local herbalist. "It's like comparing mass-produced olive oil to a family-pressed batch—there's just more heart in it."
10. Macedonian Silymarin Suppliers (Thessaloniki)
Export Experts with a Global Vision
Last but not least, Macedonian Silymarin Suppliers in Thessaloniki rounds out our list as one of Greece's most export-focused traders. With a network of 15+ manufacturing partners across Greece, they specialize in tailoring products to meet the unique needs of international markets—whether it's adjusting silymarin purity for Asian regulations or creating cosmetic-grade extracts for European beauty brands.
Their claim to fame? Lightning-fast delivery. Thanks to Thessaloniki's strategic location (a major EU port), they can ship to most European countries in 2-3 days and to North America in under a week. They also offer flexible payment terms and multilingual support (English, French, German, Russian), making them a favorite among first-time Greek extract buyers. While they don't manufacture their own products, they're strict about partner vetting—only working with GMP-certified facilities that meet their strict quality standards. "Our job is to make sourcing from Greece easy," says their export manager. "Whether you're in Berlin or Beijing, we'll get you the silymarin you need, when you need it."
Choosing the Right Silymarin Supplier for You
With so many great options, how do you pick the best silymarin supplier in Greece? Start by defining your priorities: Are you looking for bulk botanical extracts at scale? Pharmaceutical-grade purity? Organic certification? Once you know what matters most, use the table above to narrow down your list, and don't hesitate to request samples—most suppliers are happy to send a small batch (often for a nominal fee) so you can test quality firsthand. Remember, the best supplier isn't just a vendor—they're a partner who understands your needs and helps your business thrive.
From the sunlit fields of Crete to the labs of Athens, Greece's silymarin suppliers offer a little something for everyone. Whether you're a pharmaceutical giant, a small supplement brand, or a cosmetic formulator, you'll find quality, tradition, and innovation in every batch. So the next time you're in the market for silymarin or milk thistle extract, look to Greece—where ancient herbal wisdom meets modern excellence. Your products (and your customers) will thank you.
