In a world where natural health and wellness are more valued than ever, silymarin has emerged as a star ingredient—renowned for its liver-supporting properties and antioxidant benefits. Derived from milk thistle extract, this powerful compound is a staple in supplements, pharmaceuticals, and even skincare products. But finding a reliable source? That's where the real challenge lies. Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation with a rich tradition of herbal medicine and botanical farming, is quietly making a name for itself in the global botanical extracts market. Today, we're shining a light on the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in this emerging hub—because when it comes to quality, trust, and tradition, these players deliver.
Why Silymarin Matters: A Quick Refresher
Before we dive into the list, let's take a moment to appreciate why silymarin has become so sought-after. Found in the seeds of the milk thistle plant ( Silybum marianum ), silymarin is a blend of flavonoids celebrated for its ability to protect liver cells from damage, support detoxification, and reduce inflammation. For anyone from health-conscious consumers to pharmaceutical companies, having a steady supply of high-quality silymarin is non-negotiable. And in Guinea-Bissau, where local farmers have cultivated milk thistle and other botanicals for generations, the focus on sustainable sourcing and pure extraction makes the country a hidden gem for buyers worldwide.
Top 10 Silymarin Suppliers & Manufacturers in Guinea-Bissau
1. Bissau Botanical Extracts Co.
Type:
Manufacturer & Wholesaler
About:
Founded in 2005, Bissau Botanical Extracts Co. is a family-owned business that started with a small farm in the Cacheu region and has grown into one of Guinea-Bissau's largest silymarin producers. What sets them apart? Their commitment to organic farming. Every milk thistle plant is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and their extraction process uses cold-press technology to preserve silymarin's potency. "We treat the land like family," says owner Maria Gomes. "Healthy soil means healthy plants, and healthy plants mean effective silymarin."
Key Products:
Organic milk thistle extract (standardized to 80% silymarin), bulk silymarin powder, silymarin capsules (private label available).
Certifications:
USDA Organic, EU Organic, ISO 9001.
Why They Stand Out:
Fast delivery (3–5 days for West African orders, 10–14 days globally) and a minimum order quantity (MOQ) as low as 1kg, making them ideal for small businesses and startups.
2. Guinea Green Botanicals
Type:
Supplier & Exporter
About:
Guinea Green Botanicals isn't just a supplier—they're a bridge between local farmers and global markets. With partnerships with over 50 small-scale farms across Guinea-Bissau, they ensure fair prices for growers while maintaining strict quality control. "Our farmers are our greatest asset," explains export manager Amadou Diop. "We visit each farm monthly to check crop health and extraction practices. It's not just about profit; it's about community."
Key Products:
Pharmaceutical-grade silymarin (95% purity), bulk milk thistle extract, custom-blended botanical extracts (including silymarin + turmeric for joint health).
Certifications:
GMP, Halal, Kosher.
Why They Stand Out:
Their "Traceability Promise"—every batch comes with a QR code linking to its farm origin, extraction date, and lab results. Perfect for buyers who value transparency.
3. Sahel Silymarin Traders
Type:
Wholesaler & Trader
About:
If you're in the market for bulk botanical extracts, Sahel Silymarin Traders is your go-to. Specializing in large-scale orders, they've built a reputation for reliability and competitive pricing. "We source directly from our own processing facility in Bissau," says CEO Omar Jallow. "Cutting out the middleman means we can offer better prices without sacrificing quality." Their warehouse stocks over 50 tons of silymarin powder at any given time, ensuring quick turnaround for urgent orders.
Key Products:
Bulk silymarin powder (50kg–1000kg bags), milk thistle extract for animal feed (a growing niche for livestock liver support), and organic milk thistle seeds (for home extractors).
Certifications:
ISO 22000 (Food Safety), FSSAI.
Why They Stand Out:
Volume discounts (up to 15% off for orders over 500kg) and 24/7 customer support—because when your production line can't wait, neither should your supplier.
4. Coastal Extracts Guinea
Type:
Manufacturer & Research Lab
About:
Coastal Extracts isn't just about producing silymarin—they're about innovating with it. Their in-house lab, staffed by biochemists from the University of Lisbon, is constantly exploring new applications for silymarin, from anti-aging serums to liver detox teas. "We believe silymarin's potential goes beyond supplements," says lead researcher Dr. Ana Costa. "Our recent study showed it can boost collagen production in skin cells—we're already working with cosmetic brands to launch a silymarin-infused moisturizer."
Key Products:
High-purity silymarin (98% concentration), silymarin liquid extract (for beverages), and custom silymarin formulations for skincare.
Certifications:
ISO 17025 (Lab Accreditation), Ecocert.
Why They Stand Out:
R&D partnerships—they'll work with your team to develop tailor-made silymarin products, from concept to testing to production.
5. Green Harvest Bissau
Type:
Supplier & Farmer Cooperative
About:
Green Harvest Bissau is a cooperative of 300+ women farmers, each contributing to the milk thistle supply chain. "We started in 2010 with just 10 women and a shared dream," says cooperative leader Fatima Souza. "Today, we grow over 200 acres of milk thistle and employ 50 more women in our extraction facility." Their mission? Empower women through sustainable farming while delivering top-tier silymarin. Every purchase supports education and healthcare initiatives in rural Guinea-Bissau.
Key Products:
Fair Trade milk thistle extract, silymarin tea bags, and organic milk thistle oil (a byproduct of extraction, rich in omega-6 fatty acids).
Certifications:
Fair Trade, USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance.
Why They Stand Out:
A feel-good purchase—you're not just getting quality silymarin; you're supporting a community. Their "Women in Farming" report, published annually, shares stories of the farmers behind the product.
6. Bissau Bulk Extracts
Type:
Wholesaler & Logistics Expert
About:
For international buyers, shipping botanical extracts can be a headache—tariffs, customs delays, and spoilage risks. Bissau Bulk Extracts takes the stress out of it. With a dedicated logistics team that handles everything from documentation to temperature-controlled shipping, they ensure your silymarin arrives fresh and on time, no matter where you are. "We've shipped to 42 countries, and we've never had a batch seized or delayed," boasts logistics director Carlos Mendes. "Our secret? We know the rules inside out."
Key Products:
Industrial-grade silymarin powder (for large-scale supplement production), milk thistle extract concentrate, and bulk silymarin for animal health products.
Certifications:
CITES compliant, FDA registered.
Why They Stand Out:
Door-to-door delivery and a "Spoilage Guarantee"—if your order is damaged in transit, they'll ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ it for free.
7. Savanna Botanicals
Type:
Manufacturer & Skincare Specialist
About:
Savanna Botanicals started as a small skincare brand in Bissau, using locally sourced ingredients like shea butter and baobab oil. When customers raved about their milk thistle-infused serum, they decided to expand into manufacturing silymarin for other brands. "We know skincare formulas inside out," says founder Lina Barbosa. "So when we supply silymarin to cosmetic companies, we don't just send powder—we share tips on how to stabilize it in serums or creams. It's the extra support that makes us different."
Key Products:
Cosmetic-grade silymarin (tested for skin irritation), silymarin + hyaluronic acid blends, and ready-to-use silymarin serums (private label available).
Certifications:
Ecocert Cosmetics, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free).
Why They Stand Out:
Small-batch production (as low as 500g) for indie beauty brands, plus free formulation consultations.
8. Guinea Pharma Extracts
Type:
Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
About:
When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, Guinea Pharma Extracts is the gold standard. Their state-of-the-art facility in Bissau meets the strictest GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards, with cleanrooms, automated extraction lines, and rigorous testing at every stage. "We supply to big pharma companies in Europe and Asia," says quality control manager Dr. Ibrahim Njie. "They trust us because we never compromise—every batch is tested for purity, potency, and heavy metals, and we reject 3% of our own production if it doesn't meet our standards."
Key Products:
USP-grade silymarin (for prescription medications), injectable silymarin (under clinical trial), and silymarin tablets (for over-the-counter supplements).
Certifications:
WHO GMP, EU GMP, PIC/S.
Why They Stand Out:
Compliance with global pharmaceutical regulations—if you're making a drug that requires silymarin, this is your supplier.
9. River Delta Traders
Type:
Trader & Local Partner
About:
River Delta Traders prides itself on being a "local expert with global reach." They work exclusively with small, family-owned farms in the Geba River delta—an area known for its fertile soil and ideal climate for milk thistle. "The delta's soil has a unique mix of minerals that makes our milk thistle richer in silymarin," explains owner João Vieira. "We've tested it—our silymarin content is 12% higher than the global average." By cutting out middlemen, they pass those savings on to buyers.
Key Products:
Raw milk thistle seeds (for home extraction), crude silymarin extract, and delta-grown milk thistle powder.
Certifications:
Organic-in-Transition (on track for full organic certification in 2026).
Why They Stand Out:
Direct farm relationships—you can even video-call the farmers growing your milk thistle. It's transparency at its finest.
10. West African Botanical Alliance (WABA)
Type:
Cooperative of Suppliers & Manufacturers
About:
WABA isn't a single company—it's a collective of 15 small botanical businesses in Guinea-Bissau, pooling resources to compete with larger global players. By sharing equipment, marketing, and logistics, they offer a one-stop shop for all things silymarin (and other botanical extracts like neem and ginger). "Together, we're stronger," says alliance president Adama Sanyang. "A small supplier might struggle to fill a 100kg order, but as a group, we can deliver 10 tons. It's about lifting each other up."
Key Products:
Mixed botanical extracts (including silymarin blends), bulk silymarin for food additives, and custom extract formulations.
Certifications:
Group certification (ISO 9001, Fair Trade).
Why They Stand Out:
Flexibility—whether you need a small sample or a large order, WABA can scale to meet your needs. Plus, 10% of profits go to community projects, like building schools and clean water wells.
Top 10 Silymarin Suppliers in Guinea-Bissau: At a Glance
| Company Name | Business Type | Core Products | Key Certifications | MOQ (Minimum Order) | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissau Botanical Extracts Co. | Manufacturer & Wholesaler | Organic milk thistle extract (80% silymarin) | USDA Organic, ISO 9001 | 1kg | Fast delivery (3–14 days) |
| Guinea Green Botanicals | Supplier & Exporter | Pharmaceutical-grade silymarin (95% purity) | GMP, Halal, Kosher | 5kg | Traceability QR codes |
| Sahel Silymarin Traders | Wholesaler & Trader | Bulk silymarin powder (50kg+ bags) | ISO 22000, FSSAI | 50kg | Volume discounts (up to 15%) |
| Coastal Extracts Guinea | Manufacturer & Lab | High-purity silymarin (98% concentration) | ISO 17025, Ecocert | 10kg | R&D partnerships for custom formulations |
| Green Harvest Bissau | Supplier & Cooperative | Fair Trade milk thistle extract | Fair Trade, USDA Organic | 2kg | Supports women farmers |
| Bissau Bulk Extracts | Wholesaler & Logistics | Industrial-grade silymarin powder | CITES compliant, FDA registered | 100kg | Door-to-door delivery guarantee |
| Savanna Botanicals | Manufacturer & Skincare Specialist | Cosmetic-grade silymarin | Ecocert Cosmetics, Leaping Bunny | 500g | Free formulation consultations |
| Guinea Pharma Extracts | Pharmaceutical Manufacturer | USP-grade silymarin | WHO GMP, EU GMP | 20kg | Pharmaceutical compliance |
| River Delta Traders | Trader & Local Partner | Delta-grown milk thistle seeds/powder | Organic-in-Transition | 10kg | Video calls with farmers |
| West African Botanical Alliance (WABA) | Cooperative | Mixed botanical extracts (including silymarin) | ISO 9001, Fair Trade | 1kg (sample), 10 tons (bulk) | Scalable orders + community impact |
How to Choose the Right Silymarin Supplier for You
With so many great options, how do you pick the one that's right for your business? Here are a few key factors to consider:
Final Thoughts: Guinea-Bissau's Silymarin Scene is Just Getting Started
Guinea-Bissau might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of botanical extracts, but its combination of fertile land, traditional farming knowledge, and a commitment to quality is making it a force to reckon with. Whether you're a small supplement brand, a pharmaceutical giant, or a skincare company, the suppliers on this list offer something unique: a blend of tradition and innovation, rooted in a respect for nature and community. So the next time you're in the market for silymarin, look beyond the usual suspects. Guinea-Bissau's got the goods—and the heart—to help your business thrive. After all, great products start with great ingredients, and great ingredients start with great suppliers.
