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Top 10 Silymarin Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Italy

Walk into any health food store or pharmacy, and you'll likely find a shelf dedicated to liver support supplements—and at the heart of many of those products is silymarin. Derived from the seeds of milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ), this powerful flavonoid complex has been used for centuries to support liver health, and modern research continues to back its benefits. But where does high-quality silymarin come from? Italy, with its sun-drenched fields, strict agricultural regulations, and legacy of herbal expertise, has become a global leader in producing and supplying premium silymarin. From pharmaceutical-grade extracts to organic-certified powders, Italian suppliers cater to industries ranging from medicine to cosmetics, and everything in between.

If you're in the market for silymarin—whether you need bulk quantities for dietary supplements, pharmaceutical-grade raw materials for drug development, or specialized extracts for organic skincare—navigating the supplier landscape can feel overwhelming. That's why we've compiled this guide to the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Italy. We'll explore what makes each company unique, their product specialties, quality standards, and how they can align with your business needs. Let's dive in.

1. VerdeFiori Botanicals (Tuscany)

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, VerdeFiori Botanicals has been a family-run business since 1985, and their expertise in herbal extracts shines through in their silymarin offerings. What started as a small farm growing milk thistle and other medicinal herbs has evolved into a full-scale manufacturer supplying clients across Europe, Asia, and North America.

VerdeFiori prides itself on "terroir-driven" extracts—meaning they control every step from seed to powder. Their milk thistle is grown in organic-certified fields (EU Organic Reg. No. IT-BIO-005) without synthetic pesticides, and they use a cold-maceration extraction process to preserve silymarin's bioactivity. The result? A pharmaceutical-grade silymarin extract with a minimum 80% flavonoid content, ideal for liver support supplements and nutraceuticals.

What Sets Them Apart:

  • Vertical integration: Owns 500+ acres of organic milk thistle farms, ensuring traceability from harvest to delivery.
  • Custom formulations: Offers silymarin in powder, liquid, and encapsulated forms, with options for standardized extracts (60%, 80%, or 95% silymarin).
  • Sustainability focus: Uses solar-powered extraction facilities and recycles 90% of water used in processing.

Whether you're a small supplement brand needing 5kg batches or a pharmaceutical giant ordering 500kg, VerdeFiori's flexible MOQs (minimum order quantities) and dedicated customer service make them a top choice for reliability and quality.

2. PharmaExtract Italia (Milan)

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, PharmaExtract Italia is a name that resonates in labs and boardrooms worldwide. Based in Milan, this ISO 9001 and GMP-certified manufacturer specializes in high-purity botanical extracts for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. Founded in 1992, they've built a reputation for precision—their silymarin extracts are tested via HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) to ensure exact flavonoid profiles, meeting the strictest EU Pharmacopoeia standards.

PharmaExtract's flagship product is their "SilyMax 95"—a silymarin extract standardized to 95% flavonolignans, making it a favorite for clinical trials and prescription medications. But they don't stop there: they also offer "SilyOrganic," an organic-certified variant (USDA and EU Organic) for natural supplement lines, and "SilyCosmo," a micronized silymarin powder designed for skincare formulations, where absorption and stability are key.

Key Strengths:

  • Pharmaceutical focus: GMP-compliant production facility with cleanrooms for sterile processing.
  • Global reach: Exports to 40+ countries, with dedicated logistics teams for temperature-controlled shipping.
  • Research partnerships: Collaborates with the University of Milan to develop novel silymarin-based ingredients for anti-aging cosmetics.

For businesses that can't compromise on purity—whether for drug manufacturing or premium supplements—PharmaExtract Italia delivers consistency you can trust.

3. AlpineHerb Industries (Piedmont)

High in the Italian Alps, where the air is crisp and the soil is mineral-rich, AlpineHerb Industries has carved a niche for itself as a supplier of "alpine-grown" silymarin. Founded in 2001 by a team of botanists and agronomists, the company focuses on sustainable farming practices and traditional extraction methods, believing that the environment directly impacts extract quality.

AlpineHerb's milk thistle is grown at elevations of 800–1,200 meters, where slower growth cycles lead to higher flavonoid concentrations. They use a water-based extraction process (no harsh solvents) and sun-dry the seeds before processing, a method that preserves not just silymarin, but also the plant's natural co-factors—compounds that some studies suggest enhance bioavailability. The result is a full-spectrum milk thistle extract that's popular with herbal supplement brands and holistic health companies.

Standout Features:

  • Full-spectrum extracts: Unlike standardized silymarin, their "AlpineSily" line includes all naturally occurring flavonoids, polyphenols, and fatty acids from milk thistle seeds.
  • Small-batch production: Ideal for specialty brands; minimum orders start at just 1kg for custom blends.
  • Eco-certifications: Carbon-neutral operations and a "zero-waste" policy—seed husks are repurposed as animal feed, and extraction water is filtered and reused for irrigation.

If your brand values sustainability, tradition, and full-spectrum benefits, AlpineHerb Industries offers a silymarin extract with a story as compelling as its quality.

4. MedHerb Trading (Bologna)

Not all silymarin suppliers are manufacturers—and that's where MedHerb Trading comes in. Based in Bologna, this wholesale trader has been connecting global buyers with Italian and European silymarin producers since 2005. Think of them as a "matchmaker" for the herbal extract industry: they work with a network of 12+ certified manufacturers (including some on this list) to source the right silymarin for your needs, whether you want organic, pharmaceutical-grade, or bulk raw powder.

What makes MedHerb valuable is their expertise in navigating international trade. They handle everything from quality control (third-party lab testing via SGS or Eurofins) to logistics (customs clearance, documentation, and shipping), making them a go-to for businesses new to importing from Italy. They also specialize in bulk orders—their typical clients are large-scale supplement manufacturers, food and beverage companies, and pharmaceutical distributors needing 1-tonne+ quantities.

Why Work With a Trader?

  • Access to multiple producers: Compare prices, certifications, and product specs from different manufacturers without managing multiple relationships.
  • Quality assurance: Every batch is tested for purity, heavy metals, and pesticides before shipment, with COA (Certificate of Analysis) provided.
  • Flexible payment terms: Offers L/C (Letter of Credit) and T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) options to accommodate global buyers.

For businesses that need bulk silymarin and want the convenience of a single point of contact, MedHerb Trading simplifies the process.

5. BioNatura Extracts (Sicily)

Sicily's warm climate and fertile soil make it a paradise for growing milk thistle, and BioNatura Extracts has capitalized on that. Founded in 1998, this Sicilian manufacturer focuses on organic and conventional silymarin extracts, with a particular emphasis on exports to North America and Australia. Their 30,000-square-meter facility in Catania includes a state-of-the-art extraction lab, drying rooms, and a warehouse for bulk storage, allowing them to handle high-volume orders with ease.

BioNatura's claim to fame is their "EcoSily" line—organic-certified silymarin extracts that meet both EU and USDA Organic standards. Grown without synthetic fertilizers, the milk thistle is harvested by hand (to avoid damaging seeds) and extracted using ethanol (a natural solvent) to ensure purity. They also offer a unique "oil-soluble" silymarin variant, which is popular with cosmetic brands formulating serums and creams, as it integrates better with oil-based ingredients than traditional water-soluble extracts.

Product Highlights:

  • Organic focus: 90% of their silymarin is organic-certified, with full traceability from farm to final product.
  • Oil-soluble option: Ideal for skincare and haircare products (think anti-aging serums or scalp treatments).
  • Fast turnaround: Can fulfill bulk orders (500kg+) within 10 business days, thanks to their large in-house inventory.

With a focus on organic quality and customer speed, BioNatura Extracts is a strong choice for brands prioritizing sustainability and efficiency.

6. GreenPharma Labs (Turin)

GreenPharma Labs, based in Turin, is a relative newcomer to the silymarin scene (founded in 2010), but they've quickly made a name for themselves with innovative extraction technologies. Their team of chemical engineers and biologists has developed a proprietary "supercritical CO2 extraction" method, which uses carbon dioxide under high pressure to extract silymarin without heat or solvents. The result is an extract with higher purity (up to 98% silymarin) and better stability than traditional methods, making it a hit with pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

While supercritical CO2 extraction is more expensive than solvent-based methods, GreenPharma positions itself as a premium supplier for clients who need the highest possible quality. Their silymarin is used in clinical trials, prescription medications, and high-end supplements, and they offer custom R&D services for businesses looking to develop novel silymarin-based products (e.g., time-release capsules or transdermal patches).

Innovation at Its Core:

  • Supercritical CO2 extraction: No residual solvents, higher purity, and better preservation of bioactive compounds.
  • Research partnerships: Works with the University of Turin to study silymarin's potential in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
  • Small-batch precision: Can produce custom silymarin concentrations (e.g., 70%, 90%, 98%) for specialized applications.

For businesses at the cutting edge of silymarin research or product development, GreenPharma Labs offers the innovation and precision needed to stay ahead.

7. HerbVital Srl (Veneto)

Veneto's lush plains and long history of herbal medicine make it a natural home for HerbVital Srl, a manufacturer and wholesaler specializing in traditional and organic botanical extracts. Founded in 1990, HerbVital started as a small-scale grower of medicinal herbs but expanded into extraction in 2003, focusing on silymarin, echinacea, and chamomile. Today, they supply to over 50 countries, with a strong presence in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

HerbVital's silymarin line includes both conventional and organic options, with a focus on affordability without sacrificing quality. Their "StandardSily" extract (60% silymarin) is a popular choice for budget-friendly supplements, while their "PremiumSily" (80% silymarin) caters to mid-range brands. They also offer milk thistle seed powder (unextracted) for companies that prefer to do their own processing, making them a versatile partner for businesses of all sizes.

Affordable Quality:

  • Competitive pricing: Lower MOQs (starting at 25kg) and bulk discounts make them accessible for small to medium businesses.
  • Seed powder option: Raw milk thistle seed powder for in-house extraction or as an ingredient in herbal teas and blends.
  • Multilingual support: Customer service in Italian, English, Arabic, and Mandarin, easing communication for global clients.

If you're looking for reliable silymarin at a reasonable price, HerbVital Srl balances quality and cost effectively.

8. ItalExtracts Group (Rome)

As one of Italy's largest botanical extract conglomerates, ItalExtracts Group has a footprint that spans the country—and the globe. With manufacturing facilities in Rome, Milan, and Naples, and trading offices in London and Shanghai, they're a one-stop shop for not just silymarin, but a full range of herbal extracts (think ginseng, green tea, and turmeric). Their silymarin production is centered in their Rome facility, which is GMP-certified and equipped with automated extraction lines to handle large-scale orders.

What sets ItalExtracts apart is their global logistics network. They can ship bulk silymarin (in drums, bags, or custom packaging) to almost any destination within 3–5 days, and they offer private labeling services for clients who want ready-to-sell supplement powders or capsules. Their client list includes major food and beverage companies (using silymarin in functional drinks), cosmetic brands (anti-aging skincare), and even pet supplement manufacturers (liver support for dogs and cats).

Scale and Versatility:

  • Global reach: Shipping to 60+ countries with dedicated logistics teams for perishable or high-value orders.
  • Private labeling: Custom packaging, branding, and formulation for supplement brands.
  • Diverse product line: Can bundle silymarin with other extracts (e.g., artichoke, dandelion) for liver support blends.

For businesses needing more than just silymarin—whether it's a full product line or global distribution—ItalExtracts Group delivers scale and convenience.

9. PureHerb Organics (Umbria)

Umbria, known for its organic farms and slow-food movement, is home to PureHerb Organics—a small but mighty manufacturer focused exclusively on organic botanical extracts. Founded in 2012 by a former pharmaceutical researcher, the company prides itself on "slow extraction" methods that prioritize quality over speed. Their silymarin is made in small batches (no more than 50kg per run) using cold-pressed milk thistle seeds and water-based extraction, resulting in a dark, nutrient-dense extract that retains more of the plant's natural compounds.

PureHerb's target market is niche: boutique supplement brands, holistic health clinics, and high-end spas that want to emphasize organic, artisanal ingredients. Their silymarin is certified organic by the EU, USDA, and JAS (Japanese Organic Standard), making it popular with eco-conscious buyers in Japan and North America. They also offer "whole-plant" milk thistle extract, which includes the leaves and stems (not just seeds) for a broader spectrum of phytonutrients.

Artisanal Appeal:

  • Small-batch, slow extraction: Ensures maximum nutrient retention and unique flavor/profile for specialty products.
  • Whole-plant extracts: For brands emphasizing "full-spectrum" or "traditional" herbal benefits.
  • Eco-packaging: Ships in recyclable or compostable materials, aligning with sustainable brand values.

While PureHerb Organics may not be the best fit for large-scale bulk orders, they're a gem for brands that want to tell a story of craftsmanship and organic integrity.

10. Silymarin Italia (Florence)

Rounding out our list is Silymarin Italia, a Florence-based manufacturer that lives and breathes—you guessed it—silymarin. Founded in 1999, they're one of the few Italian companies dedicated solely to milk thistle extraction, and their specialization shows. From raw seed processing to finished extract, every step is optimized for silymarin quality, and their lab team conducts over 20 quality checks per batch (for purity, potency, and contaminants).

Silymarin Italia's product line is focused but robust: they offer standardized extracts (60%, 80%, 95% silymarin), organic extracts, and micronized powders (for better absorption in supplements). They also produce silymarin-loaded nanoparticles for pharmaceutical clients developing targeted drug delivery systems. Their facility is ISO 13485-certified (medical device standard), making them a trusted supplier for companies in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Specialization Pays Off:

  • Silymarin-only focus: Deep expertise in optimizing extraction, storage, and formulation for maximum efficacy.
  • Nanoparticle technology: Advanced delivery systems for pharmaceutical and high-end supplement applications.
  • Stringent quality control: 20+ lab tests per batch, including microbiology, heavy metals, and solvent residues.

For businesses that need a supplier who eats, sleeps, and breathes silymarin, Silymarin Italia is the gold standard.

Top Silymarin Suppliers in Italy: At a Glance

Supplier Location Key Products Certifications Minimum Order Specialty
VerdeFiori Botanicals Tuscany Organic silymarin (60-80%) EU Organic, ISO 9001 5kg Vertical integration, sustainability
PharmaExtract Italia Milan Pharmaceutical-grade (95% silymarin) GMP, ISO 9001 25kg High-purity, clinical research
AlpineHerb Industries Piedmont Full-spectrum alpine extracts EcoCert, Carbon-neutral 1kg Traditional extraction, small-batch
MedHerb Trading Bologna Bulk silymarin (various grades) Third-party tested (SGS) 1000kg Wholesale, global logistics
BioNatura Extracts Sicily Organic, oil-soluble silymarin USDA/EU Organic 50kg Organic focus, fast turnaround

Choosing the right silymarin supplier in Italy depends on your unique needs: Are you prioritizing organic certification? Pharmaceutical-grade purity? Bulk pricing? Or a story of tradition and sustainability? Whatever your goals, Italy's supplier landscape offers something for every business. From family-run farms in Tuscany to cutting-edge labs in Milan, these 10 companies represent the best of Italian expertise, quality, and innovation in silymarin production.

Remember, quality should always be your top priority—after all, the efficacy of your final product depends on the raw materials you use. Look for suppliers with transparent sourcing, rigorous testing, and certifications that align with your industry (whether that's GMP for pharmaceuticals, organic for natural products, or ISO for general quality). With the right partner, you can feel confident that your silymarin-based products will stand out in a crowded market—and deliver the benefits your customers trust.

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