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

Founded: 1985

Location: Osaka

Specialization: Pharmaceutical-grade botanical extracts, nutraceutical ingredients

Nippon Natural Extracts Co., Ltd. has been a cornerstone of Japan's botanical extract industry for nearly four decades. What sets them apart? Their unwavering focus on research and innovation. The company operates a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Osaka, where a team of pharmacologists and biochemists work tirelessly to optimize silymarin extraction processes. Their silymarin offerings include standardized extracts with silybin concentrations ranging from 70% to 95%, making them a go-to for pharmaceutical companies that require precise dosing.

Certifications are a big part of their appeal. Nippon Natural Extracts holds GMP, ISO 9001, and ISO 22000 certifications, ensuring that every batch of silymarin meets strict quality and safety standards. They also source milk thistle from organic farms in Hokkaido and Honshu, prioritizing sustainability and traceability. Clients rave about their consistent product quality and responsive customer service, with many long-term partnerships spanning over 15 years. Whether you need bulk silymarin powder for supplements or custom formulations for cosmetics, Nippon Natural Extracts has the expertise to deliver.

Founded: 1992

Location: Tokyo

Specialization: High-purity silymarin, cosmetic-grade extracts, wholesale distribution

Tokyo Botanicals Inc. has built its name on one core principle: quality over quantity. Since 1992, this Tokyo-based company has focused on producing some of the purest silymarin in the market, with a minimum silybin content of 80%—a benchmark that has earned them the title of best silymarin brand among many cosmetic and supplement manufacturers. Their secret? A proprietary supercritical CO2 extraction method that preserves the integrity of the flavonolignans while eliminating solvents and impurities.

While they cater to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical clients, Tokyo Botanicals has carved a niche in the cosmetics industry. Their cosmetic-grade silymarin is ultra-fine, making it easy to incorporate into serums, creams, and masks. They also offer custom blends, such as silymarin combined with other antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract, to meet specific formulation needs. Sustainability is another priority: the company uses 100% renewable energy in its extraction facilities and partners with farmers who practice regenerative agriculture. With a global distribution network, they can ship bulk orders to Europe, North America, and Asia within 5–7 business days, making them a favorite for time-sensitive projects.

Founded: 1978

Location: Osaka

Specialization: Bulk silymarin, traditional herbal extracts, OEM/ODM services

Osaka Phytochemical Co., Ltd. is a legacy player in Japan's botanical extract scene, with roots dating back to 1978. What started as a small family business has grown into a global wholesaler, supplying silymarin and other herbal extracts to over 50 countries. Their silymarin portfolio is diverse, ranging from standard 70% silybin powder for budget-friendly supplements to high-end 95% silybin extracts for pharmaceutical use. They also offer liquid silymarin extracts, which are popular in functional beverages and liquid supplements.

One of Osaka Phytochemical's biggest strengths is its vertically integrated supply chain. They own and operate milk thistle farms in Hokkaido, ensuring full control over the cultivation process—from seed selection to harvest. This vertical integration not only guarantees consistency but also allows them to offer competitive pricing, making them a top choice for wholesalers and large-scale manufacturers. The company is certified by GMP, Kosher, and Halal, reflecting its commitment to serving diverse markets. They also provide comprehensive OEM/ODM services, helping clients develop custom silymarin-based products from concept to production. With a reputation for reliability and flexibility, Osaka Phytochemical has become a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.

Founded: 2001

Location: Kyoto

Specialization: Organic-certified silymarin, sustainable extraction, premium nutraceutical ingredients

Kyoto BioExtracts is a relative newcomer compared to some of the other names on this list, but it has quickly made a name for itself by focusing on organic and sustainable silymarin. Founded in 2001 by a team of environmental scientists, the company set out to prove that high-quality botanical extracts and environmental responsibility could go hand in hand. Today, their organic silymarin is certified by JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) and the EU Organic label, making it a favorite among brands targeting eco-conscious consumers.

Their extraction process is a testament to their commitment to sustainability. Kyoto BioExtracts uses cold-press extraction combined with water-based solvents, minimizing energy use and reducing waste. The result is a silymarin extract that's not only pure (with silybin concentrations up to 90%) but also retains more of the plant's natural cofactors, which some studies suggest enhance bioavailability. Beyond silymarin, they offer a range of organic botanical extracts, but their silymarin remains their flagship product, thanks to its popularity in organic supplements and clean beauty products. Clients praise their transparency—they provide detailed sustainability reports and farm (traceability) information for every batch. If organic and sustainable sourcing is a priority for your brand, Kyoto BioExtracts is worth considering.

Founded: 1995

Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido

Specialization: Cold-climate botanical extracts, high-potency silymarin, research partnerships

Hokkaido is known for its pristine landscapes and harsh winters, which may seem like an unlikely place to grow milk thistle—but Hokkaido Natural Ingredients Ltd. has turned this into an advantage. The company sources milk thistle from local farms, where the cold climate slows growth, allowing the plant to accumulate higher levels of active compounds. This results in silymarin with naturally higher silybin concentrations, often exceeding 85% without extensive purification. For brands looking for potent, minimally processed silymarin, this is a game-changer.

Founded in 1995, Hokkaido Natural Ingredients has built a reputation for innovation. They collaborate with Hokkaido University's Department of Pharmacology to conduct ongoing research on silymarin's benefits, particularly its potential in supporting liver health in individuals with fatty liver disease. This research-driven approach has led to the development of specialized silymarin extracts tailored for specific applications, such as slow-release formulations for pharmaceuticals. The company is GMP and ISO 14001 certified, with a focus on reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy use and waste reduction. While they primarily serve the Japanese market, they've recently expanded to export, with a focus on North America and Europe. If you're looking for silymarin with a scientific edge and a story rooted in Hokkaido's unique terroir, this is the supplier for you.

Founded: 2005

Location: Tokyo

Specialization: Bulk wholesale silymarin, global distribution, competitive pricing

As the name suggests, Tokyo Wholesale Extracts Co. focuses on making high-quality silymarin accessible to businesses of all sizes through bulk wholesale pricing. Founded in 2005, the company has built a vast network of suppliers and manufacturers, allowing them to source silymarin from both Japanese and international producers (including trusted partners in Europe and China) and offer a wide range of options at competitive prices. Whether you need a small order of 1kg or a bulk shipment of 1000kg, they can accommodate.

What sets Tokyo Wholesale Extracts apart is its customer-centric approach. They offer flexible payment terms, fast shipping (with warehouses in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya for domestic orders), and dedicated account managers to help clients navigate their product options. Their silymarin lineup includes standard extracts (70–80% silybin), organic options, and micronized powders for better solubility in liquids. They also provide comprehensive documentation, including COAs (Certificates of Analysis), MSDS, and export documents, making international shipping hassle-free. While they may not have the R&D focus of some other suppliers, their reliability, affordability, and range of products make them a top choice for wholesalers and small to medium-sized brands.

Founded: 1989

Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa

Specialization: Cosmetic-grade silymarin, custom formulations, skin care ingredient solutions

While many silymarin suppliers focus on pharmaceuticals and supplements, Kanagawa Botanical Solutions has carved a niche in the cosmetic industry. Founded in 1989, this Yokohama-based company specializes in developing silymarin extracts tailored for skin care applications. Their flagship product is a water-soluble silymarin extract, which addresses a common challenge in cosmetics: traditional silymarin is oil-soluble, making it difficult to incorporate into water-based formulas like serums and toners. Kanagawa's water-soluble version solves this, opening up new possibilities for formulators.

In addition to solubility, Kanagawa Botanical Solutions prioritizes stability. Their silymarin extracts are formulated to resist oxidation, ensuring that the antioxidant benefits last longer in finished products. They also offer a range of silymarin blends, such as silymarin + hyaluronic acid for hydration or silymarin + niacinamide for brightening. The company works closely with cosmetic brands, providing technical support to help with formulation and testing. They're certified by ISO 22716 (cosmetic GMP) and Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), which is important for beauty brands targeting ethical consumers. While they do offer standard silymarin for supplements, their expertise in cosmetics is unmatched. If you're a cosmetic formulator looking to harness silymarin's anti-aging benefits, Kanagawa Botanical Solutions is a must-contact.

Founded: 2003

Location: Nagoya

Specialization: Functional food ingredients, silymarin for beverages and snacks, clean label solutions

The demand for functional foods and beverages is on the rise, and Nagoya NutraIngredients Co. is at the forefront of supplying silymarin for this market. Founded in 2003, the company recognized early on that consumers wanted more than just supplements—they wanted to incorporate health benefits into everyday foods. To meet this demand, they developed silymarin extracts in easy-to-use forms: microencapsulated powders for snacks, liquid concentrates for beverages, and even silymarin-infused maltodextrin for baking.

One of their most popular products is a silymarin extract with a neutral taste, which is crucial for beverages and snacks where flavor is key. Traditional silymarin can have a bitter, earthy taste, but Nagoya's proprietary de-bittering process eliminates this, making it suitable for everything from green teas to protein bars. The company also offers clean label silymarin, with minimal processing and no artificial additives, which aligns with the growing consumer preference for simple, recognizable ingredients. They're certified by GMP and FSSAI (Indian food safety), and they've partnered with major Japanese beverage companies to launch silymarin-infused drinks. If you're in the functional food or beverage space, Nagoya NutraIngredients has the expertise to help you create innovative, consumer-friendly products.

Founded: 1998

Location: Fukuoka

Specialization: International trading, silymarin sourcing, global logistics

Fukuoka Herbal Traders is a bit different from the other suppliers on this list—they're traders, not manufacturers. But don't let that fool you: their expertise in sourcing and logistics makes them a valuable partner for businesses looking to access silymarin from around the world, including top Japanese manufacturers. Founded in 1998, they've built a network of trusted suppliers in Japan, Europe, and China, allowing them to offer a wide range of silymarin products at competitive prices.

What sets Fukuoka Herbal Traders apart is their focus on customer convenience. They handle everything from sourcing and quality testing to shipping and customs clearance, making international procurement seamless. They also offer flexible ordering, with no minimum order quantities for small businesses and bulk discounts for larger orders. For clients who want to compare products, they provide samples from multiple suppliers, along with detailed analysis reports. While they don't produce their own silymarin, their rigorous vetting process ensures that all products meet Japanese quality standards. They're particularly popular among international buyers who want access to Japanese silymarin but don't have the resources to navigate the local market directly. If you're looking for a one-stop shop for silymarin sourcing, Fukuoka Herbal Traders is an excellent choice.

Founded: 2010

Location: Naha, Okinawa

Specialization: Innovative silymarin formulations, clinical research, premium supplements

Rounding out our list is Okinawa BioSciences Inc., a young but innovative company based in Okinawa. Founded in 2010, they've made a name for themselves by pushing the boundaries of silymarin research and formulation. Their team of scientists has developed a patented microemulsion silymarin delivery system, which enhances bioavailability by up to 300% compared to standard silymarin powders. This means that smaller doses can deliver the same benefits, making it ideal for supplements where size (e.g., capsule size) is a concern.

Okinawa BioSciences also invests heavily in clinical research. They've conducted human trials demonstrating the efficacy of their enhanced silymarin in supporting liver health, and they publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. This commitment to science has made them a trusted supplier for pharmaceutical companies and premium supplement brands. Their product lineup includes both raw silymarin extracts and finished supplement formulations, which they offer through OEM services. While their products are on the higher end of the price spectrum, the enhanced bioavailability and clinical backing justify the cost for brands prioritizing efficacy. If you're looking for cutting-edge silymarin with scientific validation, Okinawa BioSciences is worth the investment.