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

Founded in 2003, Netherlands Botanical Extracts BV (NBE) is a household name in the Dutch botanical extracts scene, and for good reason. As a manufacturer with its own state-of-the-art extraction facility in Rotterdam, they control every step of the process—from sourcing organic milk thistle seeds (mostly from Southern Europe) to producing silymarin with purity levels ranging from 80% to 95%. What sets them apart? Their commitment to sustainability. NBE uses a CO2 extraction method that reduces solvent use by 70% compared to traditional methods, making their silymarin a favorite among eco-conscious brands.

They specialize in both standard and micronized silymarin, the latter being ideal for supplements where faster absorption is key. Their client list includes major pharmaceutical companies in Germany and France, as well as small-batch supplement brands across Europe. If you're after bulk quantities (they offer 25kg to 1000kg drums), NBE's wholesale program is worth exploring—they often provide discounts for repeat orders. Certifications? They hold GMP, ISO 9001, and EU Organic certifications, so you can trust the quality is consistent.

When it comes to bulk supply, Rotterdam Bulk Extracts (RBE) is hard to beat. Established in 2010, this wholesaler has built a reputation for reliable, cost-effective silymarin and milk thistle extract solutions. Unlike manufacturers, RBE sources its silymarin from vetted producers in Hungary, Poland, and China, then repackages and distributes it across Europe. This model allows them to offer competitive pricing—great news if you're working with a tight budget.

Their product range includes standard silymarin powder (60-80% purity), micronized silymarin for better bioavailability, and even liquid milk thistle extracts for cosmetic formulations. They also stock bulk botanical extracts beyond silymarin, making them a one-stop shop for brands needing multiple ingredients. RBE prides itself on fast turnaround times—most orders ship within 48 hours from their Rotterdam warehouse—and flexible packaging options, from 1kg bags to 500kg bulk containers. Certifications include ISO 22000 (food safety) and Kosher/Halal, which is a plus for clients in the food supplement and cosmetics sectors.

For pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, Amsterdam Pharma Ingredients (API) is a top choice. This trader and exporter focuses exclusively on high-purity ingredients for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, with silymarin being one of their flagship products. Founded in 2008, API has forged partnerships with GMP-certified manufacturers in Italy and Slovenia, ensuring their silymarin meets the strictest EMA and FDA standards.

What makes API stand out? Their custom formulation services. Need silymarin blended with other liver-supporting ingredients like artichoke extract? They can do that. Or perhaps you require a specific particle size for your tablet press? Their technical team works closely with clients to tailor products to exact specifications. They also offer small-batch testing samples (as little as 100g), which is helpful if you're in the R&D phase. API's client base spans Europe, the Middle East, and even parts of Asia, thanks to their efficient export logistics from Amsterdam's port.

If "organic" is your priority, Utrecht Natural Extracts (UNE) should be on your radar. This manufacturer, founded in 2012, specializes in organic-certified silymarin and milk thistle extracts, sourced from organic milk thistle farms in Austria and the Czech Republic. Their extraction process uses only food-grade ethanol and purified water, ensuring no synthetic residues end up in the final product.

UNE's product line includes organic silymarin powder (70-80% purity), cold-pressed milk thistle seed oil (rich in omega-6 fatty acids), and even water-soluble silymarin for use in beverages or clear liquid supplements. They're also big on transparency—each batch comes with a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) and traceability report, so you can see exactly where your silymarin came from. Certifications include EU Organic, USDA Organic, and ISO 14001 (environmental management), making them a hit with natural product brands and eco-labels. While their prices are slightly higher than non-organic options, the quality and sustainability credentials often justify the cost.

Delft Botanical Traders (DBT) is all about global connections. As a trader, they don't produce silymarin themselves but instead curate a network of trusted manufacturers from around the world—think India, China, and Argentina—and bring their products to the Dutch and European markets. This approach means they can offer a wide range of silymarin grades, from industrial-grade (50-60% purity) for animal feed to pharmaceutical-grade (90%+) for human use.

DBT is particularly popular among small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) because they have no minimum order requirement—you can order as little as 500g, which is rare in the bulk extracts world. They also provide detailed market insights, helping clients navigate regulatory hurdles in the EU and beyond. While their focus is on silymarin, they also deal in bulk botanical extracts like green tea extract and turmeric, making them a convenient partner for brands with diverse ingredient needs. Certifications include ISO 9001 and FSSAI (Indian food safety), and they're known for their responsive customer service—no automated menus here, just direct access to a dedicated account manager.

Leiden Extract Solutions (LES) wears two hats: manufacturer and wholesaler. Founded in 2015, they operate a small but efficient extraction facility in Leiden, producing standardized silymarin (70-85% purity) from locally sourced milk thistle seeds. For larger orders, they supplement their in-house production with bulk imports from trusted partners in Eastern Europe, striking a balance between quality control and scalability.

One of LES's unique offerings is water-soluble silymarin, a modified form of the extract that dissolves easily in water-based products like drinks and serums—traditional silymarin is oil-soluble, so this is a game-changer for formulators. They also offer "slow-release" silymarin granules, designed to improve absorption in supplements. Their client base is split between the Netherlands and neighboring countries like Belgium and Luxembourg, and they're known for their technical support—their lab team is happy to assist with formulation advice or stability testing. Certifications include GMP and ISO 22000, and they're currently working on obtaining EU Organic certification to expand their organic product line.

Haarlem Bulk Ingredients (HBI) is a wholesaler with a twist: they specialize in pre-formulated bulk supplements, including silymarin capsules and tablets. If you're a brand that wants to skip the manufacturing step, HBI can supply you with empty capsules filled with silymarin (or silymarin blends) in bulk, ready for your packaging. It's a huge time-saver, especially for small brands without their own production facilities.

Of course, they also stock plain silymarin powder (60-80% purity) and milk thistle extract powder for clients who prefer to formulate in-house. HBI sources its silymarin from Poland and Hungary, focusing on mid-range purity levels that balance quality and cost. They offer competitive pricing on large orders (500kg+) and have a user-friendly online ordering system—no need for back-and-forth emails. Certifications include GMP (for their capsule production) and Kosher, making them a solid choice for the supplement industry. Their Haarlem warehouse is open for pickups, which is convenient if you're based in the Netherlands and need urgent supplies.

Eindhoven Pharma Traders (EPT) is another player in the pharmaceutical-grade silymarin space, but with a focus on international trade. Founded in 2012, this trader works with a ｓｅｌｅｃｔ group of manufacturers in Germany and Switzerland, known for their precision and strict quality control. As a result, EPT's silymarin is often used in prescription medications and high-end nutraceuticals where purity (90%+ silymarin content) is non-negotiable.

What's unique about EPT is their emphasis on regulatory compliance. They provide full documentation packages with every order, including batch certificates, stability data, and import permits—critical for clients selling in highly regulated markets like the EU or the US. They also offer temperature-controlled shipping for sensitive products, ensuring silymarin potency is maintained during transit. While their minimum order quantities are higher (starting at 5kg), the peace of mind that comes with their rigorous quality checks is worth it for pharmaceutical clients. EPT also trades in other botanical extracts for pharmaceuticals, like ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort, making them a reliable partner for multi-ingredient projects.

Groningen Natural Extracts (GNE) is a manufacturer with a focus on clean, low-solvent extraction. Founded in 2010 by a team of botanists, GNE uses a proprietary cold-press extraction method that reduces the need for chemical solvents, resulting in silymarin that's as close to "natural" as possible. This method also preserves more of milk thistle's secondary compounds, which some studies suggest may enhance silymarin's overall efficacy.

Their product line includes organic silymarin (certified by EU Organic and USDA Organic), as well as a unique "whole seed extract" that includes not just silymarin but also the seed's fatty acids and antioxidants. This whole-plant approach is popular with holistic supplement brands. GNE is also committed to circular economy principles—their extraction byproducts are repurposed as animal feed, reducing waste. While their production capacity is smaller than some larger manufacturers, they excel in small-batch, high-quality runs, making them ideal for boutique brands or R&D projects. Certifications include GMP, ISO 13485 (medical devices), and EU Organic, and they offer free sample testing for new clients.

Rounding out our list is Maastricht Botanical Supplies (MBS), a wholesaler and trader that caters to the industrial and cosmetic sectors. Established in 2014, MBS focuses on cost-effective bulk botanical extracts, including silymarin, for large-scale applications. Their silymarin is sourced from China and India, where production costs are lower, allowing them to offer some of the most competitive prices in the Netherlands.

While their silymarin purity ranges from 50-70% (lower than pharmaceutical-grade), it's perfect for uses like animal supplements, industrial coatings, or budget-friendly cosmetic products (think: herbal shampoos or skin creams). MBS also stocks a wide range of other bulk botanical extracts, from aloe vera to echinacea, making them a go-to for brands needing large quantities of multiple ingredients. They offer flexible payment terms for repeat clients and have a dedicated logistics team to handle cross-border shipments, even to hard-to-reach areas in Eastern Europe. Certifications include ISO 9001 and HACCP, ensuring basic quality standards are met, and they provide COAs for all products upon request.