In recent years, Rwanda has emerged as a notable player in the global botanical extracts market, with a growing focus on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. Among these, silymarin—a powerful antioxidant derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum)—has gained significant traction. Used widely in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and even cosmetics, silymarin is prized for its liver-supporting properties and overall health benefits. As demand for natural and organic ingredients rises, Rwanda's silymarin suppliers have stepped up, blending local agricultural expertise with international quality standards. Whether you're a pharmaceutical manufacturer, a supplement brand, or a wholesaler looking for bulk botanical extracts, this guide highlights the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, and traders in Rwanda, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
| Company Name | Established Year | Main Products | Certifications | Minimum Order | Delivery Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rwanda Botanical Extracts Ltd | 2010 | Silymarin (95% purity), Milk Thistle Extract | GMP, ISO 9001, Organic Certified | 500kg | East Africa, Europe, Middle East |
| Green Harvest Silymarin Co. | 2015 | Bulk Silymarin Powder, Milk Thistle Extract (Standardized) | ISO 22000, Kosher | 200kg | Local (Rwanda), DRC, Uganda |
| African Pure Extracts Trading | 2008 | Pharmaceutical-Grade Silymarin, Botanical Extracts Blend | WHO-GMP, Halal | 1000kg | Global (via Kigali Logistics Hub) |
| Nature's Best Rwanda | 2012 | Organic Silymarin, Milk Thistle Seed Extract | USDA Organic, EU Organic | 300kg | Europe, North America, Southern Africa |
| Highland Extracts Manufacturing | 2018 | Bulk Silymarin (80-98% purity), Milk Thistle Oil | ISO 14001, GMP | 100kg | East Africa, Central Africa |
| Rwandan Herbs & Extracts | 2005 | Silymarin Extract, Milk Thistle Capsules (OEM) | ISO 9001, HACCP | 500kg | Local, East Africa, India |
| Eco-Botanical Solutions | 2016 | Sustainably Sourced Silymarin, Milk Thistle Powder | Fair Trade, Organic Certified | 150kg | Europe, Australia, East Africa |
| Prime Extracts Rwanda | 2013 | Pharmaceutical-Grade Silymarin, Bulk Botanical Extracts | FDA Registered, GMP | 1000kg | Global (via Air & Sea Freight) |
| Agro Extracts Rwanda | 2007 | Silymarin (Standardized), Milk Thistle Extract for Supplements | ISO 9001, Organic (EU) | 300kg | East Africa, Middle East, Asia |
| Vista Silymarin Traders | 2019 | Wholesale Silymarin, Milk Thistle Extract (Bulk) | ISO 22000 | 50kg | Local, Rwanda & Neighboring Countries |
1. Rwanda Botanical Extracts Ltd
Founded in 2010, Rwanda Botanical Extracts Ltd (RBE) is one of the oldest and most trusted silymarin manufacturers in the country. What sets RBE apart is its vertically integrated model: the company owns 500 acres of milk thistle farms in the Eastern Province, ensuring full control over sourcing and quality. Their state-of-the-art extraction facility in Kigali uses cold-press technology to preserve silymarin's potency, producing a minimum 95% pure extract—among the highest in the region. RBE caters primarily to bulk buyers, with a minimum order of 500kg, and has built a reputation for consistency, backed by GMP and ISO 9001 certifications. They also hold organic certification, making their silymarin popular with European and Middle Eastern clients seeking natural ingredients. "We grow what we extract," says CEO Jean Ntaganda. "That way, we can trace every batch from seed to powder."
2. Green Harvest Silymarin Co.
Established in 2015, Green Harvest has quickly become a go-to for small to medium-sized businesses in East Africa. Specializing in standardized milk thistle extract and bulk silymarin powder, the company prides itself on flexibility—offering lower minimum orders (200kg) and customizable purity levels (from 80% to 95%). Based in Huye, Green Harvest sources milk thistle from local farmers in the Southern Province, supporting over 200 rural households. Their facility is ISO 22000 certified, and they recently added Kosher certification to tap into niche markets. "We focus on building long-term relationships," explains operations manager Marie Uwamahoro. "Many of our clients are startups, so we offer competitive pricing on bulk orders and even sample sizes for testing." Delivery is fast within East Africa, with most orders reaching Uganda or the DRC within 3–5 business days.
3. African Pure Extracts Trading
A heavyweight in the pharmaceutical-grade silymarin space, African Pure Extracts has been exporting globally since 2008. With a sprawling manufacturing plant in Gasabo District, the company produces silymarin with purity levels up to 98%, meeting stringent WHO-GMP standards. Their client list includes major pharmaceutical firms in India, Germany, and the UAE, drawn to their large-scale production capacity (10,000kg monthly) and reliable supply chains. African Pure Extracts also offers custom blends, combining silymarin with other botanical extracts like turmeric or ginger for supplement brands. "Pharmaceutical clients can't compromise on quality," notes export director Paul Kagame. "Our in-house lab tests every batch for heavy metals, pesticides, and potency—results are shared with clients before shipment." Minimum orders start at 1000kg, but the company offers discounts for annual contracts.
4. Nature's Best Rwanda
For brands prioritizing organic and sustainable sourcing, Nature's Best Rwanda is a standout choice. Established in 2012, the company holds both USDA and EU organic certifications, a rarity in the region. Their silymarin is derived from milk thistle grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on partner farms in Musanze, where farmers follow biodynamic practices. The extraction process uses water-based methods instead of harsh solvents, aligning with eco-friendly values. Nature's Best specializes in organic silymarin powder and milk thistle seed extract, with a focus on the European and North American markets. "Consumers today want to know their ingredients are kind to the planet," says founder Charlotte Mukankusi. "We're proud to say our silymarin has a carbon footprint 30% lower than industry averages." Minimum orders are 300kg, and they offer carbon-neutral shipping options for international clients.
5. Highland Extracts Manufacturing
Highland Extracts, founded in 2018, is a nimble player targeting the mid-tier market. With a modern facility in Nyagatare, they produce silymarin in a range of purities (80% to 98%) and also offer milk thistle oil, a byproduct of the extraction process used in cosmetics. What makes Highland unique is its focus on affordability without sacrificing quality—their prices are 15–20% lower than larger manufacturers, thanks to lean operations. They cater mainly to East and Central African buyers, including supplement brands and herbal medicine shops, with a low minimum order of 100kg. "We understand that small businesses need access to quality ingredients too," says sales manager David Nzabonimpa. "Our ISO 14001 certification ensures we're environmentally responsible, while GMP keeps our products safe." Delivery within Rwanda is free for orders over 500kg, and cross-border shipping to Burundi or Tanzania takes 2–3 days.
6. Rwandan Herbs & Extracts
A veteran in the industry, Rwandan Herbs & Extracts has been trading botanical extracts since 2005. While silymarin is their flagship product, the company also offers OEM services, producing private-label milk thistle capsules for local and regional clients. Their factory in Nyarugenge is HACCP certified, ensuring food safety, and they recently expanded into liquid silymarin extracts for beverage manufacturers. "We're more than just a supplier—we're a partner," says owner Emmanuel Gatera. "Many of our clients start with bulk powder and later switch to our capsule-making services to save on production costs." With a minimum order of 500kg for powder and 10,000 capsules for OEM orders, Rwandan Herbs & Extracts serves a mix of local pharmacies and Indian supplement brands, leveraging Rwanda's trade agreements with South Asia for cost-effective shipping.
7. Eco-Botanical Solutions
Eco-Botanical Solutions takes sustainability to the next level, earning Fair Trade certification for its ethical sourcing practices. Founded in 2016, the company works directly with 300 smallholder farmers in Kayonza, providing training in organic farming and fair prices for their milk thistle crops. Their silymarin is extracted using renewable energy (solar-powered machinery), and waste products are repurposed as animal feed. This commitment to social and environmental responsibility has made them a favorite with European natural product brands and Australian health stores. "Fair Trade isn't just a label for us—it's how we do business," explains sustainability director Aisha Umutoni. "Farmers earn 20% above market rates, and we reinvest profits into community projects like schools and clean water wells." Minimum orders are 150kg, and they offer free samples to new clients interested in their sustainably sourced silymarin.
8. Prime Extracts Rwanda
Prime Extracts is a one-stop shop for bulk botanical extracts, with silymarin as a core offering. Established in 2013, the company holds FDA registration, allowing them to export to the United States—a significant advantage for clients in the American supplement market. Their product line includes both standard silymarin (95% purity) and specialized grades, such as micronized silymarin for better absorption in supplements. Prime Extracts also offers fast turnaround times, with most bulk orders produced within 7–10 days. "The U.S. market is tough, but our FDA registration gives clients peace of mind," says export manager James Omondi. "We also provide full documentation, including COA and MSDS, to streamline customs clearance." Minimum orders start at 1000kg, and they partner with major logistics firms like DHL and Maersk for global delivery.
9. Agro Extracts Rwanda
Agro Extracts has built a reputation for consistency since 2007, focusing on standardized milk thistle extract for the nutraceutical industry. Their silymarin is tested to contain exactly 80% active ingredients, a specification popular with supplement brands formulating for specific dosages. Based in Muhanga, the company sources milk thistle from the fertile lands of the Western Province, known for high-quality crops. Agro Extracts is EU Organic certified, making their products eligible for the European market's strict organic labels. "Standardization is key for supplement brands," says quality control head Sarah Nyiraneza. "Our clients don't want variability—they need each batch to perform the same, and we deliver that." Minimum orders are 300kg, with discounts available for quarterly bulk purchases. They also offer private labeling for clients looking to market their own silymarin-based supplements.
10. Vista Silymarin Traders
A newer entrant but quickly gaining ground, Vista Silymarin Traders focuses on making bulk silymarin accessible to small businesses and local buyers. Founded in 2019, the company operates as a wholesaler, partnering with larger manufacturers to offer smaller minimum orders (starting at 50kg) at competitive prices. Their product range includes both raw silymarin powder and pre-packaged milk thistle extract in 1kg or 5kg bags, ideal for local pharmacies or startups. "We saw a gap for smaller orders," says founder Dennis Mugisha. "Not everyone needs 500kg—some clients just want to test the market or stock a small supplement line." Vista Silymarin Traders has a warehouse in Kigali, allowing for same-day pickup for local buyers, and offers free delivery within the city limits. For neighboring countries, they partner with local transporters to keep costs low, with delivery to Goma (DRC) or Kampala (Uganda) starting at $20 per 50kg.
Rwanda's silymarin market is as diverse as it is dynamic, with suppliers catering to every need—from small-scale local buyers to multinational pharmaceutical firms. Whether you prioritize organic sourcing, bulk pricing, or global export capabilities, the country's top 10 silymarin suppliers offer a blend of quality, reliability, and innovation. As the demand for natural ingredients continues to grow, Rwanda's role as a key player in the botanical extracts industry is set to strengthen, making now an ideal time to connect with these trusted partners.
