Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Burkina Faso

Founded in 2010, Burkina Herbal Extracts Ltd. is one of the few local manufacturers of milk thistle extract in Burkina Faso, and it's easy to see why they've built a strong reputation. Based in Ouagadougou, this family-owned business prides itself on "keeping it local." They source milk thistle seeds from small-scale farmers in the Central Plateau region, where the climate—warm days and well-drained soil—creates ideal growing conditions. What sets them apart? Their commitment to traditional extraction methods combined with modern quality checks.

Burkina Herbal Extracts specializes in high quality milk thistle extract with a silymarin content of 80%, which is the gold standard for most pharmaceutical and supplement applications. They offer both powdered and liquid forms, and their facility is GMP-certified, meaning every batch undergoes rigorous testing for purity and contaminants. For bulk buyers, they're a top choice: minimum orders start at 50kg, and they offer discounts for orders over 200kg. Local businesses often praise their quick turnaround times—most orders within Burkina Faso are delivered within 3–5 business days.

Whether you're making liver support capsules or formulating a natural detox tea, Burkina Herbal Extracts has a track record of consistency. As one customer, a supplement brand owner in Koudougou, put it: "Their extract dissolves easily, has a clean taste, and their team is always willing to share test reports. You don't get that level of transparency everywhere."

While Burkina Herbal Extracts manufactures locally, Sahel Nutraceutical Traders takes a different approach: they're wholesalers who partner with leading international milk thistle extract manufacturers to bring bulk ingredients to Burkina Faso. Established in 2015, this Ouagadougou-based company has built a network of suppliers across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on high-volume, cost-effective solutions for large buyers.

Sahel Nutraceutical Traders' sweet spot is bulk milk thistle extract—think 500kg+ orders. They specialize in pharmaceutical-grade extract with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 95%, making them a go-to for big pharmaceutical companies and large supplement brands in Burkina Faso and neighboring Mali. What's their edge? Price negotiation. By buying in massive quantities, they can pass savings on to their clients. Plus, they handle all the logistics, from customs clearance in Lomé (Togo) to delivery in Burkina Faso, taking the hassle out of international sourcing.

One thing to note: they don't offer small orders (minimum is 100kg), so they're best suited for businesses with consistent, large-scale needs. A representative from a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Ouagadougou told us, "We've been working with Sahel for three years. Their delivery is always on time, and their milk thistle extract meets EU pharmacopoeia standards—something that's hard to find locally at their price point."

Headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, with a distribution hub in Bobo-Dioulasso, West African Botanicals is a regional player making waves in Burkina Faso's botanical extract market. They're a manufacturer at heart, with a state-of-the-art extraction facility that uses cold-press technology to preserve the potency of silymarin in their milk thistle extract. This method, they claim, results in a more bioavailable product compared to traditional solvent-based extraction.

West African Botanicals caters to a diverse clientele: from small herbal shops in Fada N'Gourma to cosmetic brands in Ouagadougou looking to add milk thistle extract to anti-aging serums. Their product line includes organic and conventional options, with silymarin levels tailored to specific needs—60% for supplements, 80% for pharmaceuticals, and even 40% for cosmetic formulations. They're also certified by Ecocert, meaning their organic extract is sourced from non-GMO milk thistle plants grown without synthetic pesticides.

What customers love most? Their technical support. If you're new to formulating with milk thistle extract, their team of food scientists offers free consultations to help you choose the right concentration and form (powder vs. liquid). As a small-batch soap maker in Ouagadougou shared, "I was nervous about adding a new ingredient, but West African Botanicals walked me through every step. Now, my milk thistle-infused soap is one of my bestsellers!"

For businesses that need flexibility, Ouagadougou Natural Ingredients (ONI) is a local trader worth considering. Founded in 2018 by a group of herbalists and import-export specialists, ONI acts as a middleman, connecting Burkina Faso buyers with international milk thistle extract suppliers—particularly from India and China. They specialize in small to medium orders (10kg to 200kg), making them ideal for startups or businesses testing new products.

ONI doesn't manufacture its own extract, but they take quality seriously. Before partnering with a supplier, they conduct third-party lab tests to verify silymarin content, heavy metal levels, and microbial purity. They also offer a range of certifications, including ISO 9001 and GMP, depending on the source. Their prices are competitive, though slightly higher than Sahel Nutraceutical Traders (since they don't buy in bulk), but many customers say the convenience is worth it. "I only need 50kg of milk thistle extract every quarter," a supplement brand owner in Koudougou explained. "ONI gets it to me in two weeks, no headaches with customs. For small orders, they're unbeatable."

They also stock other botanical extracts, which is a bonus if you're looking to source multiple ingredients in one place. From ginseng extract to green tea powder, ONI aims to be a one-stop shop for natural ingredients in Burkina Faso.

Sustainability is the name of the game for Green Harvest Burkina, a social enterprise based in Kaya. Founded in 2012, they work directly with 200+ smallholder farmers in the Nord region to grow organic milk thistle, ensuring fair prices and environmentally friendly practices. Their mission? To "turn local crops into global-quality ingredients," and their milk thistle extract is a shining example.

Green Harvest's extract is certified organic by both the USDA and EU, and they're committed to transparency. They publish annual impact reports detailing farmer earnings, water usage, and carbon footprint—something that resonates with eco-conscious brands in Burkina Faso. Their product line is small but focused: organic milk thistle extract powder (70% silymarin) for supplements and 50% silymarin liquid extract for cosmetics. Minimum orders start at 25kg, and they offer sample sizes (1kg) for businesses looking to test the product first.

One unique aspect? They host farm tours. Customers can visit their partner farms in Kaya to see the milk thistle growing process, from planting to harvest. "It's not just about selling extract," a Green Harvest representative told us. "It's about building trust. When our clients see how we grow and process the plants, they know they're getting a product with integrity."

Sahara Extracts Distribution is a no-nonsense wholesaler with a focus on reliability. Based in Ouagadougou, they've been operating since 2005, making them one of the oldest players in Burkina Faso's botanical extract market. They don't manufacture, but they've built a reputation for sourcing consistent, high-quality milk thistle extract from trusted suppliers in Germany and Poland.

Their specialty is bulk pharmaceutical-grade extract—think 1-tonne orders for large drug companies. They offer silymarin concentrations up to 98%, which is rare to find locally, and every batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from an independent lab. Their prices are on the higher side, but customers say the quality justifies the cost. "When you're making a liver medication, you can't cut corners," a pharmaceutical buyer explained. "Sahara's milk thistle extract has never failed a quality test. That peace of mind is priceless."

They also offer storage solutions: if you don't need your entire order at once, they can store it in their climate-controlled warehouse in Ouagadougou and ship in smaller increments. This is a lifesaver for businesses with limited storage space.

Innovation is key at Burkina Bioactives, a research-driven manufacturer in Ouagadougou. Founded by a team of biochemists from the University of Ouagadougou, they specialize in custom milk thistle extract formulations. Need a water-soluble version for a beverage? They can do that. Want a slow-release powder for extended-release supplements? They've got you covered.

Their facility is equipped with R&D labs, where they experiment with new extraction techniques to enhance silymarin's stability and absorption. They work closely with clients to develop tailored solutions, which makes them a favorite among startups and innovative brands. For example, they recently partnered with a local energy drink company to create a milk thistle extract-infused beverage targeting liver health. "Burkina Bioactives didn't just sell us extract—they helped us design the entire formula," the company's founder shared. "Their expertise turned our idea into a marketable product."

They do have higher minimum orders (100kg for custom formulations), but for businesses looking to stand out in a crowded market, their innovation is worth the investment. They're also ISO 13485 certified, making them compliant with medical device standards—another plus for pharmaceutical clients.

With a focus on affordability, Niger River Botanicals is a trader based in Niamey, Niger, with a strong presence in Burkina Faso's eastern regions (Fada N'Gourma, Dori). They source milk thistle extract from manufacturers in India and China, offering conventional extract at prices up to 30% lower than some local suppliers. Their sweet spot is small to medium orders (5kg–100kg), making them popular with herbalists, small supplement shops, and even home crafters.

Quality-wise, they're transparent about their limitations: their extract is not organic, and silymarin levels are typically around 60–70%. But for applications where ultra-high potency isn't critical—like herbal teas or basic supplements—this is more than sufficient. They also offer flexible payment terms, including cash on delivery in some regions, which is a big plus for small businesses with limited cash flow.

One downside? Delivery times can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season when road access to eastern Burkina Faso is limited. But for budget-conscious buyers, the trade-off is often worth it. "I run a small herbal shop in Dori," one customer said. "Niger River's prices let me keep my products affordable for local families. That matters more to me than getting it in three days."

Faso Organic Solutions is on a mission to put Burkina Faso on the map for organic botanical extracts. Based in Ouagadougou, they're a small but growing manufacturer that sources milk thistle seeds from organic farms in the Cascades region, where the soil is rich in minerals and farmers use traditional, chemical-free growing methods. Their extract is certified by both the EU Organic and Fair Trade labels, ensuring farmers receive a fair price for their crops.

Their product line is niche but high-quality: organic milk thistle extract powder (70% silymarin) for supplements and liquid extract for cosmetics. They're particularly popular with eco-friendly brands in Burkina Faso and Europe—some of their extract even ends up in luxury skincare lines in Paris. Minimum orders are small (10kg), and they offer personalized service, including help with organic certification applications for clients looking to label their products as organic.

What sets them apart? Their storytelling. They share the stories of the farmers who grow their milk thistle, creating a connection between buyers and producers. "Our customers love knowing exactly where their extract comes from," a representative said. "It turns a simple ingredient into something with heart."

Last but not least, the African Herbal Trade Hub is a pan-African platform with a physical office in Ouagadougou, connecting Burkina Faso buyers with milk thistle extract suppliers from around the world. Think of them as a matchmaker: you tell them your needs (quantity, quality, budget), and they connect you with pre-vetted manufacturers in India, China, Europe, or even South Africa. They handle negotiations, quality checks, and logistics, acting as a one-stop shop for international sourcing.

What's unique about them? Their global network. They have partnerships with some of the top milk thistle extract manufacturers in India, known for their high-quality, affordable extract. For example, they can connect you with a supplier in Gujarat that offers pharmaceutical-grade extract with 90% silymarin at competitive prices. They also offer trade finance options, helping businesses secure letters of credit for international orders.

Their services come with a fee (typically 5–10% of the order value), but for businesses new to international sourcing, the expertise is invaluable. "I wanted to import directly from India but had no idea where to start," a supplement brand owner said. "African Herbal Trade Hub handled everything—from finding the supplier to making sure the extract met Burkina Faso's import regulations. I couldn't have done it without them."