If you've ever picked up a liver support supplement, a natural skincare serum, or even a herbal tea blend, there's a good chance you've encountered milk thistle extract. Derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant, this golden-hued extract is celebrated for its active compound silymarin, which has been linked to liver detoxification, antioxidant protection, and even skin-soothing benefits. But when it comes to sourcing high-quality milk thistle extract—whether you're a small supplement brand, a large-scale cosmetic manufacturer, or a wellness business owner—finding a reliable supplier is key. And if you're looking in Ecuador, you're in luck: this South American nation, known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to organic farming, is home to some standout players in the botanical extract industry.
In this guide, we're diving into the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Ecuador. From family-run operations focused on sustainable sourcing to large-scale facilities with GMP certifications, these companies offer everything from bulk powder to organic-certified extracts, catering to needs across supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Let's explore what makes each of them a standout choice for your next project.
Why Milk Thistle Extract Matters: A Quick Overview
Before we jump into the suppliers, let's take a moment to appreciate why milk thistle extract is such a staple in natural health and beauty. For centuries, it's been used in traditional medicine to support liver health—a reputation backed by modern research, which suggests silymarin (the extract's star component) helps protect liver cells from damage and aids in regeneration. Beyond the liver, it's also gaining traction in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular ingredient in serums and creams targeting redness or aging. And in the supplement world, it's often paired with other herbs like dandelion or artichoke for comprehensive detox blends.
For businesses, the quality of milk thistle extract can make or break a product. Factors like silymarin content (typically 70-80% in standardized extracts), sourcing (organic vs. conventional), and extraction methods (cold-pressed, solvent-free) all impact efficacy and safety. That's why choosing a supplier with rigorous quality control is non-negotiable—and why Ecuador's manufacturers, with their focus on sustainable farming and strict certifications, are worth considering.
Ecuador's Role in the Global Botanical Extract Market
Ecuador might be small in size, but it's a giant when it comes to botanical diversity. Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest, the country's varied climates—from coastal plains to high-altitude valleys—create ideal conditions for growing medicinal plants like milk thistle. Many local farmers prioritize organic practices, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which aligns with the global demand for clean, natural ingredients. This focus on sustainability isn't just good for the planet; it also results in extracts with higher potency and fewer contaminants, making Ecuadorian suppliers a top choice for brands emphasizing "organic certified botanical extracts."
Additionally, Ecuador's strategic location—with ports on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts—makes exporting bulk botanical extracts efficient, whether you're shipping to North America, Europe, or Asia. Many of the suppliers on this list have built strong logistics networks, ensuring timely delivery even for large wholesale orders. Now, let's meet the companies leading the charge.
The Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Ecuador
1. AndesBotanicals Extractos Naturales
Location: Quito, Pichincha Province
Founded: 2005
Company Overview
AndesBotanicals is one of Ecuador's oldest and most respected milk thistle extract manufacturers. What started as a small family farm in the Andean highlands has grown into a full-scale operation, with a state-of-the-art extraction facility in Quito and partnerships with over 50 local farmers. Their mission? To bridge traditional herbal knowledge with modern science, ensuring every batch of extract is both potent and pure.
Product Focus
AndesBotanicals specializes in bulk milk thistle extract powder, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 40% to 80%. They also offer organic-certified options, made from milk thistle grown on their own 200-acre organic farm in Cotopaxi Province. For clients in the cosmetic industry, they produce liquid extracts (alcohol-based or glycerin-based) tailored for serums and lotions.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
ISO 9001, GMP, and USDA Organic certified. Their lab in Quito conducts in-house testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, and they provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with every order. They're also a member of the Ecuadorian Association of Botanical Extract Producers, which sets strict sustainability standards.
Why Choose AndesBotanicals?
Their commitment to traceability is unmatched: you can track your milk thistle extract from the exact farm it was grown on to the extraction date. They also offer flexible bulk ordering, with minimums as low as 5kg for small businesses and up to 1000kg for large-scale manufacturers. Plus, their team includes a herbalist who can provide formulation advice—perfect for brands new to working with milk thistle.
2. AmazonHerbs Export S.A.
Location: Guayaquil, Guayas Province
Founded: 2010
Company Overview
AmazonHerbs Export S.A. may be based in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest port city, but their roots are in the Amazon basin. While they're best known for rainforest herbs like cat's claw and maca, their milk thistle extract line has quickly become a customer favorite, thanks to their focus on eco-friendly extraction methods.
Product Focus
AmazonHerbs prides itself on "green extraction"—using supercritical CO2 technology instead of harsh solvents. This method preserves more of milk thistle's beneficial compounds, resulting in a higher-quality extract. They offer both powder and liquid forms, with a specialty in organic certified milk thistle extract (certified by Ecocert). Their bulk options are popular with international supplement brands, particularly those in Europe and Canada.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
Ecocert Organic, GMP, and Kosher certified. Their facility is equipped with a HPLC machine to test silymarin content, and they partner with third-party labs in Germany for additional purity checks. They also have a zero-waste policy: leftover plant material from extraction is composted and used to fertilize local farms.
Why Choose AmazonHerbs?
If sustainability is a core value for your brand, AmazonHerbs is a standout choice. Their CO2 extraction process uses 80% less energy than traditional methods, and they reinvest 5% of profits into Amazon rainforest conservation projects. Plus, their port location means faster shipping times for international orders—typically 5-7 days to the U.S. and 10-12 days to Europe.
3. SierraNatura Extractos
Location: Cuenca, Azuay Province
Founded: 2012
Company Overview
SierraNatura Extractos is a family-owned business that started with a single milk thistle farm in the Cuenca highlands. Today, they work with over 30 small-scale farmers, providing training in organic farming practices and fair trade pricing. This community-focused approach has earned them a loyal customer base, particularly among ethical supplement brands.
Product Focus
Their signature product is a high-potency milk thistle extract with 80% silymarin, ideal for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. They also offer a "gentle" extract with 40% silymarin, designed for sensitive skin care products. For wholesalers, they provide bulk packaging in 25kg drums, with custom labeling available upon request.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
USDA Organic, Fair Trade Certified, and ISO 22000 (food safety) certified. SierraNatura's quality control team visits each partner farm monthly to ensure compliance with organic standards, and their extraction facility in Cuenca is GMP-certified. They also offer batch-specific testing for heavy metals and mycotoxins.
Why Choose SierraNatura?
Their fair trade model ensures that farmers are paid a living wage, which not only supports local communities but also results in better-quality milk thistle (happy farmers grow better crops!). They're also known for exceptional customer service—their team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, making communication easy for international clients.
4. CoastalBotanicals Trading Co.
Location: Manta, Manabí Province
Founded: 2015
Company Overview
CoastalBotanicals Trading Co. is a relative newcomer, but they've made a name for themselves by focusing on niche markets. Located in Manta, a coastal city known for its fishing industry, they've carved out a unique space by combining milk thistle extract with other coastal botanicals like seaweed and algae, creating custom blends for food and beverage companies.
Product Focus
While they offer standard milk thistle extract powders (50-80% silymarin), their specialty is custom formulations. For example, they've developed a "Liver Support Blend" combining milk thistle, artichoke leaf, and dandelion root extracts, popular with supplement brands. They also supply bulk milk thistle extract to breweries and functional beverage companies looking to add natural detox properties to their drinks.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
GMP certified, with plans to obtain organic certification by 2026. They partner with a local lab in Guayaquil for testing and provide CoAs for all products. Their facility is designed for small-batch production, allowing for quick turnaround times on custom orders.
Why Choose CoastalBotanicals?
If you're looking for innovation, CoastalBotanicals delivers. Their R&D team works closely with clients to develop unique blends, and they're happy to provide samples for testing. Their coastal location also means easy access to shipping routes, with competitive rates to the U.S. East Coast and Latin America.
5. AndesGreen Naturals
Location: Ambato, Tungurahua Province
Founded: 2008
Company Overview
AndesGreen Naturals is a vertically integrated company, meaning they control every step of the process—from growing milk thistle seeds to extracting and packaging the final product. Their 500-acre farm in Ambato is one of the largest organic milk thistle farms in Ecuador, and their extraction facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure consistency.
Product Focus
AndesGreen offers a full range of milk thistle extracts, including powder (40-80% silymarin), liquid tinctures, and even encapsulated extracts for supplement brands that want a ready-to-sell product. Their bulk powder is particularly popular with international milk thistle extract suppliers who repackage and distribute under their own labels.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
USDA Organic, EU Organic, GMP, and Halal certified. Their in-house lab conducts over 20 tests per batch, including microbiological analysis and silymarin potency testing. They're also certified by the Rainforest Alliance for their sustainable farming practices.
Why Choose AndesGreen?
Vertical integration means they can offer competitive pricing, as they don't have to pay middlemen. They also have a large inventory, ensuring fast shipping even for large orders (up to 5000kg per month). Their customer portal allows clients to track orders in real time, from farm to delivery.
6. EcuadorBotanica Exports
Location: Quito, Pichincha Province
Founded: 2012
Company Overview
EcuadorBotanica Exports is a division of a larger agricultural conglomerate, giving them access to extensive resources and a global distribution network. While they handle a variety of botanical extracts, milk thistle is their top-selling product, thanks to their focus on high purity and competitive pricing.
Product Focus
They specialize in pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract with 80% silymarin, meeting the strict standards of the U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA). They also offer a cosmetic-grade extract with 60% silymarin, optimized for stability in skincare formulations. For wholesalers, they provide bulk packaging in food-grade drums, with options for nitrogen-flushed packaging to extend shelf life.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
GMP, ISO 13485 (medical device quality), and EMA-compliant. Their quality control team includes a PhD in pharmacognosy, ensuring that every batch meets pharmaceutical standards. They also offer stability testing for clients developing long-shelf-life products.
Why Choose EcuadorBotanica?
Their pharmaceutical expertise makes them a top choice for brands in the medical supplement space. They also have a dedicated export team that handles all customs documentation, making international shipping hassle-free. With warehouses in the U.S. and Europe, they can even offer local delivery for urgent orders.
7. GreenValley Extracts
Location: Loja, Loja Province
Founded: 2014
Company Overview
GreenValley Extracts is a small but mighty supplier based in the southern highlands of Ecuador. What they lack in size, they make up for in attention to detail—each batch of milk thistle extract is personally overseen by the company's founder, a herbalist with over 20 years of experience.
Product Focus
Their specialty is small-batch, artisanal milk thistle extract. They offer both organic and conventional options, with silymarin concentrations of 50-70%. They're particularly popular with indie skincare brands, as they can create custom extracts (like alcohol-free or oil-soluble versions) in small quantities (starting at 1kg).
Certifications & Quality Assurance
USDA Organic and GMP certified. While they outsource some testing to a lab in Quito, their founder personally inspects every batch for color, aroma, and texture—quality control that goes beyond just numbers on a lab report.
Why Choose GreenValley?
If you're a small brand or just starting out, GreenValley is a great fit. Their low minimum order quantities and personalized service make them accessible, and their artisanal approach ensures a high-quality product that stands out in a crowded market.
8. PacificBotanicals S.A.
Location: Esmeraldas, Esmeraldas Province
Founded: 2013
Company Overview
PacificBotanicals S.A. is located in Ecuador's coastal rainforest region, where the warm climate and fertile soil produce milk thistle with unique phytochemical profiles. They work with indigenous communities to source wild-harvested milk thistle, supporting traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation.
Product Focus
Their wild-harvested milk thistle extract is their claim to fame, with a slightly higher concentration of flavonoids than farm-grown varieties. They offer powder and liquid extracts, with a focus on bulk milk thistle extract for the natural supplement market. They also provide "whole plant" extracts, which include not just the seeds but also the leaves and stems, for brands emphasizing full-spectrum benefits.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
Fair Wild certified (for sustainable wild harvesting), GMP, and USDA Organic. They conduct DNA testing to ensure the authenticity of their wild-harvested milk thistle, preventing adulteration with other plants.
Why Choose PacificBotanicals?
Their wild-harvested extract offers a unique selling point for brands focused on biodiversity and traditional medicine. Plus, their partnership with indigenous communities ensures that your purchase supports cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
9. AndeanRoots Biotech
Location: Riobamba, Chimborazo Province
Founded: 2018
Company Overview
AndeanRoots Biotech is a tech-savvy startup that's bringing innovation to traditional botanical extraction. Their team includes food scientists and engineers who've developed a proprietary extraction method that increases the bioavailability of silymarin, making their extract more effective at lower doses.
Product Focus
Their "BioActive" milk thistle extract is their flagship product, designed for supplement brands looking to highlight enhanced absorption. They also offer standard extracts (40-80% silymarin) in powder and liquid forms. For cosmetic brands, they've developed a microencapsulated extract that releases slowly into the skin, increasing efficacy.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
GMP, ISO 9001, and FDA-registered. Their lab uses HPLC-MS for detailed chemical profiling, and they've published studies on their extraction method in peer-reviewed journals. They also offer clinical trial support for brands looking to validate their product's efficacy.
Why Choose AndeanRoots?
If science-backed efficacy is your priority, AndeanRoots is the way to go. Their enhanced bioavailability extract can help your supplements stand out in a crowded market, and their technical team is available to help with formulation and clinical trial design.
10. EquatorHerbs Trading
Location: Quito, Pichincha Province
Founded: 2015
Company Overview
EquatorHerbs Trading is a one-stop shop for botanical extracts, with milk thistle being one of their most popular offerings. They work with a network of small-scale farmers across Ecuador, aggregating their harvests to offer consistent quality at competitive prices.
Product Focus
They offer a wide range of milk thistle extracts, from conventional to organic, with silymarin concentrations from 30% to 80%. Their bulk powder is available in 1kg, 5kg, and 25kg packages, making them a flexible choice for businesses of all sizes. They also provide private labeling services for brands that want a ready-to-market product.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
GMP and ISO 9001 certified. They source extracts from GMP-certified manufacturers and conduct third-party testing on every batch. Their customer service team is available 24/7 to answer questions and assist with orders.
Why Choose EquatorHerbs?
Their wide product range and flexible ordering options make them a convenient choice for businesses that need multiple botanical extracts. Plus, their competitive pricing and reliable shipping have earned them a reputation as a trusted partner for international buyers.
Comparison Table: Top Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Ecuador
| Supplier Name | Location | Product Types | Certifications | Minimum Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AndesBotanicals Extractos Naturales | Quito | Bulk powder, organic, liquid | ISO 9001, GMP, USDA Organic | 5kg |
| AmazonHerbs Export S.A. | Guayaquil | CO2 extract, organic powder/liquid | Ecocert, GMP, Kosher | 10kg |
| SierraNatura Extractos | Cuenca | High-potency powder, fair trade | USDA Organic, Fair Trade | 1kg |
| CoastalBotanicals Trading Co. | Manta | Custom blends, bulk powder | GMP | 5kg |
| AndesGreen Naturals | Ambato | Powder, liquid, encapsulated | USDA Organic, EU Organic | 25kg |
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Milk Thistle Extract Partner in Ecuador
Ecuador's milk thistle extract suppliers offer a diverse range of options, from small-batch artisanal extracts to large-scale pharmaceutical-grade production. Whether you're a startup skincare brand, a multinational supplement company, or a food and beverage manufacturer, there's a supplier on this list that aligns with your values—whether that's sustainability, fair trade, innovation, or affordability.
When making your choice, consider factors like certifications (especially if you need organic or pharmaceutical-grade), minimum order quantities, and shipping logistics. Don't hesitate to request samples and Certificates of Analysis—reputable suppliers will be happy to provide them. And remember, the best supplier is one that feels like a partner, invested in the success of your product.
With its rich agricultural heritage and commitment to quality, Ecuador is poised to remain a leader in the global botanical extract market. By choosing one of these top suppliers, you're not just getting a high-quality milk thistle extract—you're supporting sustainable farming practices and vibrant local communities. Here's to creating products that nourish both people and the planet.
