Milk thistle extract, derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant, has become a cornerstone in the global health and wellness industry, celebrated for its rich silymarin content—an antioxidant known for supporting liver health, aiding digestion, and even promoting skin vitality. In Egypt, where the demand for natural supplements, pharmaceuticals, and herbal ingredients is on the rise, finding reliable sources of high-quality milk thistle extract has become a priority for businesses ranging from small-scale supplement makers to large pharmaceutical companies. Whether you're in search of bulk quantities for manufacturing, organic-certified options for premium products, or a trusted partner for consistent supply, the right supplier can make all the difference in the quality and success of your end products. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Egypt, breaking down their strengths, specialties, and what sets them apart in a competitive market.
Why Milk Thistle Extract Matters in Egypt's Market
Egypt's growing focus on natural and herbal remedies has positioned milk thistle extract as a sought-after ingredient. Local industries, from nutraceuticals to cosmetics, are increasingly incorporating it into products like liver support supplements, detox teas, and even anti-aging serums. For businesses, the challenge lies in sourcing high quality milk thistle extract that meets both local regulatory standards and international quality benchmarks. A reliable milk thistle extract supplier or manufacturer should not only provide consistent purity and potency but also offer flexibility in terms of bulk orders, customization, and timely delivery—factors that can significantly impact production timelines and customer satisfaction.
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Egypt
1. Egyptian Herbal Extracts Co. (EHEC)
Founded in 2005, Egyptian Herbal Extracts Co. (EHEC) has established itself as a pioneer in the local botanical extract industry. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Cairo, EHEC specializes in producing high-purity milk thistle extract tailored for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical use. What sets them apart is their vertically integrated supply chain: they source milk thistle seeds directly from trusted farmers in the Nile Delta, ensuring full traceability from farm to finished product.
Their product range includes standardized milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 80%, available in powder and liquid forms. EHEC holds GMP and ISO 9001 certifications, and their lab conducts rigorous testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination—critical for businesses prioritizing safety. For wholesalers, they offer bulk milk thistle extract with minimum order quantities (MOQs) starting at 50kg, making them ideal for mid-to-large scale manufacturers. Their commitment to quality has earned them partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies across the Middle East.
2. Nile Valley Botanicals
Nile Valley Botanicals, based in Alexandria, prides itself on being an eco-conscious milk thistle extract manufacturer with a focus on organic and sustainable practices. Since 2010, they've carved a niche in the market by offering certified organic milk thistle extract, appealing to brands targeting the natural and clean-label consumer segment. Their production process uses cold-press extraction to preserve the integrity of silymarin, resulting in a product with enhanced bioavailability.
In addition to standard milk thistle extract, Nile Valley Botanicals offers custom formulations, such as water-soluble extracts for beverage applications and oil-based variants for skincare products. They are certified by the Egyptian Organic Agriculture Association (EOAA) and EU Organic, ensuring compliance with strict organic standards. For small to medium businesses, they offer flexible MOQs (starting at 10kg) and personalized customer service, including assistance with product development. Their dedication to sustainability extends to eco-friendly packaging, making them a favorite among brands with strong environmental values.
3. Cairo Nutraceutical Suppliers
Cairo Nutraceutical Suppliers (CNS) is a leading wholesaler and trader with over 15 years of experience in the botanical extract market. While they don't manufacture in-house, CNS has built a global network of trusted milk thistle extract suppliers , allowing them to offer a diverse range of products at competitive prices. Their strength lies in their ability to source both local and imported milk thistle extract, giving customers options based on budget and quality requirements.
CNS stocks everything from conventional bulk extracts (with silymarin levels of 40-60%) to premium pharmaceutical-grade options (80% silymarin) sourced from Europe. They cater to a wide clientele, from small supplement brands to large food and beverage manufacturers, with MOQs as low as 5kg for retail-ready packaging and 100kg for bulk orders. What customers appreciate most is their fast turnaround time—typically 2-3 business days for in-stock items—and their knowledgeable sales team, which provides detailed product specifications and technical support.
4. Green Leaf Extracts Egypt
Green Leaf Extracts Egypt is a family-owned manufacturer based in Giza, specializing in herbal extracts for the cosmetics and personal care industry. While they produce a variety of botanical extracts, their milk thistle extract has gained popularity for its skin-friendly properties—rich in antioxidants that help soothe irritation and support collagen production. Green Leaf uses a gentle ethanol extraction method that retains beneficial compounds, making their extract ideal for serums, creams, and masks.
Certified by ISO 22000 (food safety management), their milk thistle extract is free from parabens and synthetic additives. They offer both conventional and organic options, with silymarin concentrations of 50-70%. For cosmetic formulators, they provide small-batch samples (as low as 1kg) to test compatibility, and bulk orders (50kg+) with customizable packaging. Their close relationships with local skincare brands have made them a go-to supplier for businesses looking to incorporate natural ingredients into their products.
5. Delta Agro-Industrial Co.
Delta Agro-Industrial Co. is a vertically integrated agribusiness with operations spanning farming, processing, and export. Located in Mansoura, they are one of Egypt's largest producers of milk thistle seeds, and in recent years, they've expanded into extract manufacturing to capture more value from their harvest. This backward integration allows them to offer high quality milk thistle extract at competitive prices, as they eliminate middlemen costs.
Delta Agro's extract is known for its consistency, thanks to strict quality control during seed selection and extraction. They produce standardized powder extract (60% silymarin) and also offer custom blends for functional foods, such as milk thistle-infused energy bars and detox drinks. With an annual production capacity of over 500 tons, they can handle large bulk orders (MOQ 200kg) and export to markets in Africa and Europe. Their products are certified by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and meet EU import standards, making them a reliable choice for international traders.
6. Alexandria Herbal Traders
Alexandria Herbal Traders (AHT) is a well-established trading company with a focus on connecting Egyptian buyers with global milk thistle extract suppliers . With offices in Alexandria and Dubai, AHT sources premium milk thistle extract from manufacturers in Germany, Poland, and China, offering imported options for businesses seeking specific certifications or unique formulations (e.g., ultra-high silymarin content of 85%).
AHT's strength is their expertise in international logistics—they handle all aspects of importation, including customs clearance and documentation, ensuring a hassle-free experience for clients. They stock a range of products, from conventional bulk powder to organic liquid extract, with MOQs starting at 25kg. For small businesses, they offer consolidated orders, allowing customers to purchase smaller quantities by combining multiple extracts. Their team of technical consultants can also assist with regulatory compliance, helping brands navigate Egypt's food and drug administration requirements.
7. Pharaonic Extracts
Pharaonic Extracts, based in Luxor, is a boutique manufacturer specializing in artisanal botanical extracts for the natural health market. While they produce a wide range of herbs, their milk thistle extract has a cult following among small-batch supplement makers and herbalists. What makes them unique is their use of traditional extraction methods combined with modern testing—they macerate milk thistle seeds in organic ethanol for 48 hours, then cold-filter to preserve delicate compounds, resulting in a extract with a rich, earthy profile.
Pharaonic Extracts is certified organic by the USDA and offers milk thistle extract with 70% silymarin, available in 1kg to 25kg quantities. They prioritize transparency, providing detailed batch reports and even offering factory tours for clients who want to see their process firsthand. While their prices are slightly higher than mass-produced options, their focus on quality and sustainability appeals to brands targeting health-conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for artisanal ingredients.
8. Suez Canal Nutra Ingredients
Suez Canal Nutra Ingredients is a fast-growing wholesaler based in Port Said, strategically located to serve both domestic and international markets. They specialize in providing bulk milk thistle extract for the nutraceutical and animal feed industries, offering competitive pricing and large-scale supply capabilities. With a warehouse capacity of over 1000 tons, they maintain high stock levels, ensuring quick delivery even during peak demand periods.
Their product line includes both standardized (60% silymarin) and non-standardized milk thistle extract, with options for organic and conventional sourcing. They work with multiple manufacturers, allowing them to offer flexible pricing based on order size—MOQs start at 100kg, with discounts for orders over 500kg. Suez Canal Nutra Ingredients also provides private labeling services, making them a one-stop shop for brands looking to launch their own milk thistle supplement lines without investing in manufacturing infrastructure.
9. Cairo Bioactives
Cairo Bioactives is a research-driven manufacturer focused on developing innovative botanical extracts for the pharmaceutical industry. Their milk thistle extract is engineered for enhanced bioavailability, using a proprietary microencapsulation technology that improves silymarin absorption in the body. This makes their product particularly valuable for pharmaceutical companies developing liver support medications and dietary supplements.
Certified by ISO 13485 (medical device quality management), Cairo Bioactives conducts extensive clinical trials to validate the efficacy of their extracts. They offer milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations up to 80%, available in powder and encapsulated forms. While their MOQs are higher (starting at 100kg), they provide comprehensive technical support, including with regulatory filings and formulation development. Their focus on innovation has earned them partnerships with research institutions and pharmaceutical giants in the region.
10. Mediterranean Herbal Exports
Mediterranean Herbal Exports (MHE) is an export-focused trader with a strong presence in the European and North African markets. Based in Cairo, MHE sources milk thistle extract from select manufacturers in Egypt and Turkey, curating a portfolio of products tailored for international buyers. Their specialty is organic and conventional bulk extract, with a focus on meeting the strict import requirements of the EU and US.
MHE's team includes experts in international trade who handle documentation, including certificates of analysis (CoA), phytosanitary certificates, and Halal certification—essential for exporting to Muslim-majority countries. They offer flexible packaging options, from 25kg drums to 1-ton supersacks, and can arrange shipping via air or sea. For new buyers, they provide small sample quantities (5kg) to test quality before committing to large orders. Their global network and understanding of international regulations make them a reliable partner for businesses looking to expand beyond Egypt's borders.
Comparison Table: Key Features of Top Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Egypt
| Supplier Name | Product Focus | Certifications | MOQ (kg) | Specialties | Target Industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egyptian Herbal Extracts Co. | 60-80% silymarin (powder/liquid) | GMP, ISO 9001 | 50 | Vertically integrated, pharma-grade | Pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals |
| Nile Valley Botanicals | Organic extract (50-70% silymarin) | EOAA, EU Organic | 10 | Eco-friendly, custom formulations | Cosmetics, natural supplements |
| Cairo Nutraceutical Suppliers | 40-80% silymarin (imported/local) | ISO 9001 | 5 | Fast delivery, diverse sourcing | Food/beverage, supplements |
| Green Leaf Extracts Egypt | Skin-friendly extract (50-70% silymarin) | ISO 22000 | 1 (samples), 50 (bulk) | Cosmetic formulations, gentle extraction | Skincare, personal care |
| Delta Agro-Industrial Co. | 60% silymarin (powder), custom blends | Ministry of Agriculture | 200 | Vertically integrated, large-scale supply | Functional foods, animal feed |
| Alexandria Herbal Traders | Imported extracts (up to 85% silymarin) | varies by source | 25 | International logistics, regulatory support | Export, diverse industries |
| Pharaonic Extracts | Organic 70% silymarin (artisanal) | USDA Organic | 1 | Traditional extraction, transparency | Small-batch supplements, herbalists |
| Suez Canal Nutra Ingredients | 60% silymarin (bulk) | ISO 9001 | 100 | Large-scale supply, competitive pricing | Nutraceuticals, animal feed |
| Cairo Bioactives | 60-80% silymarin (microencapsulated) | ISO 13485 | 100 | Enhanced bioavailability, R&D support | Pharmaceuticals, high-end supplements |
| Mediterranean Herbal Exports | Organic/conventional bulk extract | CoA, Halal, phytosanitary | 5 (samples), 50 (bulk) | International export, global compliance | Export, multinational brands |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Choosing the right milk thistle extract supplier in Egypt is a decision that requires careful consideration of quality, reliability, and alignment with your business goals. Whether you're a pharmaceutical manufacturer needing GMP-certified extract, a cosmetic brand seeking organic ingredients, or a wholesaler looking for bulk quantities, the suppliers listed above offer diverse options to meet your needs. From vertically integrated manufacturers like Egyptian Herbal Extracts Co. to export-focused traders like Mediterranean Herbal Exports, each brings unique strengths to the table.
Remember to prioritize certifications, quality testing, and customer support when evaluating suppliers. Request samples, review CoAs, and ask detailed questions about their processes—investing time in due diligence upfront will save you from costly issues down the line. With the growing demand for natural and herbal ingredients in Egypt and beyond, partnering with a trusted milk thistle extract supplier is a step toward building high-quality products that resonate with consumers.



