For centuries, milk thistle has been celebrated as a natural remedy, cherished for its remarkable ability to support liver health and overall wellness. Today, its extract—rich in silymarin, the potent antioxidant that gives the plant its healing properties—has become a staple in everything from dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals to skincare products and functional foods. As global demand for high-quality botanical extracts surges, Gabon has emerged as a quiet yet impactful player in the market, thanks to its commitment to sustainable sourcing, stringent quality standards, and strategic position as a gateway for trade in Central Africa. Whether you're a small business owner looking for reliable bulk supplies or a large pharmaceutical company in need of pharmaceutical-grade extracts, finding the right partner is key. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Gabon, breaking down what makes each stand out and how they can meet your unique needs.
At a Glance: Top Milk Thistle Extract Providers in Gabon
| Rank | Company Name | Business Type | Key Milk Thistle Products | Certifications | Primary Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GabonBotanical Extracts Ltd. | Manufacturer & Supplier | Bulk milk thistle extract (60-80% silymarin), organic variants | ISO 9001, GMP, Organic EU | Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, France |
| 2 | Equatorial Botanicals Trading Co. | Wholesaler & Trader | Standardized milk thistle extract, silymarin powder | ISO 22000, Halal | Central Africa, Middle East, Asia |
| 3 | GreenLife Extracts Gabon | Manufacturer | Pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, liquid extracts | WHO GMP, ISO 13485 | Global (focus on pharmaceuticals) |
| 4 | AfriHerb Trading Partners | Trader & Exporter | Bulk raw milk thistle, crude extract, refined powder | Organic USDA, Fair Trade | Europe, North America, Australia |
| 5 | Gabon Naturals Industries | Manufacturer & Wholesaler | Low-cost milk thistle extract, custom formulations | ISO 9001, Kosher | West Africa, South America |
| 6 | Sustainable Botanicals Gabon | Supplier & Exporter | Eco-certified milk thistle extract, silymarin capsules | EU ECOCERT, Rainforest Alliance | Germany, Switzerland, Canada |
| 7 | Central African Extracts Ltd. | Manufacturer | High-potency milk thistle extract (80%+ silymarin) | GMP, ISO 17025 (lab testing) | Pharmaceutical firms worldwide |
| 8 | BulkHerb Trading Gabon | Wholesaler | Bulk milk thistle extract, mixed botanical blends | ISO 22000 | Local Gabon, DRC, Angola |
| 9 | PhytoLife Gabon | Supplier & Manufacturer | Cosmetic-grade milk thistle extract, skincare formulations | ISO 22716 (cosmetics), Cruelty-Free | Cosmetics industry (France, South Africa, Brazil) |
| 10 | Global Extracts Trading Hub | Trader | Imported & local milk thistle extract, logistics support | Customs cleared, COA provided | International (via Port Gentil) |
1. GabonBotanical Extracts Ltd. – The Local Pioneer
If you're looking for a milk thistle extract manufacturer with deep roots in Gabon, GabonBotanical Extracts Ltd. is the name that comes up first in industry circles. Founded in 2010, this family-owned business started small, sourcing wild-harvested milk thistle from local farmers in the Ngounié region, but has since grown into one of the country's leading producers. What sets them apart? Their vertically integrated model: they control every step from seed to extract, ensuring consistency and quality that's hard to match.
Their flagship product is bulk milk thistle extract, available in silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 80%—a sweet spot for most supplement and pharmaceutical applications. They also offer organic variants certified by the EU Organic label, catering to the growing demand for clean, sustainable ingredients. "We work directly with 200+ farmers," explains Marie Ndjole, their sustainability director, "so we can guarantee fair prices and traceability. Our farmers use traditional, chemical-free farming methods, which not only preserves the land but also boosts the potency of the silymarin in our extracts."
With an annual production capacity of 500 metric tons, GabonBotanical serves both local markets (think pharmacies and supplement brands in Libreville) and international clients in France, Cameroon, and Nigeria. Their state-of-the-art facility in Port Gentil is ISO 9001 and GMP certified, with in-house labs that test every batch for purity and silymarin content. For businesses needing reliable bulk supplies, they offer flexible packaging—from 25kg drums to full container loads—and even provide custom formulations for clients with specific needs, like water-soluble extracts for beverages.
2. Equatorial Botanicals Trading Co. – The Regional Connector
Not every business needs to manufacture its own extracts—sometimes, you just need a trusted partner to source and distribute high-quality products efficiently. That's where Equatorial Botanicals Trading Co. shines. As one of Gabon's largest botanical extract wholesalers, they specialize in bridging the gap between producers (both local and international) and buyers across Central Africa and beyond.
Founded in 2015 by a team of ex-pharmaceutical executives, Equatorial Botanicals has built a reputation for reliability. Their milk thistle extract portfolio includes standardized powders (60-70% silymarin) sourced from verified manufacturers in India and Europe, as well as locally processed crude extracts for cost-sensitive buyers. "Our sweet spot is bulk orders—100kg and above," says Jean-Paul Okoumba, their head of sales. "We keep a 300-ton warehouse in Libreville stocked year-round, so we can deliver within 48 hours to clients in Gabon and neighboring countries like Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo."
What makes them a top choice for traders? Their strict quality control: every shipment comes with a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis), and they're ISO 22000 certified for food safety management. They also cater to niche markets, offering Halal-certified milk thistle extract for clients in the Middle East and North Africa. Whether you're a small supplement brand in Douala or a large distributor in Dubai, Equatorial Botanicals prides itself on transparent pricing and personalized service—no minimum order too big, no question too small.
3. GreenLife Extracts Gabon – The Pharma-Grade Specialist
When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, precision is non-negotiable. GreenLife Extracts Gabon has made a name for itself by meeting the rigorous standards of the global pharmaceutical industry. Established in 2012 as a joint venture between a Gabonese investor and a European pharmaceutical firm, their facility in Franceville is one of the most advanced in Central Africa, equipped with supercritical CO2 extraction technology that preserves the purity of silymarin better than traditional solvent methods.
Their core product is high-purity milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations of 70-85%, tailored for use in prescription medications and high-end supplements. "Pharmaceutical clients can't compromise on consistency," says Dr. Alain Mboma, their head of R&D. "Our CO2 extraction process ensures that every batch has the same silymarin profile, and our WHO GMP certification means we adhere to the same standards as plants in Switzerland or the U.S." They also produce liquid extracts for oral suspensions, a niche product that's hard to find in the region.
While GreenLife's primary clients are international pharmaceutical companies (they export to Germany, the U.S., and Japan), they also work with local research institutions on developing new applications for milk thistle, such as liver support formulations for HIV patients. With a focus on innovation, they recently invested in a new lab to study the synergistic effects of milk thistle with other botanicals like artichoke and turmeric—research that could open up new markets for their extracts. For businesses in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical space that demand the highest quality, GreenLife is a partner you can trust.
4. AfriHerb Trading Partners – The Sustainable Exporter
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for AfriHerb Trading Partners—it's the foundation of their business. This Gabon-based trader and exporter specializes in ethically sourced, organic milk thistle extract, catering to eco-conscious buyers in Europe, North America, and Australia. Founded in 2008 by a group of environmental activists, AfriHerb works exclusively with small-scale farmers in Gabon's Moyen-Ogooué province who practice regenerative agriculture, ensuring that milk thistle cultivation improves soil health rather than depleting it.
Their product line includes bulk raw milk thistle seeds (for clients who prefer to process their own extracts), crude extract (30-40% silymarin), and refined powder (60-70% silymarin), all certified organic by USDA and EU standards. "We're not the cheapest option, but our clients are willing to pay a premium for ingredients that align with their values," says Sophie Koumba, their export manager. "We provide full traceability—you can scan a QR code on every bag and see exactly which farm the milk thistle came from, who grew it, and how it was processed."
AfriHerb is also a Fair Trade certified partner, meaning farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price plus a social premium that funds community projects like schools and clean water wells. This commitment to ethics has earned them long-term contracts with natural food stores in Germany, supplement brands in Canada, and even luxury skincare lines in Australia that use their organic milk thistle extract for its antioxidant properties. If sustainability is a priority for your brand, AfriHerb offers more than just a product—they offer a story you can be proud to share with your customers.
5. Gabon Naturals Industries – The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
For businesses operating on tight margins, finding high-quality milk thistle extract at an affordable price is a game-changer. Gabon Naturals Industries has built its business model around this need, offering low-cost yet reliable extracts that don't skimp on quality. Founded in 2014, this manufacturer and wholesaler based in Port Gentil focuses on high-volume production, using efficient solvent extraction methods to keep costs down while maintaining silymarin levels of 50-60%—suitable for most dietary supplements and animal feed applications.
"We source our milk thistle seeds from large-scale farms in Senegal and Mali, where economies of scale allow us to negotiate lower prices," explains CEO Pierre Oka. "By keeping our overhead low and focusing on bulk sales, we can offer prices that are 10-15% below the market average." Their production capacity of 800 metric tons per year means they can handle even the largest orders, and they offer flexible payment terms for repeat clients, making them a favorite among wholesalers and manufacturers in West Africa and South America.
While Gabon Naturals doesn't offer organic or pharmaceutical-grade extracts, they are ISO 9001 certified and conduct regular third-party testing to ensure their products meet safety standards. They also provide custom formulations, such as milk thistle extract blended with other botanicals like dandelion or burdock root, for clients looking to create unique supplement blends. For businesses that need reliable, budget-friendly bulk milk thistle extract without the frills, Gabon Naturals is a solid choice.
6. Sustainable Botanicals Gabon – The Eco-Certified Innovator
Sustainable Botanicals Gabon takes sustainability a step further by focusing on eco-certified extracts that go beyond organic. This supplier and exporter, founded in 2016, has earned certifications from ECOCERT (EU organic) and the Rainforest Alliance, a testament to their commitment to protecting biodiversity and supporting indigenous communities. Their milk thistle is grown in agroforestry systems in the Ogooué-Ivindo region, where it's interplanted with native trees to provide habitat for wildlife and prevent soil erosion.
Their flagship product is eco-certified milk thistle extract with 65% silymarin, but they've also branched out into finished products, such as silymarin capsules and liver support supplements, for clients who want ready-to-sell items. "We noticed that many small brands don't have the resources to formulate their own supplements," says marketing director Lisa Nguema. "So we started offering private labeling—you can put your brand on our capsules, and we handle everything from production to packaging."
Sustainable Botanicals exports primarily to Europe (Germany and Switzerland are their biggest markets) and Canada, where eco-conscious consumers are willing to pay a premium for products with strong environmental credentials. They also prioritize transparency, publishing annual sustainability reports that detail their carbon footprint, water usage, and farmer welfare initiatives. For brands that want to lead the way in green business practices, Sustainable Botanicals offers a partner that walks the walk, not just talks the talk.
7. Central African Extracts Ltd. – The High-Potency Expert
When clients need milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations above 80%, Central African Extracts Ltd. is the go-to manufacturer. Based in Libreville, this specialized producer has built its reputation on precision extraction, using advanced chromatography techniques to isolate and concentrate silymarin to levels that meet the strictest pharmaceutical and research standards. "We're not for everyone," says technical director Dr. Michel Obame. "But for clients working on cutting-edge liver disease treatments or high-dose supplements, our high-potency extracts are irreplaceable."
Founded in 2011, Central African Extracts works closely with universities and pharmaceutical companies on R&D projects, providing custom extracts with specific silymarin isomer profiles (like silybin A and B) for clinical trials. Their facility is ISO 17025 certified for laboratory testing, ensuring that every batch is analyzed for purity, potency, and contaminants. They also offer small-batch production for researchers, with minimum orders as low as 1kg—something rare in the bulk extract industry.
While their focus is on high-potency extracts, they also produce standard 70% silymarin powder for pharmaceutical excipients and nutraceuticals. Their clients include major pharmaceutical firms in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, as well as biotech startups developing novel drug delivery systems for silymarin. If your business demands the highest possible silymarin concentrations and scientific rigor, Central African Extracts is worth the investment.
8. BulkHerb Trading Gabon – The Local Hero
For small businesses and local buyers in Gabon, navigating the world of bulk extracts can be overwhelming. BulkHerb Trading Gabon has made it their mission to simplify the process, offering accessible, affordable milk thistle extract to pharmacies, health food stores, and small supplement brands across the country. Founded in 2018 by a group of local entrepreneurs, this wholesaler focuses on serving the domestic market, with a warehouse in Libreville and delivery routes to major cities like Port Gentil and Franceville.
Their product range is straightforward: bulk milk thistle extract powder (50-60% silymarin) in 1kg, 5kg, and 25kg bags, plus mixed botanical blends (like milk thistle + artichoke) for clients who want pre-formulated supplements. "We know that small businesses can't afford to order a full container," says owner David Owono. "So we offer flexible sizing—even a 1kg bag—at prices that are competitive with online retailers, but with the benefit of local delivery and support."
BulkHerb prides itself on being a community partner, offering free samples to new clients and hosting workshops on how to use milk thistle extract in homemade remedies and supplements. They source their extract from GreenLife Extracts Gabon (see #3), ensuring quality while keeping costs low. For local businesses looking to stock high-quality milk thistle extract without the hassle of international shipping or large minimum orders, BulkHerb is the friendly, reliable choice.
9. PhytoLife Gabon – The Cosmetic-Grade Specialist
Milk thistle extract isn't just for supplements—it's also a star ingredient in skincare, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. PhytoLife Gabon has carved out a niche as a leading supplier of cosmetic-grade milk thistle extract, catering to the global beauty industry. Founded in 2014, this manufacturer and supplier in Port Gentil produces extracts specifically formulated for use in creams, serums, and lotions, with low heavy metal levels and gentle extraction methods that preserve silymarin's skin-loving benefits.
"Cosmetic clients have different needs than pharmaceutical ones," explains product development manager Amélie Mba. "They need extracts that are soluble in water or oil, have a neutral scent, and won't irritate sensitive skin. Our water-soluble milk thistle extract is a hit with skincare brands because it mixes easily into formulations and delivers silymarin deep into the skin." They also offer organic variants and can customize extracts with added ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E for enhanced benefits.
PhytoLife is ISO 22716 certified (the global standard for cosmetics GMP) and Cruelty-Free certified by Leaping Bunny, making them a favorite among ethical beauty brands in France, South Africa, and Brazil. They even provide formulation support, helping clients create unique products like "liver detox" face masks or anti-aging serums with milk thistle as the hero ingredient. If you're in the cosmetics industry, PhytoLife offers the expertise and quality to make your milk thistle-infused products stand out.
10. Global Extracts Trading Hub – The Logistics Maven
For international buyers looking to source milk thistle extract from Gabon, navigating customs, shipping, and local regulations can be a headache. Global Extracts Trading Hub simplifies the process by acting as a one-stop shop for import/export logistics. Founded in 2017, this trader partners with local manufacturers (like GabonBotanical and GreenLife) and international suppliers to offer a wide range of milk thistle extracts, then handles all the paperwork, shipping, and delivery to clients worldwide.
"Our clients are often based in places like the U.S., Australia, or Japan, and they want access to Gabon's high-quality extracts but don't have the time to vet local suppliers," says logistics director Thomas Etoundi. "We take care of that—we audit our partner manufacturers, negotiate prices, arrange shipping via Port Gentil or Libreville, and even help with customs clearance in the destination country." They offer both FOB and CIF pricing, and can consolidate orders from multiple suppliers to save clients money on shipping.
Global Extracts doesn't produce its own extract, but they make up for it with expertise in international trade. They provide detailed documentation, including COAs, phytosanitary certificates, and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), to ensure compliance with global regulations. Whether you're a supplement brand in Sydney or a pharmaceutical company in Chicago, Global Extracts Trading Hub takes the stress out of sourcing milk thistle extract from Gabon, letting you focus on what you do best—growing your business.
Choosing the Right Milk Thistle Extract Partner in Gabon
With so many options, finding the perfect milk thistle extract supplier in Gabon depends on your specific needs. Are you a pharmaceutical company needing high-potency, GMP-certified extract? GreenLife Extracts or Central African Extracts would be ideal. A small skincare brand looking for organic, cosmetic-grade extract? PhytoLife or Sustainable Botanicals has you covered. On a tight budget and need bulk supplies? Gabon Naturals or BulkHerb can help. And if you're based overseas, Global Extracts Trading Hub simplifies the import process.
No matter which supplier you choose, look for transparency: ask for COAs, visit their facilities if possible, and talk to their customer service team to gauge their responsiveness. Gabon's milk thistle extract market is growing fast, and with the right partner, you can tap into a source of high-quality, sustainable ingredients that will set your products apart. Whether you're local or international, Gabon's top suppliers are ready to help you meet the demand for this timeless botanical extract.



