Why Madagascar for Milk Thistle Extract?
Madagascar's unique climate—warm, sunny days, consistent rainfall, and nutrient-rich soil—creates the perfect environment for milk thistle (Silybum marianum) to thrive. Unlike mass-produced extracts from other regions, Madagascar's milk thistle is often grown using traditional, sustainable farming practices, ensuring the plant retains its full spectrum of beneficial compounds. Additionally, the country's growing focus on organic and ethical sourcing has made it a go-to destination for brands prioritizing purity and sustainability. Now, let's meet the suppliers leading the charge.
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Madagascar
1. Madagascar Botanicals Co.
Founded in 1995, Madagascar Botanicals Co. is a family-owned milk thistle extract manufacturer with deep roots in the island's botanical heritage. What sets them apart? Their vertically integrated model: they own and operate their own farms in the central highlands, where milk thistle is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This hands-on approach ensures complete control over quality, from seed to extract.
Their extraction facility, equipped with state-of-the-art supercritical CO2 extraction technology, produces extracts standardized to 80% silymarin—ideal for supplements and nutraceuticals. They also offer organic-certified options (USDA and EU organic) for brands targeting the clean beauty and natural health markets. With a focus on small-batch production, they prioritize freshness, and their minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 50kg makes them accessible to both small businesses and larger corporations. Customers praise their transparency, often mentioning the detailed batch reports and third-party lab testing they provide.
2. Silymarin Extracts Madagascar Ltd.
For brands that demand the highest purity, Silymarin Extracts Madagascar Ltd. is a name to know. Specializing in pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, this tech-driven manufacturer has built a reputation for producing silymarin concentrations up to 95%—among the highest in the industry. Their facility, located near Antananarivo, is GMP-certified and adheres to strict ISO 9001 quality standards, making them a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
What makes them unique? Their proprietary extraction process, which uses cold-press technology to preserve silymarin's bioactivity. They also offer custom formulations, including water-soluble and oil-soluble extracts, catering to diverse applications like liver support supplements and anti-aging serums. While their MOQ is higher (200kg), they compensate with competitive pricing for bulk orders and reliable, on-time delivery to markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. If you're in the pharmaceutical or high-end supplement space, this is a supplier worth considering.
3. Green Harvest Madagascar
As the name suggests, Green Harvest Madagascar is all about sustainability—and they've made it their mission to make high quality milk thistle extract accessible to businesses of all sizes. This wholesale-focused supplier partners with over 200 small-scale farmers across Madagascar, providing training in organic farming practices and fair trade compensation. The result? A traceable supply chain that customers can feel good about.
Their product line includes both conventional and organic milk thistle extract (standardized to 60-80% silymarin), available in powder or liquid form. They're particularly popular among supplement brands and food manufacturers looking to add natural liver support to their products. With an MOQ of just 25kg and flexible payment terms, Green Harvest is a favorite for startups and mid-sized companies. They also offer private labeling services, making it easy for brands to launch their own milk thistle products without the hassle of in-house production.
4. PureThistle Industries
PureThistle Industries is a relative newcomer (established in 2010) but has quickly made a name for itself as a leader in skincare-grade milk thistle extract. While many suppliers focus on supplements, PureThistle recognized the growing demand for natural actives in cosmetics—and they've nailed it. Their extracts are standardized to 70% silymarin, with additional polyphenols and flavonoids that enhance skin-soothing and antioxidant properties.
What makes their extract stand out? It's tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, ensuring it's gentle enough for sensitive skin formulations. They offer both water-based and alcohol-based extracts, perfect for serums, creams, and masks. PureThistle also prides itself on innovation: they recently launched a microencapsulated milk thistle extract, which improves stability and bioavailability in skincare products. With an MOQ of 100kg and a dedicated customer service team, they're a great fit for beauty brands prioritizing efficacy and safety.
5. Madagascar Natural Extracts
Madagascar Natural Extracts is a full-service supplier catering to the global market, with a focus on reliability and consistency. As a milk thistle extract manufacturer and trader, they work with farms across Madagascar to source the highest quality milk thistle, then process it in their ISO 22000-certified facility. Their product range includes everything from raw milk thistle seed powder to highly concentrated silymarin extracts (up to 90%), making them a one-stop shop for diverse industries.
What customers love most? Their ability to handle large-scale orders (up to 5,000kg per month) without compromising quality. They're also known for their fast turnaround times—most orders ship within 5-7 business days—and competitive pricing. Madagascar Natural Extracts exports to over 30 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. If you're a large corporation or a wholesaler needing a steady supply of milk thistle extract, this is a supplier you can depend on.
6. EcoHerb Madagascar
EcoHerb Madagascar is more than a supplier—it's a movement. Founded by a group of environmentalists and farmers, this B Corp-certified company is on a mission to protect Madagascar's biodiversity while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Their milk thistle is grown in reforested areas, where it helps prevent soil erosion and supports native wildlife. It's a feel-good story that resonates with eco-conscious brands.
Their extract is certified organic by Ecocert and contains 75% silymarin, with a focus on full-spectrum benefits (meaning it includes all the plant's natural compounds, not just isolated silymarin). They offer bulk powder extracts (MOQ 50kg) and also sell cold-pressed milk thistle oil, a byproduct of the extraction process that's popular in natural skincare and cooking oils. EcoHerb is transparent about their impact: they publish annual sustainability reports detailing their reforestation efforts and farmer compensation. For brands that want their products to tell a story of environmental responsibility, EcoHerb is a standout choice.
7. BulkExtracts Mada
True to its name, BulkExtracts Mada is all about volume—and affordability. This wholesaler specializes in large-scale milk thistle extract sales, making it a top pick for manufacturers and distributors needing cost-effective raw materials. They source milk thistle from a network of partner farms in the southern regions of Madagascar, where the dry climate produces plants with naturally high silymarin content.
Their main product is a standardized 80% silymarin powder extract, available in 25kg drums. While they don't offer organic certification, their conventional extract is rigorously tested for quality and purity. What sets them apart? Their rock-bottom pricing (thanks to economies of scale) and willingness to negotiate on large orders (1,000kg+). They also provide free samples, so customers can test the product before committing. BulkExtracts Mada is ideal for price-sensitive buyers who don't need frills—just reliable, high-volume milk thistle extract.
8. Premium Silymarin Solutions
Premium Silymarin Solutions is for brands that refuse to compromise on quality—no matter the cost. This niche supplier focuses on ultra-high-purity silymarin extracts (95-98%), targeting research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and luxury supplement brands. Their extraction process uses advanced chromatography to isolate silymarin, resulting in a product with exceptional bioactivity.
While their MOQ is high (500kg), they offer unparalleled technical support: their team of biochemists can help customers optimize formulations and provide detailed data on silymarin's efficacy. They also conduct ongoing research into new applications for milk thistle extract, such as its potential role in supporting brain health and metabolic function. Premium Silymarin Solutions is not for everyone, but for brands at the cutting edge of natural health innovation, they're an invaluable partner.
9. Tropical Botanical Traders
Tropical Botanical Traders is a trader with a global vision, connecting Madagascar's finest milk thistle extract to markets far and wide. They work with multiple local manufacturers to offer a diverse range of products, from budget-friendly conventional extracts to premium organic options. This flexibility makes them a great fit for importers and distributors who need to cater to different customer segments.
What makes them unique? Their expertise in international logistics. They handle all aspects of shipping, including customs clearance and documentation, making it easy for customers in Canada, Australia, and Europe to import Madagascar milk thistle extract. They also offer small MOQs (10kg for sample orders), allowing brands to test the product before scaling up. Tropical Botanical Traders is all about convenience—they even provide market insights, helping customers stay ahead of trends in the milk thistle extract market.
10. Madagascar Milk Thistle Co-op
Last but certainly not least, the Madagascar Milk Thistle Co-op is a shining example of community-driven success. Founded in 2005 by a group of 50 farmers in the Fianarantsoa region, the co-op has grown to include over 300 members, all committed to sustainable farming and fair trade. By cutting out the middleman, the co-op ensures farmers receive a fair price for their crops—while customers get high-quality extract at competitive rates.
Their extract is standardized to 70% silymarin, grown using organic practices (though not yet certified, they're in the process of obtaining USDA organic approval). They offer powder extract in 20kg bags, with an MOQ of 50kg. What customers love most is the personal touch: co-op members often share stories of their farms and families, creating a connection that goes beyond business. For brands that value ethical sourcing and supporting small-scale farmers, the Madagascar Milk Thistle Co-op is a supplier with heart.
Supplier Comparison Table
| Company Name | Established | Key Products | Certifications | MOQ (kg) | Main Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madagascar Botanicals Co. | 1995 | 80% silymarin powder (organic/conventional) | USDA Organic, EU Organic | 50 | North America, Europe |
| Silymarin Extracts Madagascar Ltd. | 2003 | 95% silymarin pharmaceutical-grade extract | GMP, ISO 9001 | 200 | Europe, Asia, Pharmaceuticals |
| Green Harvest Madagascar | 2008 | 60-80% silymarin powder/liquid (organic/conventional) | Fair Trade | 25 | Startups, Supplement Brands |
| PureThistle Industries | 2010 | 70% silymarin skincare-grade extract | ISO 22000 | 100 | Cosmetics, Skincare Brands |
| Madagascar Natural Extracts | 2005 | Raw powder, 90% silymarin extract | ISO 22000 | 100 | Global (30+ countries) |
| EcoHerb Madagascar | 2012 | 75% silymarin organic powder, cold-pressed oil | Ecocert, B Corp | 50 | Eco-Conscious Brands |
| BulkExtracts Mada | 2015 | 80% silymarin conventional powder | None (rigorous testing) | 25 | Price-Sensitive Buyers |
| Premium Silymarin Solutions | 2007 | 95-98% ultra-pure silymarin | Pharmaceutical Grade | 500 | Research, Pharmaceuticals |
| Tropical Botanical Traders | 2011 | Diverse (organic/conventional, powder/liquid) | Varies by manufacturer | 10 (samples) | Canada, Australia, Europe |
| Madagascar Milk Thistle Co-op | 2005 | 70% silymarin organic powder | In progress (USDA Organic) | 50 | Ethical Brands, Small Businesses |
