In recent years, the world has turned increasingly toward nature for solutions—whether it's in skincare, supplements, or pharmaceuticals. Among the most beloved botanical powerhouses is milk thistle, a plant celebrated for its liver-supporting properties, thanks to its active compound silymarin. As demand for high-quality, natural ingredients surges, Romania has emerged as a quiet leader in the botanical extract industry, leveraging its fertile landscapes, centuries-old herbal traditions, and rigorous quality standards to produce some of the finest milk thistle extracts on the market.
But here's the thing: not all milk thistle extracts are created equal. For businesses—whether you're formulating a new liver-support supplement, developing a pharmaceutical-grade ingredient, or sourcing bulk extracts for cosmetic products—finding a reliable supplier is make-or-break. You need consistency in potency, purity in every batch, and a partner who understands the nuances of regulatory compliance (hello, EU standards!). That's where Romania's top milk thistle extract suppliers come in. Today, we're diving into the crème de la crème: the manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders who've earned their reputation through years of dedication to quality, transparency, and customer trust.
Why Romania? The Hidden Gem of European Botanical Extracts
You might be wondering: why focus on Romania for milk thistle extract? Let's break it down. Nestled in Eastern Europe, Romania boasts a diverse climate—from the sunny plains of Wallachia to the mountainous regions of Transylvania—that's ideal for growing milk thistle. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, and Romanian farmers have been cultivating it for generations, passing down sustainable farming practices that prioritize both yield and plant health.
Beyond agriculture, Romania's botanical extract industry benefits from strict EU regulations. Suppliers here must adhere to rigorous standards for purity, labeling, and production—think GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), ISO certifications, and often organic certifications from bodies like Ecocert or USDA. This means when you source from a Romanian supplier, you're not just getting a product; you're getting peace of mind that it's been tested, traced, and held to the highest safety benchmarks.
Plus, Romania's central location in Europe makes it a logistical hub, with easy access to markets in Western Europe, Asia, and beyond. Many suppliers here specialize in bulk orders, offering competitive pricing without cutting corners on quality—a win-win for businesses looking to scale.
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Romania: At a Glance
| Company Name | Focus | Key Certifications | Product Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romania Botanicals Ltd. | Manufacturer & Wholesaler | ISO 9001, GMP, Organic EU | Bulk powder (80-95% silymarin), liquid extracts |
| Transylvanian Extracts Co. | Manufacturer | Ecocert, Kosher, Halal | Organic certified milk thistle, cold-pressed extracts |
| Danube Natural Ingredients | Supplier & Trader | ISO 22000, GMP | Custom formulations, fast delivery across EU |
| Carpathian Herbal Extracts | Manufacturer | USDA Organic, GMP | High-potency silymarin (95%), pharmaceutical grade |
| Bucharest Botanicals Trading | Wholesaler & Trader | ISO 14001, GMP | Bulk quantities, global export focus |
| Olt River Extracts | Manufacturer | EU Organic, GMP | Sustainable sourcing, zero-waste production |
| Black Sea Botanicals | Supplier & Exporter | ISO 9001, Halal | Liquid extracts, private label options |
| Maramureș Natural Products | Manufacturer | Organic EU, GMP | Small-batch, artisanal extracts |
| Wallachia Extracts Ltd. | Wholesaler | ISO 22000, GMP | Competitive pricing, bulk powder & granules |
| Dobrogea Botanical Traders | Trader & Exporter | ISO 9001, GMP | Global distribution, mixed botanical blends |
1. Romania Botanicals Ltd.
Founded in 2005, Romania Botanicals Ltd. has grown from a small family operation to one of the country's most trusted milk thistle extract manufacturers. Located in the heart of the Wallachian plains—where milk thistle has been farmed for over a century—the company prides itself on controlling every step of the process, from seed to extract. "We work directly with 20 local farmers to ensure the milk thistle is grown without synthetic pesticides," explains Maria Popescu, the company's quality control manager. "That way, we know exactly what goes into our extracts."
As both a manufacturer and wholesaler, Romania Botanicals caters to businesses of all sizes. Their flagship product is a high-potency milk thistle powder with silymarin content ranging from 80% to 95%, ideal for supplements and pharmaceutical use. They also produce liquid extracts for cosmetics and functional beverages. What really sets them apart? Their commitment to transparency. Every batch comes with a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis), and they welcome clients to tour their GMP-certified facility in Bucharest. "We've had customers fly in from Germany and France just to see how we operate," Maria adds with a smile. "Trust is everything in this industry."
Certifications: ISO 9001, GMP, Organic EU. Minimum order: 50kg for powder, 10L for liquid extracts. Delivery time: 3-5 days within EU, 7-10 days globally.
2. Transylvanian Extracts Co.
If "organic" is your top priority, look no further than Transylvanian Extracts Co. Based in Cluj-Napoca, this manufacturer has built its reputation on ecologically sound practices, from farming to extraction. "Transylvania's soil is naturally rich in minerals, so our milk thistle grows stronger without the need for chemicals," says Andrei Ionescu, the company's founder. "We've been certified organic by Ecocert since 2010, and we're also Kosher and Halal certified—so we can serve a global market."
Transylvanian Extracts specializes in cold-pressed milk thistle extracts, a method that preserves silymarin's potency better than traditional heat-based extraction. Their product line includes organic milk thistle powder (standardized to 80% silymarin), as well as oil-based extracts for skincare formulations. "We recently started working with a natural skincare brand in the UK that uses our extract in their liver detox serums," Andrei notes. "They love that our process is gentle on the environment and the end product is pure."
What makes them unique? Their small-batch approach. While they do offer bulk orders, they never compromise on quality for quantity. "We limit our monthly production to ensure each batch is tested thoroughly," Andrei explains. "It means we're not the cheapest, but our clients tell us the consistency is worth it."
Certifications: Ecocert Organic, Kosher, Halal, GMP. Minimum order: 25kg (powder), 5L (liquid). Delivery time: 5-7 days EU, 10-14 days international.
3. Danube Natural Ingredients
For businesses that need flexibility and speed, Danube Natural Ingredients is a game-changer. As a supplier and trader with partnerships across Romania's top manufacturing facilities, they act as a one-stop shop for all things milk thistle. "We don't own farms or factories, but we vet every partner rigorously," says Elena Vasilescu, their head of sourcing. "Our job is to connect our clients with the best possible extracts, whether they need a small test batch or a 500kg order."
Danube Natural Ingredients prides itself on custom formulations. Need milk thistle extract blended with other botanicals like dandelion or artichoke? They can do that. Looking for a specific particle size for your supplement capsules? They'll source it. "We had a client in Spain who needed a water-soluble milk thistle extract for a functional drink," Elena recalls. "We worked with our manufacturing partners to develop exactly what they needed, and now they're a repeat customer."
With ISO 22000 and GMP certifications, Danube ensures every product meets EU safety standards. Their warehouse in Bucharest allows for fast shipping—most EU orders arrive within 48 hours. "We know time is money in this industry," Elena adds. "That's why we keep popular products in stock, so our clients never have to wait."
Certifications: ISO 22000, GMP, HACCP. Minimum order: 10kg (standard), custom orders negotiable. Delivery time: 2-3 days EU (in-stock), 5-7 days (custom).
4. Carpathian Herbal Extracts
Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, Carpathian Herbal Extracts is a manufacturer that focuses on pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extracts. "Our clients are mostly pharmaceutical companies and high-end supplement brands who need the purest silymarin possible," says Dr. Ion Petrescu, their head of R&D. "That's why we specialize in 95% silymarin extract—it's one of the highest concentrations on the market."
Founded in 2012, the company uses a proprietary extraction process that isolates silymarin with minimal solvents, resulting in a highly concentrated powder. They're USDA Organic certified, meaning their milk thistle is grown without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or synthetic fertilizers. "We test every batch in our in-house lab for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination," Dr. Petrescu notes. "If it doesn't meet our standards, it doesn't leave the facility."
Carpathian Herbal Extracts also offers technical support to their clients, helping with formulation and regulatory compliance. "Many of our clients are entering new markets, like the US or Canada, and need help navigating local regulations," Dr. Petrescu says. "We provide detailed documentation to make that process smoother."
Certifications: USDA Organic, GMP, ISO 17025 (lab testing). Minimum order: 20kg (95% silymarin), 50kg (lower concentrations). Delivery time: 7-10 days globally.
5. Bucharest Botanicals Trading
Bucharest Botanicals Trading is all about scale. As one of Romania's largest wholesalers, they specialize in bulk milk thistle extract, serving clients across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. "We move over 10 tons of milk thistle extract every month," says Mihai Radu, their export manager. "Our sweet spot is large orders—think 100kg and up—where we can offer the most competitive pricing."
Based in Romania's capital, the company works with a network of 15+ farmers in the Wallachian and Moldavian regions, ensuring a steady supply of raw milk thistle. Their manufacturing partners are GMP-certified, and they hold ISO 14001 certification for their commitment to environmental sustainability. "We've invested in solar panels at our warehouses and use eco-friendly packaging," Mihai explains. "It's not just good for the planet—it's good for business, too. Clients love working with companies that care."
While their focus is bulk, Bucharest Botanicals Trading doesn't skimp on quality. They offer extracts with silymarin content from 40% to 90%, and every shipment includes a COA. "We had a client in India who was hesitant to order in bulk without testing first," Mihai says. "We sent them a free 1kg sample, and now they're one of our biggest customers."
Certifications: ISO 14001, GMP, Halal. Minimum order: 100kg (bulk powder), 500L (liquid extract). Delivery time: 5-7 days EU, 15-20 days international (sea freight).
6. Olt River Extracts
Olt River Extracts is a manufacturer with a mission: to prove that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Located along the Olt River, where milk thistle has been cultivated for centuries, the company uses traditional farming methods combined with modern extraction technology. "Our farmers rotate crops to keep the soil healthy, and we use 100% renewable energy in our extraction facility," says Ana Georgescu, their sustainability director. "Even our waste products—like the leftover plant material after extraction—are composted and returned to the fields."
Olt River Extracts offers both organic and conventional milk thistle extracts, with silymarin concentrations from 60% to 90%. Their most popular product is a EU Organic certified powder, which has become a favorite among natural supplement brands in Germany and Austria. "We're seeing more demand for 'clean label' ingredients, and our organic extracts fit that perfectly," Ana notes. "Consumers want to know their supplements are good for them and the planet—and we can deliver that."
What's unique about Olt River? Their zero-waste policy. "Nothing goes to landfill," Ana emphasizes. "The seed oil from milk thistle is even sold as a byproduct to cosmetic companies for skincare oils. It's a closed-loop system that benefits everyone."
Certifications: EU Organic, GMP, ISO 14001. Minimum order: 25kg (organic), 50kg (conventional). Delivery time: 5-8 days EU, 12-16 days international.
7. Black Sea Botanicals
For businesses in need of liquid milk thistle extracts, Black Sea Botanicals is a standout. Based in Constanta, a port city on the Black Sea, they specialize in liquid formulations for cosmetics, beverages, and tinctures. "Liquid extracts are trickier to produce than powder—you have to balance solubility, stability, and shelf life," says Georgi Dimitrov, their production manager. "But we've perfected our process over 15 years."
Black Sea Botanicals offers both water-based and alcohol-based liquid extracts, with silymarin content ranging from 10% to 50%. They also provide private label services, allowing clients to brand the extracts as their own. "We work with several indie skincare brands in the UK who use our liquid milk thistle extract in their serums," Georgi says. "They love that it's natural, effective, and easy to incorporate into their formulas."
As an exporter, Black Sea Botanicals has a knack for navigating international shipping. Their Halal certification makes them a top choice for clients in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and their ISO 9001 certification ensures consistent quality. "We once shipped 2000L of extract to Malaysia in under two weeks," Georgi recalls. "Our logistics team is the best in the business."
Certifications: ISO 9001, Halal, GMP. Minimum order: 5L (liquid extract), 20kg (powder). Delivery time: 3-5 days EU, 7-10 days international (air freight).
8. Maramureș Natural Products
Maramureș Natural Products is for the businesses that value craftsmanship. This small-batch manufacturer, located in the mountainous Maramureș region, produces artisanal milk thistle extracts using traditional methods. "We're not the biggest, but we're the most passionate," says Iulian Moraru, the company's founder. "Our milk thistle is grown at 1,000 meters above sea level, where the air is clean and the soil is untouched by industrial farming."
Maramureș uses a slow extraction process that takes 48 hours longer than standard methods but results in a richer, more potent extract. "We believe in quality over speed," Iulian explains. "Our extracts have a higher concentration of beneficial compounds beyond silymarin, like flavonoids and antioxidants. Clients tell us they notice the difference in their finished products."
While they primarily serve small to medium-sized businesses, Maramureș has caught the attention of luxury brands. "A high-end skincare line in France uses our organic milk thistle extract in their anti-aging creams," Iulian says proudly. "They pay a premium, but they know they're getting something special."
Certifications: Organic EU, GMP, Slow Food Certified. Minimum order: 5kg (powder), 1L (liquid). Delivery time: 7-10 days EU, 14-21 days international.
9. Wallachia Extracts Ltd.
Wallachia Extracts Ltd. is all about affordability—without sacrificing quality. As a wholesaler operating out of Craiova, they leverage their location in Romania's agricultural heartland to source milk thistle at competitive prices, then pass those savings on to clients. "We buy directly from farmers in bulk, which cuts out the middleman," says Luca Popovici, their sales director. "That means we can offer extracts with 80% silymarin for 10-15% less than some of our competitors."
Wallachia Extracts specializes in standard milk thistle powder and granules, ideal for supplements and animal feed (yes, milk thistle is also used in pet health products!). They hold ISO 22000 certification for food safety and GMP certification for manufacturing. "We test every batch for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination," Luca adds. "Cheap doesn't mean low quality here."
While they don't offer custom formulations, they make up for it with reliability. "We've never missed a delivery in 12 years," Luca boasts. "Our clients—many of whom are supplement brands in Eastern Europe—appreciate that consistency. When you're running a production line, you can't afford delays."
Certifications: ISO 22000, GMP. Minimum order: 50kg (powder), 25kg (granules). Delivery time: 3-5 days EU, 8-12 days international.
10. Dobrogea Botanical Traders
Rounding out our list is Dobrogea Botanical Traders, a global exporter with a focus on mixed botanical blends. While milk thistle is their specialty, they also offer extracts like green tea, turmeric, and ashwagandha, making them ideal for businesses looking to source multiple ingredients from one supplier. "We started as a milk thistle trader, but our clients kept asking for more," says Simona Lazăr, their export coordinator. "Now, we offer over 50 botanical extracts—and milk thistle remains our bestseller."
Dobrogea Botanical Traders has a strong presence in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and South America. "We understand the challenges of importing into these regions—complex customs, long shipping times," Simona explains. "We work with local agents to make the process as smooth as possible. For example, we have a partner in Nigeria who handles all the paperwork, so our clients there just focus on receiving the goods."
With ISO 9001 certification and a GMP-compliant network of manufacturers, they ensure quality across all their products. "Whether you're buying milk thistle or moringa extract, you get the same level of care," Simona says. "That's why our clients stay with us for years."
Certifications: ISO 9001, GMP, Halal. Minimum order: 20kg (single extract), 50kg (blends). Delivery time: 10-15 days (Africa/South America), 5-7 days EU.
Choosing Your Perfect Partner: Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of milk thistle extract suppliers can feel overwhelming, but Romania's vibrant industry offers something for every need. Whether you're a small skincare brand chasing organic certifications, a pharmaceutical company requiring 95% silymarin purity, or a supplement manufacturer needing bulk quantities at competitive prices, the suppliers on this list have you covered.
Remember, the best supplier isn't just the one with the lowest price—it's the one who aligns with your values, meets your quality standards, and communicates openly. Don't hesitate to ask for samples, tour facilities (if possible), and review COAs thoroughly. After all, the ingredient you choose will become part of your product's story—and your customers deserve the best.
As the demand for natural, effective ingredients continues to grow, Romania's milk thistle extract suppliers are poised to lead the way. With their combination of tradition, innovation, and commitment to quality, they're not just suppliers—they're partners in bringing the power of milk thistle to the world.



