Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Switzerland

Established: 1998

Focus: Organic certified milk thistle extract, bulk supply, sustainable sourcing

Nestled in the heart of Zurich, AlpineBotanicals AG has been a cornerstone of Switzerland's botanical extract industry for over two decades. What sets this family-owned manufacturer apart is its unwavering commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices. Their milk thistle is sourced from small-scale Swiss farmers in the Alpine valleys, where the clean air and mineral-rich soil contribute to a superior crop. Using traditional cold-press extraction methods combined with modern quality control, AlpineBotanicals produces organic certified milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 80%—ideal for premium dietary supplements and natural skincare lines.

Bulk orders are their specialty, with capacities to supply up to 500kg per month of powdered extract, and they also offer liquid formulations for cosmetic applications. Certifications include EU Organic, USDA Organic, and ISO 22000, ensuring compliance with global standards. Their client base spans Europe, North America, and Australia, with a reputation for reliability and transparency—they even provide detailed soil reports and harvest logs for clients prioritizing traceability.

Established: 2005

Focus: Pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, high-purity silymarin, custom formulations

Located in Basel, Switzerland's pharmaceutical capital, SwissExtract Solutions is a go-to for businesses requiring pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract. With a state-of-the-art GMP-certified facility, they specialize in producing high-purity silymarin extracts (up to 95% concentration) tailored for use in liver support medications and clinical supplements. Their extraction process, which combines supercritical CO2 technology with ethanol refinement, ensures minimal solvent residue and maximum bioavailability—key factors for pharmaceutical applications.

Beyond standard extracts, SwissExtract offers custom formulations, including microencapsulated powders for controlled-release supplements and water-soluble variants for functional beverages. They also provide comprehensive testing services, with in-house labs conducting HPLC and GC analyses to verify potency and purity. While their primary market is Europe, they've expanded to serve pharmaceutical clients in Asia and the Middle East, with a focus on long-term partnerships built on technical expertise and regulatory compliance.

Established: 2010

Focus: Global wholesale, bulk milk thistle extract, trader and distributor

As one of Switzerland's leading bulk traders of botanical extracts, GreenHerb Trading in Geneva bridges the gap between Swiss manufacturers and international buyers. They don't produce extracts in-house but instead curate a network of trusted local manufacturers—including several on this list—to offer bulk milk thistle extract at competitive prices. Their strength lies in scalability: whether you need 10kg for a small startup or 10,000kg for a multinational corporation, GreenHerb can negotiate volume discounts and streamline logistics.

They specialize in both conventional and organic milk thistle extracts, with silymarin levels from 40% to 80%. What clients appreciate most is their flexibility—they can source custom particle sizes, packaging (from drums to bag-in-box), and even private-label options for brands looking to enter the market quickly. With a focus on efficiency, they offer door-to-door delivery to over 50 countries, including Canada, Australia, and Brazil, making them a favorite for businesses with global supply chains.

Established: 2002

Focus: Cosmetic-grade milk thistle extract, natural skincare ingredients, eco-friendly production

For brands in the beauty and skincare industry, BioNature Labs in Lausanne is a hidden gem. While they do produce supplements-grade milk thistle extract, their claim to fame is their cosmetic-focused line, which emphasizes the extract's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for skin health. Their signature product, a low-silymarin (20-30%) milk thistle extract suspended in organic aloe vera juice, is a hit with natural skincare brands for its ability to soothe sensitive skin and protect against environmental stressors.

BioNature Labs prides itself on eco-friendly production: their facility runs on 100% renewable energy, and they use biodegradable packaging for all shipments. They're also certified by Ecocert and Cosmos, making their extracts ideal for organic and natural cosmetics lines. In addition to bulk supply, they offer small-batch testing samples (as little as 100g) for product developers, along with technical support to help formulate creams, serums, and masks. Their client list includes indie beauty brands in Europe and North America, as well as larger cosmetic conglomerates seeking sustainable ingredients.

Established: 1985

Focus: Heritage milk thistle extract manufacturer, traditional extraction methods, high silymarin purity

With over 35 years in the industry, Silymarin Suisse SA in Bern is one of Switzerland's oldest and most respected milk thistle extract manufacturers. Founded by a team of herbalists and pharmacists, the company stays true to traditional extraction methods—using cold maceration and gentle evaporation—while integrating modern quality checks to ensure consistency. Their flagship product is a high-purity silymarin extract (80-90%) that's been a staple in European health food stores and pharmacies for decades.

What makes Silymarin Suisse unique is their vertical integration: they own a network of milk thistle farms in the Swiss Plateau, allowing them to control every step from seed to extract. This hands-on approach ensures traceability and reduces the risk of contamination, a selling point for clients in the supplement and pharmaceutical sectors. They also offer a "vintage" line of extracts, made from single-harvest milk thistle seeds, for premium brands looking to market a story-driven product. While they're a smaller operation compared to some competitors, their focus on heritage and quality has earned them a loyal following among herbalists and natural medicine practitioners worldwide.

Established: 2015

Focus: Innovative extraction technology, high-bioavailability milk thistle extract, nutraceutical applications

PureExtracts Switzerland in Lucerne is a disruptor in the botanical extract space, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create milk thistle extracts with enhanced bioavailability. Their proprietary "NanoSilymarin" process uses ultrasonic extraction to break down silymarin molecules into smaller particles, making them easier for the body to absorb—a game-changer for dietary supplements where efficacy is key. This technology has made their extracts popular with sports nutrition brands and functional food companies looking to boost the health benefits of their products.

While they specialize in nutraceuticals, PureExtracts also produces standard bulk milk thistle extract for traditional applications. They're certified GMP and Kosher, and their facility includes a dedicated R&D lab where they collaborate with universities to explore new uses for milk thistle, such as in animal health supplements. With a focus on innovation, they regularly release new formulations, including a water-dispersible powder for protein shakes and a time-release capsule beadlet for extended liver support. Their fast-growing client base includes startups and established brands alike, drawn to their scientific approach and commitment to product development.

Established: 2008

Focus: International milk thistle extract supplier, custom blends, global logistics

GlobalBotanicals Ltd. in St. Gallen lives up to its name, with a focus on exporting Swiss-quality milk thistle extract to markets worldwide. They work with a ｓｅｌｅｃｔ group of Swiss manufacturers to offer a range of products, from conventional bulk powder (40-60% silymarin) to organic liquid extracts for the beverage industry. What sets them apart is their expertise in global logistics: they handle all customs documentation, certifications, and shipping, making it easy for clients in remote regions to access Swiss extracts.

They're particularly strong in serving emerging markets, such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where demand for natural supplements is growing. They also offer custom blending services, allowing clients to mix milk thistle extract with other botanicals like turmeric or artichoke for specialized formulations. With a multilingual sales team and 24/7 customer support, GlobalBotanicals prides itself on accessibility—even for first-time buyers. Their minimum order quantities are lower than many manufacturers (starting at 5kg), making them a great option for small to medium-sized businesses.

Established: 2012

Focus: Zero-waste milk thistle extract production, sustainable packaging, organic and biodynamic certification

EcoHerbals AG in Zug is on a mission to redefine sustainability in the botanical extract industry. Their zero-waste production process is a marvel: after extracting silymarin from milk thistle seeds, they repurpose the leftover seed meal as animal feed, and even use wastewater from extraction to fertilize their partner farms. This closed-loop system has earned them recognition from the Swiss Environmental Agency and a loyal following among eco-conscious brands.

Their product line includes organic and biodynamic milk thistle extracts, with silymarin levels from 30% to 70%. They're certified by Demeter (biodynamic), USDA Organic, and Fair Trade, ensuring that farmers are paid fairly for their crops. Packaging is another priority—they use compostable bags and recycled paper drums, and offer a return program for bulk containers to reduce waste. While their prices are slightly higher than conventional suppliers, clients say the sustainability credentials are worth the investment, especially for brands marketing themselves as eco-friendly or ethical.

Established: 1995

Focus: Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical-grade milk thistle extract, regulatory compliance, large-scale production

Another key player in Basel's pharmaceutical hub, PharmaExtracts Basel caters to the high-volume needs of the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Their state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to produce up to 500 metric tons of milk thistle extract annually, making them one of Switzerland's largest manufacturers. They specialize in standardized extracts (60% silymarin is their most popular) that meet strict regulatory standards, including EP (European Pharmacopoeia) and USP (United States Pharmacopeia).

PharmaExtracts works closely with clients to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, providing dossiers for supplement registration in the EU, US, and Asia. They also offer contract manufacturing services, producing finished capsules and tablets for brands that prefer to outsource production. With a focus on consistency, their extracts undergo rigorous testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, with results available on request. Their client roster includes major pharmaceutical companies and global supplement brands, drawn to their reliability and ability to scale production quickly.

Established: 2018

Focus: Budget-friendly bulk milk thistle extract, high-volume supply, fast turnaround

Rounding out our list is SwissBulk Botanicals in Winterthur, a newer entrant that's quickly made a name for itself by offering high-quality bulk milk thistle extract at competitive prices. Founded by industry veterans with decades of experience in sourcing and production, the company focuses on efficiency: they've optimized their extraction process to reduce costs without compromising quality, passing the savings on to clients. Their standard offering is a 40-60% silymarin extract, available in bulk quantities (100kg+), with fast lead times—often shipping within 5-7 days of order confirmation.

While they don't specialize in organic or cosmetic-grade extracts, their conventional products are still held to high standards: they're GMP-certified and test for heavy metals and pesticides. They're particularly popular with supplement brands and food manufacturers looking to add milk thistle to their product lines without breaking the bank. SwissBulk also offers a "value pack" for startups, including 5kg of extract, a certificate of analysis, and basic formulation guidance—making it easy for new businesses to get started. With a focus on transparency, they list prices openly on their website, a rarity in the industry, and offer volume discounts for repeat orders.