If you've ever picked up a liver support supplement, a natural skincare serum, or even a pharmaceutical formulation, there's a good chance you've encountered milk thistle extract. Derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant, this golden-hued extract is celebrated for its rich concentration of silymarin—a powerful antioxidant that's been linked to everything from liver detoxification to skin health. As demand for plant-based ingredients surges globally, Tunisia has quietly emerged as a key player in the milk thistle extract market, blending traditional herbal knowledge with modern extraction techniques to deliver high-quality products. Whether you're a small business owner looking for bulk supplies, a pharmaceutical company in need of certified raw materials, or a wholesaler seeking reliable partners, finding the right milk thistle extract supplier is crucial. In this guide, we're diving into the top 10 names shaping Tunisia's milk thistle extract industry, highlighting their strengths, specialties, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
Why Milk Thistle Extract Matters: A Quick Look at Its Benefits
Before we explore the suppliers, let's take a moment to appreciate why milk thistle extract has become such a staple in health and wellness circles. For centuries, it's been used in traditional medicine to support liver function, and modern research backs this up: silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, is known to protect liver cells from damage and promote regeneration. But its benefits don't stop there. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, milk thistle extract is also finding its way into cosmetics—think serums that fight free radicals and moisturizers that soothe sensitive skin. It's even used in pharmaceuticals, where its purity and potency make it a trusted ingredient in liver support medications. For businesses, this versatility means milk thistle extract isn't just a trend; it's a reliable, in-demand raw material. And in Tunisia, where the climate is ideal for growing milk thistle, suppliers are capitalizing on this by prioritizing quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Tunisia
1. Tunisian Herbal Extracts Co. (THEC)
Nestled in the heart of Tunis, Tunisia's capital, Tunisian Herbal Extracts Co. (THEC) has been a cornerstone of the local botanical extract scene since 2005. What started as a small family-run operation has grown into a leading milk thistle extract manufacturer, serving clients across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. THEC prides itself on "seed-to-shelf" control: they source milk thistle seeds directly from local farmers in the fertile regions of the Sahel, ensuring that only organically grown, pesticide-free plants make the cut. Their extraction process combines traditional cold-press methods with state-of-the-art CO2 extraction technology, preserving silymarin levels at an impressive 80–85%—a mark of quality that pharmaceutical companies and high-end supplement brands particularly value.
THEC doesn't just stop at standard milk thistle extract powder. They offer a range of formulations, including liquid extracts for skincare and bulk powder for dietary supplements. Certifications? They've got them: ISO 9001, GMP, and organic certifications from both EU and Tunisian regulatory bodies. What really sets them apart, though, is their commitment to sustainability. The company runs a "Green Extracts" program, where a portion of profits goes toward reforestation efforts in Tunisia's arid regions, and they use solar-powered dryers to reduce their carbon footprint. For businesses looking for a supplier that balances quality with eco-consciousness, THEC is a top contender.
THEC doesn't just stop at standard milk thistle extract powder. They offer a range of formulations, including liquid extracts for skincare and bulk powder for dietary supplements. Certifications? They've got them: ISO 9001, GMP, and organic certifications from both EU and Tunisian regulatory bodies. What really sets them apart, though, is their commitment to sustainability. The company runs a "Green Extracts" program, where a portion of profits goes toward reforestation efforts in Tunisia's arid regions, and they use solar-powered dryers to reduce their carbon footprint. For businesses looking for a supplier that balances quality with eco-consciousness, THEC is a top contender.
2. Sfax Organic Botanicals
Located in Sfax, Tunisia's second-largest city and a hub for agricultural trade, Sfax Organic Botanicals has built its reputation on one thing: organic purity. Since 2010, they've specialized in organic certified botanical extracts, with milk thistle extract being their flagship product. Unlike some suppliers that source from multiple regions, Sfax Organic Botanicals works exclusively with a network of 50+ local farmers who follow strict organic farming practices—no synthetic fertilizers, no GMOs, just sun, soil, and sustainable crop rotation. This dedication to organic sourcing has made them a favorite among natural skincare brands and health food companies that prioritize clean labels.
Their milk thistle extract comes in two main forms: a fine powder (ideal for capsules and tablets) and a concentrated liquid (perfect for serums and tinctures). Silymarin content is consistently tested at 70–75%, and each batch comes with a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for transparency. What clients love most? Their small-batch production model, which ensures freshness, and their willingness to customize orders. Need a specific particle size for your supplement blend? Or a vegan-friendly liquid extract? Sfax Organic Botanicals delivers. They also export to Canada and Australia, where demand for organic ingredients is high, making them a great choice for businesses targeting those markets.
Their milk thistle extract comes in two main forms: a fine powder (ideal for capsules and tablets) and a concentrated liquid (perfect for serums and tinctures). Silymarin content is consistently tested at 70–75%, and each batch comes with a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for transparency. What clients love most? Their small-batch production model, which ensures freshness, and their willingness to customize orders. Need a specific particle size for your supplement blend? Or a vegan-friendly liquid extract? Sfax Organic Botanicals delivers. They also export to Canada and Australia, where demand for organic ingredients is high, making them a great choice for businesses targeting those markets.
3. Mediterranean Bulk Extracts (MBE)
If bulk quantities are what you're after, look no further than Mediterranean Bulk Extracts (MBE) in Sousse. As the name suggests, MBE specializes in wholesale milk thistle extract, catering to large-scale manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors. Founded in 2012, they've built a reputation for reliability, offering consistent pricing and fast delivery—two factors that matter when you're running a high-volume operation. Their secret? A massive, state-of-the-art extraction facility that can process up to 50 tons of milk thistle seeds per month, using ethanol extraction to maximize yield without compromising on silymarin content (typically 65–70%).
MBE's product line is straightforward but effective: bulk milk thistle extract powder in 25kg drums, with options for food-grade, cosmetic-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade certifications. They're also known for their flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs)—while they excel at large orders, they're willing to work with smaller businesses too, starting at 100kg. Clients praise their customer service, with a dedicated account manager assigned to each client to handle everything from order tracking to technical support. With export partners in Brazil and the Middle East, MBE has a global reach, making them a go-to for businesses that need a steady, affordable supply of milk thistle extract.
MBE's product line is straightforward but effective: bulk milk thistle extract powder in 25kg drums, with options for food-grade, cosmetic-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade certifications. They're also known for their flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs)—while they excel at large orders, they're willing to work with smaller businesses too, starting at 100kg. Clients praise their customer service, with a dedicated account manager assigned to each client to handle everything from order tracking to technical support. With export partners in Brazil and the Middle East, MBE has a global reach, making them a go-to for businesses that need a steady, affordable supply of milk thistle extract.
4. Carthage Natural Ingredients
Named after Tunisia's ancient coastal city, Carthage Natural Ingredients blends tradition and innovation to produce some of the most sought-after milk thistle extracts in the region. Based in Bizerte, a port city with easy access to international shipping routes, they've been exporting since 2008, focusing on pharmaceutical-grade products. What makes Carthage stand out is their rigorous testing process: every batch of milk thistle extract undergoes third-party lab testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, ensuring it meets the strict standards of the pharmaceutical industry. Their silymarin levels are consistently high (80%+), and they offer both standardized and custom extracts tailored to specific formulations.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Carthage also caters to the cosmetic industry, with a line of milk thistle extract optimized for skincare. Rich in antioxidants, this extract is a hit with brands creating anti-aging serums and soothing creams. They're certified by ISO 13485 (a standard for medical devices) and comply with EU Pharmacopoeia requirements, which gives international clients peace of mind. For businesses that prioritize regulatory compliance and pharmaceutical-grade quality, Carthage Natural Ingredients is a top choice.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Carthage also caters to the cosmetic industry, with a line of milk thistle extract optimized for skincare. Rich in antioxidants, this extract is a hit with brands creating anti-aging serums and soothing creams. They're certified by ISO 13485 (a standard for medical devices) and comply with EU Pharmacopoeia requirements, which gives international clients peace of mind. For businesses that prioritize regulatory compliance and pharmaceutical-grade quality, Carthage Natural Ingredients is a top choice.
5. North African Botanicals (NAB)
North African Botanicals (NAB) in Kairouan is all about community and sustainability. Founded in 2015 by a group of local farmers and scientists, NAB was born from a desire to support small-scale agriculture while producing high-quality extracts. They work directly with over 100 family farms in central Tunisia, providing training on organic farming practices and fair pricing for milk thistle seeds. This "farm-to-extract" model not only ensures fresh, high-quality raw materials but also strengthens the local economy—a mission that resonates with socially conscious brands.
NAB's milk thistle extract is available in both organic and conventional varieties, with silymarin content ranging from 60–75%. They specialize in cold-water extraction, a gentler method that preserves more of the plant's natural compounds, making their extract ideal for sensitive skincare products and natural supplements. They also offer bulk quantities at competitive prices, with MOQs as low as 50kg. What clients appreciate most is their transparency: NAB provides detailed traceability reports, so you can see exactly which farm your milk thistle seeds came from. For businesses that want to tell a story with their ingredients, NAB is a perfect partner.
NAB's milk thistle extract is available in both organic and conventional varieties, with silymarin content ranging from 60–75%. They specialize in cold-water extraction, a gentler method that preserves more of the plant's natural compounds, making their extract ideal for sensitive skincare products and natural supplements. They also offer bulk quantities at competitive prices, with MOQs as low as 50kg. What clients appreciate most is their transparency: NAB provides detailed traceability reports, so you can see exactly which farm your milk thistle seeds came from. For businesses that want to tell a story with their ingredients, NAB is a perfect partner.
6. Tunis Pharma Extracts
As the name implies, Tunis Pharma Extracts is a heavyweight in the pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract space. Located in the Tunis Techno Park, a hub for biotech and pharmaceutical innovation, they've been serving the medical industry since 2003. Their facility is GMP-certified and equipped with advanced extraction technology, including supercritical CO2 extraction, which produces ultra-pure milk thistle extract with silymarin levels up to 85%. This high potency makes their extract a favorite among pharmaceutical companies developing liver support medications and nutraceuticals.
Tunis Pharma Extracts doesn't just focus on powder—they also produce standardized liquid extracts for injectable formulations, a niche that few suppliers in Tunisia cater to. They're compliant with FDA regulations and have a dedicated R&D team that works on improving extraction efficiency and developing new formulations. While their prices are on the higher side, clients say the quality and reliability are worth it. If you're in the pharmaceutical or high-end supplement industry, Tunis Pharma Extracts is a name you can trust.
Tunis Pharma Extracts doesn't just focus on powder—they also produce standardized liquid extracts for injectable formulations, a niche that few suppliers in Tunisia cater to. They're compliant with FDA regulations and have a dedicated R&D team that works on improving extraction efficiency and developing new formulations. While their prices are on the higher side, clients say the quality and reliability are worth it. If you're in the pharmaceutical or high-end supplement industry, Tunis Pharma Extracts is a name you can trust.
7. Green Leaf Tunisia
Green Leaf Tunisia, based in Gabès, is a rising star in the milk thistle extract market, known for its focus on cosmetic-grade ingredients. Founded in 2018, this young company has quickly made a name for itself by specializing in milk thistle extract for skincare and haircare products. Their secret? A unique extraction process that retains not just silymarin, but also other beneficial compounds like flavonoids and fatty acids, which work together to nourish and protect the skin.
Green Leaf's milk thistle extract is light in color and has a mild, neutral scent—perfect for formulators who want to avoid strong herbal odors in their products. They offer it in both powder and liquid forms, with silymarin content ranging from 50–70% (ideal for cosmetics, where gentleness is key). They're also big on sustainability, using biodegradable packaging and solar energy to power their facility. With clients in France, Italy, and Spain, Green Leaf Tunisia is proving that Tunisian suppliers can compete in the global cosmetic ingredients market.
Green Leaf's milk thistle extract is light in color and has a mild, neutral scent—perfect for formulators who want to avoid strong herbal odors in their products. They offer it in both powder and liquid forms, with silymarin content ranging from 50–70% (ideal for cosmetics, where gentleness is key). They're also big on sustainability, using biodegradable packaging and solar energy to power their facility. With clients in France, Italy, and Spain, Green Leaf Tunisia is proving that Tunisian suppliers can compete in the global cosmetic ingredients market.
8. Sahara Extracts & Traders
For businesses that need a one-stop shop for botanical extracts, Sahara Extracts & Traders in Tozeur is hard to beat. While they're best known for their date-based products (Tozeur is famous for its dates), they've expanded into milk thistle extract in recent years, leveraging their existing export network to reach clients worldwide. What sets Sahara Extracts apart is their versatility: they offer milk thistle extract alongside other popular botanical extracts like rosemary and oregano, making it easy for clients to source multiple ingredients from one supplier.
Their milk thistle extract is available in bulk powder (25kg drums) and is suitable for both food supplements and animal feed (yes, milk thistle is also used in pet health products!). Silymarin content is typically 60–65%, and they offer competitive pricing for large orders. They're also experienced in navigating international shipping, with partnerships with major logistics companies to ensure timely delivery to markets like Brazil and Australia. If you're looking for a reliable, multi-ingredient supplier, Sahara Extracts & Traders is worth considering.
Their milk thistle extract is available in bulk powder (25kg drums) and is suitable for both food supplements and animal feed (yes, milk thistle is also used in pet health products!). Silymarin content is typically 60–65%, and they offer competitive pricing for large orders. They're also experienced in navigating international shipping, with partnerships with major logistics companies to ensure timely delivery to markets like Brazil and Australia. If you're looking for a reliable, multi-ingredient supplier, Sahara Extracts & Traders is worth considering.
9. Atlas Organic Botanicals
Atlas Organic Botanicals, located in Béja, is all about organic certification and premium quality. They've been certified organic by Ecocert since 2010, and every step of their process—from seed selection to extraction—is designed to meet the strictest organic standards. Their milk thistle is grown in the mountainous regions of northern Tunisia, where the cool nights and mineral-rich soil produce seeds with exceptional silymarin content (75–80%).
Atlas Organic offers both conventional and organic milk thistle extract, but their organic line is their pride and joy. It's a hit with health food stores and natural supplement brands in Europe and North America, where organic certifications are a must. They also offer custom labeling and private branding services, making it easy for small businesses to launch their own milk thistle supplement lines. With a focus on quality over quantity, Atlas Organic Botanicals is the supplier for businesses that want to stand out with premium, certified-organic ingredients.
Atlas Organic offers both conventional and organic milk thistle extract, but their organic line is their pride and joy. It's a hit with health food stores and natural supplement brands in Europe and North America, where organic certifications are a must. They also offer custom labeling and private branding services, making it easy for small businesses to launch their own milk thistle supplement lines. With a focus on quality over quantity, Atlas Organic Botanicals is the supplier for businesses that want to stand out with premium, certified-organic ingredients.
10. Tunisia Extracts Wholesale
Rounding out our list is Tunisia Extracts Wholesale, a family-owned wholesaler in Monastir that's been connecting local manufacturers with global buyers since 2000. They don't produce their own extract, but instead partner with the best milk thistle extract manufacturers in Tunisia (including some on this list) to offer a curated selection of products. This model allows them to offer a wide range of options—from low-cost, high-volume extracts to premium organic varieties—all under one roof.
Tunisia Extracts Wholesale is known for its competitive pricing and personalized service. They work with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations, and are experts at negotiating bulk discounts with manufacturers. They also handle all the logistics, from sourcing to shipping, making it easy for international clients to navigate Tunisia's export process. If you're new to sourcing from Tunisia or want to compare products from multiple manufacturers, Tunisia Extracts Wholesale is a great starting point.
Tunisia Extracts Wholesale is known for its competitive pricing and personalized service. They work with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations, and are experts at negotiating bulk discounts with manufacturers. They also handle all the logistics, from sourcing to shipping, making it easy for international clients to navigate Tunisia's export process. If you're new to sourcing from Tunisia or want to compare products from multiple manufacturers, Tunisia Extracts Wholesale is a great starting point.
Comparing the Top Suppliers: A Quick Reference Table
| Supplier Name | Location | Specialties | Certifications | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunisian Herbal Extracts Co. | Tunis | CO2 extraction, organic sourcing | ISO 9001, GMP, Organic | Europe, Africa, Middle East |
| Sfax Organic Botanicals | Sfax | Organic extracts, small-batch production | EU Organic, GMP | Canada, Australia, Europe |
| Mediterranean Bulk Extracts | Sousse | Wholesale, bulk quantities | ISO 9001, Food-Grade | Brazil, Middle East, Africa |
| Carthage Natural Ingredients | Bizerte | Pharmaceutical-grade, third-party testing | ISO 13485, EU Pharmacopoeia | Pharmaceutical companies, Europe |
| North African Botanicals | Kairouan | Community-sourced, cold-water extraction | Organic, Fair Trade | Natural skincare brands, Europe |
| Tunis Pharma Extracts | Tunis | Injectable formulations, high silymarin | GMP, FDA-compliant | Pharmaceutical industry |
| Green Leaf Tunisia | Gabès | Cosmetic-grade, skin-friendly extracts | ECOCERT, Cosmetic-Grade | France, Italy, Spain |
| Sahara Extracts & Traders | Tozeur | Multi-ingredient supplier, animal feed | ISO 22000 | Brazil, Australia, Middle East |
| Atlas Organic Botanicals | Béja | Premium organic, private branding | Ecocert Organic, GMP | Europe, North America |
| Tunisia Extracts Wholesale | Monastir | Wholesale, manufacturer partnerships | Varies by partner | Global (all sizes) |
Choosing the Right Supplier: What to Look For
Now that you're familiar with Tunisia's top milk thistle extract suppliers, how do you pick the one that's right for your business? Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Certifications: If you're selling organic products, look for suppliers with EU or USDA Organic certifications. For pharmaceuticals, GMP and ISO 13485 are non-negotiable.
- Product Quality: Ask about silymarin content (aim for 65%+ for most applications) and request a COA to verify purity and potency.
- Capacity: Do they offer the quantities you need? Some suppliers specialize in bulk, while others cater to small batches.
- Location & Shipping: Consider how close they are to ports (Tunis and Sfax have major ports) to keep shipping costs low.
- Sustainability: More and more consumers care about ethical sourcing—suppliers with transparent, eco-friendly practices can help differentiate your brand.
Final Thoughts: Tunisia's Milk Thistle Extract Scene is Just Getting Started
From the sun-drenched fields of the Sahel to the cutting-edge labs of Tunis, Tunisia's milk thistle extract suppliers are proving that quality and tradition can go hand in hand. Whether you're a skincare brand hunting for organic extracts, a pharmaceutical company needing high-potency silymarin, or a wholesaler seeking bulk supplies, there's a Tunisian supplier ready to meet your needs. As the global demand for plant-based ingredients continues to grow, these suppliers are poised to play an even bigger role—innovating, expanding, and putting Tunisia on the map as a leader in botanical extracts. So, if you're in the market for milk thistle extract, don't overlook Tunisia: its suppliers are not just selling a product; they're selling a legacy of herbal expertise, rooted in the land and refined by modern science.



