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

For centuries, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been cherished as a natural healer, celebrated most for its remarkable support of liver health. At the heart of this humble plant lies silymarin—a powerful antioxidant complex that shields liver cells from damage, aids in detoxification, and even promotes regeneration. Today, as the world turns increasingly to plant-based solutions for wellness, skincare, and pharmaceuticals, milk thistle extract has surged in demand. From dietary supplements that promise liver detox to cosmetics harnessing its anti-inflammatory properties, this botanical extract has become a staple in industries spanning health, beauty, and medicine.

Turkey, with its sun-drenched landscapes, fertile soils, and deep-rooted tradition in herbal medicine, has emerged as a key player in the global botanical extract market. Straddling Europe and Asia, the country boasts ideal growing conditions for milk thistle, particularly in regions like Anatolia, where the plant thrives in the Mediterranean climate. Turkish suppliers, steeped in both agricultural expertise and modern extraction technologies, have built reputations for delivering high quality milk thistle extract that meets rigorous international standards. Whether you're a supplement brand seeking bulk quantities, a cosmetic formulator in search of pure silymarin, or a pharmaceutical company prioritizing GMP-certified ingredients, Turkey's network of manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders offers a wealth of options.

But with so many players in the market, finding a partner you can trust—one that balances quality, consistency, and affordability—can feel overwhelming. That's why we've curated this guide to the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers in Turkey. Each entry highlights companies that have earned their stripes through years of dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Read on to discover which supplier aligns best with your needs, and take the first step toward integrating the power of milk thistle into your products.
Rank Company Name Key Products Certifications Market Focus
1 Anatolia Herbal Extracts Ltd. Milk thistle extract (powder/liquid), silymarin 80-95% GMP, ISO 9001, Organic EU/USDA Europe, North America, Middle East
2 Istanbul Botanicals & Biotech Bulk milk thistle extract, standardized silymarin ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal Global (B2B wholesalers, supplement brands)
3 Mediterranean Extracts Co. Pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, silymarin isolate EMA, FDA-registered, GMP Pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals
4 Turkish Herbal Trading House Organic milk thistle extract, crude herb, bulk powders Organic, Fair Trade, ISO 14001 Europe, Australia, Japan
5 Ankara Bioactives Milk thistle extract for cosmetics, low-heat processed powders ISO 22716 (cosmetics), Ecocert Skincare brands, personal care
6 Izmir Natural Ingredients Bulk milk thistle extract, custom formulations GMP, ISO 9001, Halal Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia
7 Thrace Botanicals Ltd. Standardized milk thistle extract, silymarin 70-80% ISO 9001, GMP, Kosher Europe, North America, supplement manufacturers
8 Cappadocia Herbal Exports Organic milk thistle extract, cold-pressed oils USDA Organic, EU Organic, Fair Trade Natural food brands, organic cosmetics
9 Marmara Extract Solutions Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical-grade milk thistle extract FDA-registered, GMP, ISO 13485 Pharmaceutical companies, dietary supplement brands
10 Antalya Botanical Traders Bulk raw milk thistle extract, wholesale herbs ISO 9001, Halal Local Turkish market, Middle East, North Africa

1. Anatolia Herbal Extracts Ltd. (Istanbul)

Founded in 2005, Anatolia Herbal Extracts has grown from a small family-owned operation to one of Turkey's most respected milk thistle extract manufacturers. Based in Istanbul, the company combines traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, operating a state-of-the-art extraction facility in the Anatolian countryside where milk thistle is grown organically. Their flagship product is a high-potency milk thistle extract available in both powder and liquid forms, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 80% to 95%—among the highest in the market.

What sets Anatolia apart is its vertical integration: the company owns its own farms, ensuring full control over the supply chain from seed to extract. This hands-on approach allows them to guarantee traceability, a critical factor for clients in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and organic cosmetics. Their team of agronomists works closely with farmers to monitor crop health, while in-house labs conduct rigorous testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants.
Key Strengths:
• Organic certification for both EU and USDA markets, appealing to eco-conscious brands.
• Flexible production runs, from small batches (1kg) to bulk orders (1000kg+).
• Dedicated R&D team that develops custom extracts, such as water-soluble silymarin for beverages.

2. Istanbul Botanicals & Biotech (Istanbul)

If bulk milk thistle extract is what you need, look no further than Istanbul Botanicals & Biotech. Established in 2010, this company has built its reputation on scalability, offering some of the most competitive prices for large-volume orders in Turkey. Their modern facility in Istanbul's industrial zone is equipped with supercritical CO2 extraction technology, which preserves the integrity of silymarin while eliminating the need for chemical solvents. The result is a clean, high-purity extract that's a favorite among supplement brands and wholesalers worldwide.

Istanbul Botanicals specializes in standardized milk thistle extract, with silymarin levels ranging from 60% to 80%—the sweet spot for most dietary supplements. They also offer custom blends, such as milk thistle combined with other liver-supporting herbs like dandelion or artichoke. With a focus on B2B clients, the company prides itself on fast turnaround times; most bulk orders ship within 5-7 business days, thanks to their extensive inventory and efficient logistics network.
Key Strengths:
• Kosher and Halal certifications, making them a top choice for markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
• Strong relationships with global logistics partners, ensuring reliable delivery to over 50 countries.
• In-house testing lab accredited by ISO 17025, providing clients with detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) for every batch.

3. Mediterranean Extracts Co. (Izmir)

For pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, Mediterranean Extracts Co. in Izmir is a name you can trust. Founded in 1998, this company has deep roots in the pharmaceutical industry, supplying active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to some of the world's largest drug manufacturers. Their milk thistle extract is produced in a GMP-certified facility that adheres to the strictest standards set by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the FDA, making it suitable for use in prescription medications and high-end nutraceuticals.

Mediterranean Extracts is particularly known for its silymarin isolate, a highly purified form of the antioxidant that's used in clinical studies and specialized formulations. The company invests heavily in research, collaborating with universities across Turkey to explore new applications for milk thistle extract, including its potential role in supporting brain health and managing metabolic disorders. While their prices are higher than some competitors, clients say the premium is worth it for the consistency and purity of their products.
Key Strengths:
• FDA-registered facility, ensuring compliance with U.S. pharmaceutical regulations.
• Extensive documentation package for each batch, including stability testing and impurity profiles.
• Dedicated technical support team to assist clients with regulatory submissions.

4. Turkish Herbal Trading House (Ankara)

Turkish Herbal Trading House, based in Ankara, is a wholesaler with a passion for organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Since 2003, they've worked directly with small-scale farmers in Anatolia who grow milk thistle without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This commitment to ethical sourcing has earned them Fair Trade certification and a loyal following among natural food brands and organic cosmetic companies.

In addition to organic milk thistle extract (available in powder and liquid forms), the company offers whole milk thistle seeds, crude herb, and even value-added products like milk thistle tea blends. Their extract is standardized to 70% silymarin, making it versatile enough for everything from capsules to skincare serums. What clients love most, however, is their transparency: Turkish Herbal Trading House provides full traceability reports, including the name of the farm where the milk thistle was grown and the date of harvest.
Key Strengths:
• USDA and EU Organic certifications, ideal for brands targeting the natural products market.
• Small-batch production options, perfect for startups or niche brands.
• Commitment to sustainability; the company offsets its carbon footprint by investing in reforestation projects in Turkey.

5. Ankara Bioactives (Ankara)

Ankara Bioactives is a rising star in the cosmetic ingredients space, specializing in milk thistle extract tailored for skincare and haircare products. Founded in 2012 by a team of cosmetic chemists, the company recognized early on the potential of silymarin as an anti-aging and soothing agent in beauty formulations. Their extract is gentle, non-irritating, and rich in antioxidants, making it a popular choice for serums, moisturizers, and even sunscreens.

What makes Ankara Bioactives unique is their focus on low-heat extraction methods, which preserve the delicate phytochemicals in milk thistle that contribute to its skin benefits. They also offer water-soluble and oil-soluble versions of their extract, giving formulators flexibility in product development. Recent innovations include a nano-encapsulated milk thistle extract that penetrates deeper into the skin for enhanced efficacy. While their primary market is cosmetics, they also supply small quantities to natural skincare brands and DIY formulators.
Key Strengths:
• ISO 22716 certification for cosmetic ingredients, ensuring compliance with global beauty industry standards.
• Custom formulation support, with chemists available to help clients integrate milk thistle extract into their products.
• Sample sizes available (as small as 100g), allowing brands to test formulations before committing to bulk orders.

6. Izmir Natural Ingredients (Izmir)

Izmir Natural Ingredients is a wholesaler that prides itself on accessibility, offering a one-stop shop for all things botanical. Founded in 2005, the company sources milk thistle from family farms in the Aegean region, where the plant has been cultivated for generations. Their extract is produced using traditional ethanol extraction, a method that balances efficiency with affordability, resulting in a high-quality product at a mid-range price point.

The company's product line includes both standardized milk thistle extract (60-80% silymarin) and crude extract for less demanding applications. They also offer bulk quantities of milk thistle seed oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids and used in skincare and haircare products. With a focus on the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Izmir Natural Ingredients has built a reputation for understanding regional market needs, such as Halal certification and localized packaging options.
Key Strengths:
• Flexible payment terms, including LC (Letter of Credit) and consignment options for new clients.
• Multilingual sales team fluent in English, Arabic, and Turkish, ensuring clear communication with international buyers.
• Regular participation in trade shows like Arab Health and Cosmoprof, making it easy for clients to connect in person.

7. Thrace Botanicals Ltd. (Edirne)

Located in the Thrace region of northwest Turkey, Thrace Botanicals Ltd. is a small but mighty manufacturer with a focus on quality over quantity. Founded in 2010, the company operates a boutique extraction facility that produces milk thistle extract in small batches, ensuring maximum freshness and potency. Their silymarin content is consistently high (70-80%), and they offer both conventional and organic options to suit different client needs.

Thrace Botanicals has carved out a niche in the European and North American supplement markets, where their attention to detail and personalized service have earned them a loyal customer base. The company's founder, a former botanist, personally oversees each step of the extraction process, from selecting the best milk thistle heads to testing the final product in their in-house lab. This hands-on approach has made them a favorite among small to medium-sized supplement brands that value a personal touch.
Key Strengths:
• Small-batch production, ideal for brands that need frequent, fresh deliveries rather than large stockpiles.
• Strong commitment to sustainability, using renewable energy in their facility and recycling all extraction byproducts as fertilizer.
• Fast response times; the founder is often directly involved in client communications, ensuring quick resolution of questions or concerns.

8. Cappadocia Herbal Exports (Nevşehir)

Cappadocia, known for its otherworldly landscapes, is also home to Cappadocia Herbal Exports, a company that specializes in organic and wild-harvested botanical extracts. Founded in 2008, they source their milk thistle from the high plateaus of Cappadocia, where the dry climate and mineral-rich soil produce plants with exceptional silymarin content. Their extract is certified organic by both USDA and EU standards, and they offer a range of forms, including powder, liquid, and cold-pressed oil.

What makes Cappadocia Herbal Exports stand out is their focus on traditional extraction methods. They use cold maceration, a slow process that extracts phytochemicals without heat, preserving the plant's natural benefits. This method is particularly popular among natural food brands and organic cosmetic companies that prioritize "clean" ingredients. The company also offers educational resources for clients, including workshops on sustainable sourcing and formulation tips for milk thistle-based products.
Key Strengths:
• Fair Trade certification, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their crops.
• Wild-harvested options for clients seeking truly natural, unprocessed ingredients.
• Beautiful, eco-friendly packaging options, making their extracts ideal for premium brands.

9. Marmara Extract Solutions (Bursa)

Marmara Extract Solutions, based in Bursa, is a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical supplier that combines scientific rigor with industrial scale. Founded in 2001, the company has a long history of working with pharmaceutical companies, providing them with high-purity milk thistle extract for use in liver medications and clinical trials. Their facility is certified by ISO 13485, a standard specific to medical devices and pharmaceutical components, ensuring the highest level of quality control.

Marmara Extract Solutions offers a range of milk thistle products, from standardized extract (60-95% silymarin) to purified silybin, the most active component of silymarin. They also provide custom analytical services, helping clients test their own formulations or validate the potency of raw materials. With a focus on innovation, the company recently invested in nanotechnology research to develop milk thistle extract with improved bioavailability—a game-changer for supplements and pharmaceuticals alike.
Key Strengths:
• FDA-registered facility, making them a trusted partner for U.S. pharmaceutical companies.
• Extensive experience with regulatory submissions, helping clients navigate complex approval processes.
• Bulk API production capabilities, with the ability to supply tons of milk thistle extract annually for large-scale drug manufacturing.

10. Antalya Botanical Traders (Antalya)

Rounding out our list is Antalya Botanical Traders, a wholesaler that serves as a bridge between Turkish farmers and local and regional buyers. Founded in 2003, the company focuses on supplying raw milk thistle extract and herbs to small businesses, herbalists, and even home brewers in Turkey and neighboring countries. Their extract is affordable, with silymarin levels ranging from 50-70%, making it suitable for basic supplements, herbal teas, and DIY skincare projects.

Antalya Botanical Traders prides itself on supporting local agriculture, sourcing milk thistle directly from small farms in the Antalya region. This not only ensures freshness but also helps sustain rural communities. The company operates a small retail store in Antalya's historic market district, where customers can purchase small quantities of extract and get advice on usage. For bulk buyers, they offer competitive pricing and flexible shipping options, including pickup from their warehouse for local clients.
Key Strengths:
• Deep roots in the local community, providing access to fresh, seasonal milk thistle extract.
• Affordable pricing for small businesses and hobbyists, with no minimum order requirements for local clients.
• Knowledgeable staff with expertise in traditional uses of milk thistle, offering valuable insights for clients new to botanical extracts.
Choosing the right milk thistle extract supplier is more than just a business decision—it's a partnership that impacts the quality, efficacy, and reputation of your products. Whether you're a multinational pharmaceutical company in need of pharmaceutical-grade silymarin or a small skincare brand seeking organic, cold-pressed extract, Turkey's diverse network of suppliers has something to offer. From the vertically integrated farms of Anatolia Herbal Extracts to the boutique batches of Thrace Botanicals, each company on this list brings unique strengths to the table.

As you evaluate your options, remember to prioritize transparency (ask for COAs and traceability reports), certifications (GMP, organic, or pharmaceutical accreditations, depending on your industry), and alignment with your values (sustainability, fair trade, or innovation). With the right supplier by your side, you can harness the full potential of milk thistle extract—whether it's supporting liver health, enhancing skincare, or driving innovation in your industry. Here's to growing together, rooted in the power of nature and the expertise of Turkey's finest botanical extract suppliers.
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