Top 10 Silymarin Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Ecuador

Founded in 2008, Andean Botanicals Extracts S.A. (ABE) has built a reputation as Ecuador's go-to source for premium silymarin and milk thistle extract. Based in Guayaquil, the company's 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is equipped with state-of-the-art extraction technology, including supercritical CO2 extraction and cold-press methods, to preserve the integrity of silymarin's active compounds. ABE specializes in pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, with purity levels ranging from 80% to 95%. Their product line includes both powder and liquid forms, catering to diverse needs—from capsule formulations to liquid tinctures. What truly sets ABE apart is their obsession with quality control: every batch undergoes rigorous testing in their in-house lab, with results verified by third-party organizations like SGS. This commitment has earned them certifications such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), ISO 9001, and Kosher, making them a trusted partner for clients in Europe, North America, and Asia. As a bulk botanical extracts supplier, ABE thrives on flexibility. They offer minimum order quantities (MOQs) as low as 5 kg for small businesses and can scale up to metric tons for large-scale manufacturers. Their team of agronomists works directly with local farmers in the Loja region, where milk thistle is grown without pesticides, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality raw material. "We don't just sell extracts—we build partnerships," says Maria Alvarez, ABE's sales director. "Our clients know they can count on consistent quality, on-time delivery, and personalized support."

For over a decade, Ecuador Natural Silymarin Trading Co. (ENSTC) has focused on one goal: making premium silymarin accessible to businesses of all sizes. Based in Quito, this family-owned company prides itself on bridging the gap between local farmers and global markets, with a focus on transparency and fair trade. ENSTC's silymarin is sourced from organic milk thistle farms in the Cotopaxi province, where the cool climate and volcanic soil enhance the plant's nutrient profile. Their extraction process uses water and ethanol, avoiding harsh chemicals to maintain a clean, natural product. The result is a milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations of 70% to 90%, ideal for nutraceuticals, herbal supplements, and even functional foods. What makes ENSTC stand out is their dedication to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They offer competitive pricing on bulk orders (starting at 25 kg) and provide free sample testing to help clients ensure compatibility with their formulations. "We remember what it was like to start small," says Juan Mendez, ENSTC's founder. "That's why we offer flexible payment terms and educational resources to help new brands navigate regulatory hurdles, like FDA and EU compliance." ENSTC is also a proud member of the Ecuadorian Association of Botanical Extract Producers, advocating for sustainable farming practices and ethical sourcing. Their products are certified organic by Ecocert, and they regularly audit their partner farms to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. For businesses prioritizing social responsibility alongside quality, ENSTC is a standout choice.

While many suppliers focus solely on silymarin, Amazon Bioactive Extracts Ltd. (ABE Ltd.) has carved a niche by combining silymarin with other powerhouse botanical extracts, offering clients a one-stop shop for natural ingredients. Founded in 2012 in Cuenca, this innovative company leverages Ecuador's biodiversity to create unique blends, such as silymarin with green tea extract or silymarin with turmeric, tailored for specific health benefits. ABE Ltd.'s silymarin is extracted using a proprietary low-temperature process that preserves not just silybin (the most active component of silymarin) but also other beneficial flavonoids. This results in a more potent extract, popular among pharmaceutical companies developing liver support medications and skincare brands formulating anti-aging products. Their 95% pure silymarin powder is particularly sought after for its high bioavailability, meaning the body can absorb and utilize it more effectively. As a botanical extracts manufacturer, ABE Ltd. invests heavily in research and development (R&D). Their in-house lab collaborates with the University of Cuenca to study silymarin's potential applications, from reducing inflammation to supporting skin health. This focus on innovation has led to partnerships with skincare giants in South Korea and supplement brands in Australia. For clients seeking customization, ABE Ltd. offers OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) services, helping brands develop unique formulations under their own label. They also provide detailed documentation, including COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), to streamline regulatory approval. "Our clients don't just get a product—they get a partner in innovation," says Dr. Carlos Rios, ABE Ltd.'s head of R&D.

Nestled in the mountainous region of Ambato, Sierra Extracts & Co. has built its reputation on slow, careful extraction methods that honor the milk thistle plant's natural properties. Founded in 2010 by a team of pharmacists, the company specializes in high-purity silymarin (90% to 98%) for pharmaceutical and clinical applications. Sierra Extracts uses a solvent-free extraction process that relies on pressure and temperature control to isolate silymarin, ensuring zero chemical residues. This makes their product ideal for injectable medications and high-end supplements, where purity is non-negotiable. Their facility is certified by the WHO (World Health Organization) for GMP compliance, and they regularly undergo audits to maintain strict quality standards. What truly distinguishes Sierra Extracts is their focus on traceability. Each batch of silymarin can be traced back to the specific farm and harvest date, with soil and water test reports available upon request. This level of transparency has made them a favorite among pharmaceutical companies in Europe, where regulatory requirements are stringent. While Sierra Extracts primarily serves large-scale manufacturers, they also work with research institutions, providing small batches of ultra-pure silymarin for clinical trials. Their team of scientists is available to consult on formulation challenges, offering insights into solubility, stability, and bioavailability. "We see ourselves as partners in healthcare," says Dr. Elena Moya, Sierra Extracts' quality control director. "Every batch we produce has the potential to improve lives, and that responsibility drives everything we do."

For businesses seeking affordability without compromising on quality, Coastal Botanicals Wholesale is a top choice. Based in Manta, this wholesaler has been supplying bulk silymarin and milk thistle extract to the Americas since 2007, leveraging Ecuador's lower production costs to offer competitive pricing. Coastal Botanicals sources milk thistle from cooperative farms in the Manabí province, where the warm climate and coastal breeze accelerate growth without sacrificing nutrient density. Their extraction facility uses a standard ethanol-based method, producing silymarin with purity levels of 70% to 85%—ideal for dietary supplements, animal feed additives, and cosmetic formulations. The company's strength lies in its logistics network. With a port location, Coastal Botanicals can ship bulk orders (500 kg and above) to North America, Central America, and the Caribbean in as little as 10 days, minimizing lead times and storage costs for clients. They also offer flexible packaging options, from drums to bags, to suit different shipping and storage needs. While Coastal Botanicals doesn't offer the ultra-high purity of some competitors, they make up for it with reliability and consistency. Their quality control lab tests every batch for potency, heavy metals, and microbial contamination, ensuring compliance with FDA and Health Canada standards. "We believe every business deserves access to quality ingredients," says Roberto Gonzalez, Coastal Botanicals' logistics manager. "Our goal is to make silymarin affordable so more brands can bring natural health products to market."

Andean Organics S.A. is a pioneer in organic silymarin production, with a mission to prove that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Founded in 2015 in Otavalo, the company operates a 500-acre organic farm where milk thistle is grown using regenerative agriculture practices, such as crop rotation and natural pest control. Andean Organics' silymarin is certified organic by the USDA, EU, and JAS (Japan Organic Standard), making it suitable for organic-labeled products worldwide. Their extraction process uses only organic ethanol and spring water, resulting in a light-colored powder with a mild, earthy scent—perfect for natural skincare and herbal teas. The company offers a range of silymarin products, including standardized extracts (70% to 90% purity), full-spectrum extracts (which include other milk thistle compounds), and oil-soluble extracts for cosmetic formulations. They also produce milk thistle seed oil, which is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and often used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. Andean Organics prides itself on its fair trade practices, paying farmers 20% above market rates and reinvesting profits into community projects, such as schools and healthcare clinics. For brands with strong sustainability values, partnering with Andean Organics isn't just a business decision—it's a statement. "We grow more than plants; we grow communities," says Luisa Torres, Andean Organics' founder. "Our clients don't just get an organic product—they get the peace of mind that comes with supporting ethical, sustainable agriculture."

Equator Extracts Trading is a global trader with deep roots in Ecuador's botanical extract market. Founded in 2009, the company acts as a bridge between local manufacturers and international buyers, offering a one-stop shop for silymarin and other botanical extracts, such as green tea and echinacea. What makes Equator Extracts unique is their ability to source from multiple manufacturers, allowing them to offer a wide range of silymarin products—from low-cost, standard-grade extracts to high-purity pharmaceutical-grade options. This flexibility makes them ideal for businesses with diverse needs, such as supplement brands that offer both budget and premium lines. Equator Extracts has offices in Miami and Madrid, making it easy for clients in the Americas and Europe to communicate and place orders. Their team speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and can assist with regulatory compliance, customs documentation, and shipping logistics. The company also offers private labeling services, helping new brands launch quickly with minimal upfront investment. "We understand that entering the supplement market can be overwhelming," says Jorge Paredes, Equator Extracts' trading director. "Our job is to simplify the process, from sourcing to shelf, so our clients can focus on building their brand." With a track record of serving over 200 clients in 30 countries, Equator Extracts has earned a reputation for reliability and customer service.

Southern Andes Biotech is at the forefront of innovation in silymarin production, leveraging biotechnology to enhance potency and sustainability. Founded in 2014 in Loja, this research-driven company has developed a proprietary strain of milk thistle that contains 30% more silymarin than conventional varieties, reducing the need for land and resources. Southern Andes Biotech's extraction process uses ultrasonic technology, which breaks down plant cell walls more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in higher yields and lower energy use. Their silymarin is available in purity levels from 85% to 98%, with a focus on silybin A and B—the most biologically active components of silymarin. The company works closely with cosmetic brands, offering water-soluble and oil-soluble silymarin formulations tailored for skincare products. Their silymarin is prized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the skin from UV damage and reduce redness. Clients include natural skincare lines in the U.S. and South Korea, who value the extract's stability and compatibility with other ingredients. Southern Andes Biotech is also committed to reducing waste: the byproducts of their extraction process are used to make animal feed, and their facility runs on solar power. "We believe biotechnology is the future of sustainable extraction," says Dr. Felipe Vargas, the company's chief scientific officer. "By combining nature and science, we can produce more with less, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations."

The Highland Milk Thistle Co-Op is a unique player in Ecuador's silymarin market: owned and operated by 120 small-scale farmers in the Azuay province, this cooperative embodies the spirit of community and shared success. Founded in 2012, the co-op was created to help farmers get fair prices for their milk thistle crops and access global markets. The farmers grow milk thistle using organic practices, though the co-op doesn't yet have formal organic certification due to cost constraints. Instead, they focus on transparency, providing detailed farm profiles and third-party lab reports for every batch. Their silymarin is extracted at a shared facility in Cuenca, using a simple ethanol-based method, resulting in purity levels of 70% to 80%. The co-op primarily sells to small supplement brands and herbalists in Latin America and the U.S., offering small MOQs (10 kg) and personalized service. What clients love most is the story behind the product: every purchase supports rural families and helps preserve traditional farming practices. "When you buy from us, you're not just buying silymarin—you're supporting a community," says Ana Chavez, the co-op's president. "Our farmers are proud of what they grow, and that pride shines through in our product." While the co-op's silymarin may not have the ultra-high purity of some competitors, it offers excellent value for money and the satisfaction of supporting ethical, community-driven agriculture. For brands with a focus on social impact, the Highland Milk Thistle Co-Op is a partner with heart.

Rounding out our list is National Extracts Ecuador (NEE), a government-backed enterprise established in 2003 to promote Ecuador's botanical extract industry. With facilities in Quito and Guayaquil, NEE has the largest production capacity in the country, making it a go-to supplier for bulk orders. NEE works with a network of over 500 farmers across Ecuador, ensuring a steady supply of milk thistle. Their extraction facility is one of the most advanced in South America, with automated production lines that can process up to 10 metric tons of raw material per day. This scale allows NEE to offer competitive pricing on bulk silymarin (70% to 90% purity) for dietary supplements, food additives, and industrial applications. NEE is certified by ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 22000 for food safety, reflecting their commitment to quality and sustainability. They also offer comprehensive documentation, including Halal and Kosher certifications, making their products accessible to global markets with diverse cultural requirements. While NEE primarily serves large manufacturers, they also offer educational programs for small businesses, hosting workshops on botanical extracts and regulatory compliance. "Our mission is to position Ecuador as a global leader in botanical extracts," says Rodrigo Almeida, NEE's marketing director. "By supporting businesses of all sizes, we're building a stronger, more resilient industry for our country."