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

Founded in 2010, Ethiopia Botanical Extracts Industries (EBEI) is often the first name that comes up when locals and international buyers talk about silymarin in Ethiopia. Based in Bishoftu, just outside Addis Ababa, EBEI operates one of the most advanced extraction facilities in East Africa, equipped with supercritical CO2 extraction technology and state-of-the-art testing labs.

What really sets EBEI apart is its vertically integrated model: the company works directly with over 500 local farmers in the Oromia and Amhara regions to grow milk thistle, ensuring full traceability from seed to extract. This focus on quality starts in the fields—farmers are trained in sustainable practices, and the milk thistle is harvested at peak potency. In the lab, EBEI's silymarin is tested for purity (ranging from 80% to 95%), heavy metals, and microbial contaminants, with results shared openly with clients.

EBEI specializes in both powder and liquid forms of silymarin, catering to pharmaceuticals, supplements, and even cosmetic brands looking to incorporate milk thistle extract into skincare lines. The company holds ISO 22000 (food safety) and GMP certifications, and in 2019, it became one of the first Ethiopian extract manufacturers to earn organic certification from both the EU and USDA. This makes it a go-to for buyers seeking organic certified botanical extracts.

Whether you need a small trial order or bulk botanical extracts (they can produce up to 500kg of silymarin powder monthly), EBEI's sales team is known for being responsive and flexible. They also offer custom formulations, like water-soluble silymarin for beverage applications, and provide detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) for every batch. With exports to Europe and East Africa, EBEI has built a reputation for reliability that's hard to match.

If you're a small to medium-sized business looking for flexibility and competitive pricing, Addis Ababa Natural Ingredients PLC (AANI) might be your ideal partner. Established in 2015, AANI operates as a wholesaler and exporter, bridging the gap between local manufacturers and international buyers. They don't produce their own extracts but source from vetted Ethiopian and Kenyan manufacturers, curating a range of silymarin products to suit different needs.

AANI's sweet spot is in mid-sized orders—think 50kg to 500kg of silymarin powder—making them popular with supplement brands and cosmetic formulators. They offer silymarin in various purities (80%, 85%, 90%, and 95%) and can also arrange for custom blends, like silymarin combined with other botanical extracts for targeted supplements. Their product line includes both standard and micronized silymarin, the latter being a hit with clients who need faster dissolution in formulations.

While AANI doesn't have its own manufacturing certifications, they rigorously vet their suppliers, ensuring all silymarin meets ISO 9001 standards. They also hold Halal certification, which is a plus for buyers in the Middle East and South Asia—two of their biggest markets. What clients love most about AANI is their speed: they keep stock of popular silymarin grades in their Addis Ababa warehouse, meaning orders can ship within 3–5 business days.

Customer service is another strong suit. AANI's team speaks fluent English, Arabic, and Amharic, and they're happy to walk new buyers through the silymarin selection process, explaining the differences between purities and forms. They also offer flexible payment terms for repeat clients, which is a big help for small businesses managing cash flow. If you're just starting out or need a reliable wholesaler for consistent silymarin supply, AANI is worth a look.

For businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing, Oromia Herbal Extracts Co. is a standout choice. This farmer-owned cooperative, based in Shashamane, Oromia, was founded in 2012 by a group of 300 small-scale farmers who wanted to add value to their milk thistle crops. Today, they own a modest but efficient extraction facility and are 100% focused on organic, fair-trade silymarin.

Oromia Herbal's story is rooted in community: farmers are paid a fair price for their milk thistle seeds, and profits are reinvested into local schools and healthcare. This commitment to fair trade has earned them Fair Trade certification, which resonates with conscious buyers in North America and Europe. Their silymarin is also USDA Organic certified, with strict no-GMO, no-pesticide policies in the fields.

While their production capacity is smaller than EBEI's (around 200kg of silymarin monthly), Oromia Herbal makes up for it with quality and storytelling. Each batch comes with a "farmer story" document, sharing details about the farmers who grew the milk thistle—a unique touch that supplement brands love for marketing. Their silymarin is available in 80–90% purity, with a focus on powder form, though they can produce liquid extract for custom orders.

Oromia Herbal works best with buyers who value sustainability over ultra-low prices and are willing to plan ahead (lead times are around 4–6 weeks for large orders). They also offer milk thistle seed powder, a byproduct of the extraction process, which is popular with animal feed and herbal tea companies. For businesses looking to align their supply chain with ethical values, Oromia Herbal Extracts Co. offers more than just silymarin—they offer peace of mind.

Blue Nile Botanicals Trading, based in Bahir Dar, is all about serving the regional market. Founded in 2013, this family-owned business focuses on distributing silymarin and other botanical extracts to small pharmacies, supplement shops, and health clinics across Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea). They're not the biggest player, but they're a lifeline for local businesses that need reliable access to quality silymarin.

Blue Nile's product range is straightforward: silymarin powder (80% and 90% purity), liquid milk thistle extract (popular for topical applications like creams), and occasionally raw milk thistle seeds for small-scale processors. They keep prices competitive by sourcing in bulk from larger manufacturers like EBEI and passing savings on to customers. Minimum orders are as low as 5kg, which is a relief for small shops with limited storage.

While Blue Nile doesn't hold international certifications, they're ISO 13485 certified (medical device quality management), which gives local buyers confidence in their products. They also offer same-day delivery in Bahir Dar and next-day delivery to Addis Ababa via trusted couriers. What clients appreciate most is their accessibility—owner Ahmed Hussein is often on call to answer questions, and the team provides simple, clear labeling in Amharic and English.

If you're a regional business in East Africa, Blue Nile Botanicals is worth reaching out to. They understand the local market's unique needs, from flexible payment options (they accept cash, bank transfers, and even mobile money) to packaging that's durable for long-distance transport. Plus, they're happy to share tips on how to store silymarin to maintain potency in Ethiopia's warm climate—a small but valuable service.

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, Amhara Natural Extracts Ltd. is the gold standard in Ethiopia. Based in Gondar, Amhara region, this manufacturer was founded in 2008 with a singular focus: producing high-purity silymarin for the global pharmaceutical industry. Their facility is WHO GMP certified, and their lab is ISO 17025 accredited, meaning they can conduct advanced testing in-house, from HPLC (to verify silymarin content) to heavy metal analysis.

Amhara's silymarin is known for its consistency—purity levels are tightly controlled at 95%, with minimal variation between batches. This is critical for pharmaceutical companies, which need reliable ingredients for drug formulations. The company also specializes in water-soluble silymarin, a more bioavailable form that's used in oral medications and injectables. They're one of the few Ethiopian manufacturers capable of producing this specialized extract, which commands a premium price.

Production capacity is modest but efficient: around 300kg of pharmaceutical-grade silymarin monthly. Amhara primarily sells to large pharmaceutical companies in India, Europe, and the Middle East, but they also work with ｓｅｌｅｃｔ local pharmaceutical firms. The company is strict about minimum order quantities (starting at 100kg for bulk orders), which can be a barrier for small businesses, but for those in the pharmaceutical space, the quality is worth it.

What clients value most about Amhara is their technical support. Their team of chemists is available to answer formulation questions and provide detailed stability data, which is essential for drug development. They also offer regulatory support, helping clients navigate import requirements in their target markets. If you're in the pharmaceutical industry and need silymarin you can trust, Amhara Natural Extracts should be on your shortlist.

Ethio-Botanical Exports PLC is all about scale. Founded in 2014 and based in Addis Ababa, this exporter and wholesaler focuses on large-volume orders of silymarin and other botanical extracts, making them a favorite with international supplement brands and contract manufacturers. They work with a network of 10+ local extractors to source silymarin, allowing them to handle orders up to 2,000kg monthly.

Ethio-Botanical offers silymarin in 80%, 90%, and 95% purity, with a focus on powder form (though they can arrange liquid extract for large orders). They also excel at blended extracts—for example, silymarin combined with artichoke extract or turmeric for liver support supplements. Their pricing is competitive, especially for bulk orders, and they offer discounts for repeat clients.

The company holds ISO 9001 certification and Kosher certification, which appeals to buyers in Jewish communities and health-conscious markets like the US. They also have a dedicated export team that handles logistics, including customs clearance and documentation, which takes the hassle out of international shipping. Clients note that their lead times are reliable (4–6 weeks for bulk orders) and their communication is clear, with regular updates on production and shipping status.

While Ethio-Botanical doesn't produce its own extracts, they have strict supplier vetting processes, including annual audits of their partner facilities. They also maintain a small lab for in-house testing, verifying purity and potency before shipping. For businesses that need large quantities of silymarin at a competitive price, Ethio-Botanical Exports is a solid choice.

Sidama Herbal Solutions, based in Hawassa, is the budget-friendly option on our list. Founded in 2017, this manufacturer focuses on producing cost-effective silymarin for price-sensitive markets, like local supplement brands and small-scale cosmetics producers. They achieve lower prices by using simpler extraction methods (ethanol-based extraction rather than supercritical CO2) and sourcing milk thistle seeds from larger, more affordable farms.

Sidama's silymarin is available in 80% and 85% purity, primarily in powder form. While not organic certified, their products meet ISO 22000 food safety standards, and they provide basic COAs for each batch. The company's sweet spot is small to medium orders (10kg to 200kg), making them popular with startups and local businesses that need quality silymarin without the premium price tag.

What Sidama lacks in certifications, they make up for in accessibility. Their sales team is fluent in English and Amharic, and they're willing to negotiate payment terms for new clients. They also offer quick turnaround times—most orders ship within 3–5 business days—and can deliver to most Ethiopian cities via local transport services.

It's important to note that Sidama's silymarin is best suited for supplements and cosmetics, not pharmaceuticals, due to the slightly lower purity and lack of specialized certifications. But for businesses working within a tight budget, Sidama Herbal Solutions offers a reliable, affordable option that gets the job done.

Tigray Botanical Traders, based in Mekelle, is a locally focused wholesaler that's been operating since 2011. They specialize in distributing silymarin and other herbal extracts to small retailers, pharmacies, and health clinics in Tigray and northern Ethiopia. While their reach is regional, they've built a loyal customer base by offering personalized service and small-batch ordering.

Tigray Botanical's product line is simple: silymarin powder (80% purity) and pre-filled milk thistle extract capsules in bulk (popular with retailers who want to sell ready-to-use supplements). They source their silymarin from manufacturers in Addis Ababa and repackage it into smaller quantities (starting at 1kg) for local distribution. Prices are kept low by focusing on regional logistics, which are more affordable than international shipping.

While the company doesn't hold international certifications, they're registered with Ethiopia's Food, Medicine, and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA), ensuring their products meet basic safety standards. They also offer in-person consultations in Mekelle, where retailers can learn about proper storage and marketing tips for silymarin products.

For businesses in northern Ethiopia, Tigray Botanical Traders is a convenient, low-cost option. They understand the local market's needs, from small order sizes to payment in local currency, and their team is known for being friendly and helpful. If you're a regional retailer looking to stock silymarin supplements, this could be your go-to supplier.

Harar Natural Ingredients, based in the historic city of Harar, is a small but mighty manufacturer with a focus on organic silymarin for the global supplement market. Founded in 2016 by a team of former agricultural scientists, the company prides itself on scientific rigor and sustainable practices.

Harar's silymarin is 100% organic, certified by the EU, and sourced from smallholder farmers in the Harari and Somali regions who use traditional, pesticide-free growing methods. The company uses a gentle ethanol extraction process to preserve the silymarin's potency, resulting in a product with high bioavailability—meaning it's easily absorbed by the body. This makes it popular with supplement brands targeting health-conscious consumers.

Production capacity is small (around 150kg monthly), but Harar focuses on quality over quantity. Each batch is tested in-house for purity (85–90%) and contaminants, and the company provides detailed COAs and organic certificates. They also offer custom packaging, including eco-friendly options like biodegradable bags, which appeals to sustainable brands.

Harar primarily exports to Europe and Australia, where organic supplements are in high demand. They work with small to medium-sized brands, offering personalized service and even helping with market research for new products. While their prices are higher than non-organic options, the premium is justified by the quality and sustainability credentials. For brands that prioritize organic, ethically sourced ingredients, Harar Natural Ingredients is a hidden gem.

Rounding out our list is Djibouti-Ethiopia Botanical Logistics (DEBL), a unique player that combines trading with logistics expertise. Based in Addis Ababa with a sister office in Djibouti City, DEBL specializes in importing high-quality silymarin from global manufacturers (primarily India and China) and distributing it locally, while also exporting Ethiopian-grown silymarin to international markets. This dual focus makes them a bridge between Ethiopia and the global botanical extract industry.

DEBL's product range includes both imported and Ethiopian-made silymarin, giving buyers the option to choose based on price, certification, or origin. Imported silymarin is often more affordable and available in higher quantities, while Ethiopian silymarin appeals to buyers looking for regional sourcing. The company also handles all logistics, from customs clearance in Djibouti's ports to delivery in Addis Ababa, which simplifies the import/export process for clients.

DEBL holds ISO 9001 certification for quality management and is customs-certified in both Ethiopia and Djibouti, ensuring smooth cross-border transactions. They're particularly popular with international buyers who want to source Ethiopian silymarin but don't have experience navigating local logistics. The company's team of logistics experts can handle everything from shipping documentation to warehousing, making the process hassle-free.

Whether you're a local business needing imported silymarin or an international buyer looking to export Ethiopian silymarin, DEBL offers a one-stop solution. Their fees are transparent, and they provide regular updates on shipments, which is crucial for time-sensitive orders. For businesses new to Ethiopia's botanical extract market, DEBL is an excellent partner to have on your side.