If you've ever delved into the world of natural supplements, pharmaceuticals, or even skincare, you've likely come across a powerful ingredient called silymarin . Derived from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), silymarin is celebrated for its antioxidant properties and is widely used to support liver health, making it a staple in everything from herbal supplements to pharmaceutical formulations. But here's the thing: not all silymarin is created equal. The quality, purity, and reliability of the supplier can make all the difference in the effectiveness of the final product.
Guatemala, a country known for its rich biodiversity and agricultural heritage, has quietly emerged as a key player in the global botanical extract market—including silymarin. With its fertile soil, favorable climate for milk thistle cultivation, and a growing focus on sustainable and high-quality extraction practices, Guatemala is home to a range of suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders dedicated to bringing top-tier silymarin to businesses worldwide. Whether you're a small supplement brand looking for bulk milk thistle extract or a pharmaceutical company in need of pharmaceutical grade silymarin, this guide will walk you through the top 10 players in Guatemala's silymarin scene.
Why Guatemala for Silymarin?
Before diving into the list, let's take a moment to understand why Guatemala stands out. Unlike some larger markets, Guatemala's silymarin producers often prioritize small-batch, artisanal extraction methods alongside modern technology, ensuring both tradition and precision. Many suppliers here source milk thistle locally, supporting small-scale farmers and reducing carbon footprints. Additionally, strict adherence to international quality standards—like ISO, GMP, and organic certifications—has helped Guatemalan silymarin gain trust in global markets, from North America to Europe and beyond.
1. Guatemalan Milk Thistle Extractors (G.M.T.E.)
Type: Manufacturer & Wholesaler
Founded in 2005, G.M.T.E. is one of Guatemala's oldest and most respected silymarin manufacturers. What sets them apart? A vertically integrated model that starts with their own milk thistle farms in the highlands of Quetzaltenango. By controlling the entire process—from planting to extraction—they ensure consistent quality. Their state-of-the-art facility uses cold-press extraction to preserve silymarin's potency, resulting in extracts with 80-95% silymarin content, ideal for pharmaceutical and high-end supplement use.
They specialize in bulk milk thistle extract (both powder and liquid forms) and offer custom formulations for clients. With ISO 9001 and GMP certifications, G.M.T.E. is a go-to for businesses needing reliable, large-scale supply. Their clientele includes major supplement brands in the U.S. and Europe, and they pride themselves on transparent communication—providing COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS documents with every order.
2. PureSilymarin Trading Co.
Type: Trader & Exporter
If you're looking for a partner with global reach, PureSilymarin Trading Co. should be on your radar. Established in 2012, this Guatemala City-based trader works with a network of local farmers and small-scale extractors to source the finest milk thistle. They focus on curating high-purity silymarin (90%+ concentration) and have built a reputation for fast, reliable delivery—even for urgent orders.
What makes them unique? They offer flexible packaging options, from 1kg bags to 25kg drums, making them ideal for both small businesses and large manufacturers. They also specialize in pharmaceutical grade silymarin, tested rigorously for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants. Their team includes bilingual account managers, ensuring smooth communication for international clients. Recent partnerships with distributors in Canada and Australia have expanded their global footprint, but they remain committed to supporting local Guatemalan growers.
3. BioHerbal Guatemala
Type: Manufacturer & Organic Specialist
For brands prioritizing organic and sustainable sourcing, BioHerbal Guatemala is a standout. Certified by the USDA and EU Organic, they specialize in organic milk thistle extract, grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Their farm in Huehuetenango follows biodynamic farming practices, and their extraction facility uses water-based methods to avoid harsh chemicals, resulting in a silymarin extract that's gentle yet potent.
BioHerbal's product line includes silymarin powder (70-85% concentration), liquid extracts, and even encapsulated supplements for private labeling. They're particularly popular with natural skincare brands, as their organic silymarin is often used in anti-aging serums for its antioxidant properties. Small-batch production ensures freshness, and they offer sample sizes for testing—perfect for startups. Their mission? "Bringing the purity of Guatemala's soil to the world, one extract at a time."
4. Andes Silymarin Wholesalers
Type: Wholesaler & Trader
Andes Silymarin Wholesalers is all about accessibility and affordability. Located in Guatemala City's central market district, they act as a bridge between small-scale extractors and international buyers, aggregating silymarin from across the country to offer competitive pricing. While they don't manufacture in-house, they have strict vetting processes for their suppliers, ensuring all products meet minimum silymarin content (60%+) and safety standards.
They cater to a wide range of clients: from local supplement shops in Guatemala to large distributors in Brazil and Mexico. Their inventory includes both standard and pharmaceutical grade silymarin, and they're known for same-day shipping within Guatemala and 48-hour dispatch for international orders. For businesses new to sourcing from Guatemala, Andes offers free consultations to help navigate import regulations and documentation—making them a great entry point into the market.
5. Green Leaf Extraction Labs
Type: Manufacturer & R&D Focused
Innovation is the name of the game at Green Leaf Extraction Labs. Founded by a team of biochemists in 2018, this young company has quickly made a name for itself with cutting-edge extraction techniques. They use supercritical CO2 extraction, which allows for higher silymarin yields (up to 98% concentration) and zero solvent residues—making their extract ideal for pharmaceutical research and clinical trials.
Located in Antigua, their lab is equipped with HPLC and UV-Vis spectrophotometers for in-house testing, ensuring every batch meets strict purity criteria. They specialize in custom projects, working with clients to develop silymarin extracts with specific ratios of active compounds (like silybin, silydianin, and silychristin). While their prices are higher than some wholesalers, the quality and technical support they offer make them a favorite among pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Their recent collaboration with a university in Spain on silymarin's potential anti-inflammatory properties has put them on the map as an innovator in the field.
6. Maya Botanicals
Type: Manufacturer & Cultural Heritage Brand
Maya Botanicals blends tradition with modernity, drawing on Guatemala's Mayan agricultural heritage to create unique silymarin products. Their milk thistle is grown in the Petén region, using farming techniques passed down for generations, and their extraction process incorporates traditional herbal knowledge alongside modern equipment. The result? A silymarin extract with a rich, earthy profile that's become popular in holistic wellness circles.
They offer a range of products, including organic silymarin powder, tincture-style liquid extracts, and even tea blends infused with milk thistle. What's unique? They partner with Mayan communities to source milk thistle, ensuring fair wages and cultural preservation. Their "Heritage Line" includes limited-edition extracts made using traditional clay pots for extraction, appealing to brands focused on storytelling and authenticity. With a focus on education, they also provide resources to clients on the history and benefits of Mayan-grown milk thistle—adding value beyond just the product.
7. Guatemalan Extract Traders (G.E.T.)
Type: Trader & Global Distributor
G.E.T. is all about global reach. With offices in Guatemala City and Miami, Florida, they specialize in exporting silymarin to North America, Europe, and Asia. Their strength lies in logistics—they handle all aspects of shipping, from customs clearance to documentation, making it easy for clients to import bulk milk thistle extract without the hassle.
They work with over 15 local manufacturers, allowing them to offer a wide range of silymarin concentrations (40-95%) and forms (powder, liquid, encapsulated). Their pharmaceutical-grade silymarin is particularly sought after in the U.S. and Canada, where regulatory standards are strict. G.E.T. also offers warehousing services in Miami, letting clients store inventory and ship smaller batches as needed—reducing lead times and costs. Their customer service team is available 24/7, a boon for international clients in different time zones.
8. Highland Silymarin Farms
Type: Manufacturer & Farm-to-Extract Producer
Highland Silymarin Farms is a family-owned business that's been growing milk thistle in the Guatemalan highlands since 1998. What started as a small farm with 5 acres has expanded to over 50 acres, making them one of the largest milk thistle growers in the country. They opened their extraction facility in 2010, allowing them to control every step of the process—from planting seeds to bottling extract.
Their focus is on consistency. Using climate-controlled greenhouses, they ensure year-round milk thistle production, avoiding seasonal shortages. Their silymarin extract is known for its high silybin content (a key active compound in silymarin), making it popular for liver support supplements. They offer both conventional and organic options, and their facility is certified by the FDA, ensuring compliance with U.S. standards. As a family business, they prioritize relationships—many clients have worked with them for decades, citing their reliability and honesty as key reasons.
9. EcoExtract Guatemala
Type: Manufacturer & Sustainability Leader
EcoExtract Guatemala is on a mission to prove that high-quality silymarin can be produced sustainably. Their facility in Escuintla runs on 100% solar power, and they use recycled water in their extraction process. Even their packaging is biodegradable or recyclable. But sustainability doesn't mean compromising on quality—their silymarin extract boasts 90%+ concentration and is tested by third-party labs for purity.
They specialize in serving eco-conscious brands, from natural supplement companies to zero-waste skincare lines. Their "Green Batch" program allows clients to offset their carbon footprint by funding reforestation projects in Guatemala. EcoExtract also offers transparency through blockchain technology—clients can trace their silymarin back to the specific farm and batch, building trust. While their prices are slightly premium, the sustainability credentials make them a top choice for brands marketing to environmentally aware consumers.
10. Central American Pharmaceutical Extracts (C.A.P.E.)
Type: Manufacturer & Pharmaceutical Specialist
Rounding out our list is C.A.P.E., a manufacturer focused exclusively on pharmaceutical grade silymarin. Located in a dedicated industrial zone in Guatemala City, their facility meets the strictest GMP and ISO 13485 standards, making them a trusted supplier for pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Their silymarin is used in prescription medications, as well as high-potency supplements requiring precise dosing.
What sets C.A.P.E. apart is their focus on research and development. They work with universities to study silymarin's applications beyond liver health, including its potential in treating certain skin conditions and supporting immune function. Their extraction process uses advanced chromatography to isolate specific silymarin fractions, allowing for targeted formulations. They also offer contract manufacturing services, helping clients develop custom silymarin-based products from concept to production. With a team of pharmacists and chemists on staff, C.A.P.E. is the go-to for businesses needing scientific expertise alongside high-quality raw materials.
| Supplier Name | Type | Key Products | Certifications | Target Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guatemalan Milk Thistle Extractors (G.M.T.E.) | Manufacturer & Wholesaler | Bulk milk thistle extract (80-95% silymarin) | ISO 9001, GMP | Pharmaceuticals, Supplements |
| PureSilymarin Trading Co. | Trader & Exporter | Pharmaceutical grade silymarin (90%+) | COA, MSDS | Canada, Australia, Global |
| BioHerbal Guatemala | Manufacturer & Organic Specialist | Organic milk thistle extract (70-85%) | USDA Organic, EU Organic | Skincare, Natural Supplements |
| Andes Silymarin Wholesalers | Wholesaler & Trader | Bulk silymarin (60%+ concentration) | ISO 9001 | Local, Brazil, Mexico |
| Green Leaf Extraction Labs | Manufacturer & R&D Focused | High-purity silymarin (95%+) | GMP, HPLC Tested | Pharmaceutical Research |
Choosing the Right Silymarin Partner in Guatemala
Guatemala's silymarin market is as diverse as its landscape—from family-owned farms preserving Mayan traditions to high-tech labs pushing the boundaries of extraction science. Whether you prioritize organic certification, pharmaceutical-grade purity, bulk pricing, or sustainability, there's a supplier here to meet your needs. When choosing a partner, consider factors like certification (ISO, GMP, organic), extraction methods, batch testing, and customer support. Many suppliers offer samples, so don't hesitate to request a trial before committing to a large order.
As the global demand for natural and plant-based ingredients continues to grow, Guatemala's role in the silymarin market is only set to expand. By supporting these local suppliers, you're not just getting a high-quality product—you're also contributing to sustainable farming practices, community development, and the preservation of Guatemala's rich botanical heritage. Here's to finding your perfect silymarin partner in the heart of Central America!
