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

Founded in 2005, Madagascar Milk Thistle Extracts Ltd. (MMTEL) is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the country's silymarin scene. What started as a small family-owned farm has grown into a vertically integrated operation, controlling every step from seed to extract. MMTEL's 500-acre farm in the central highlands (near Antananarivo) is certified organic by Ecocert, ensuring that their milk thistle is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

Their extraction facility, equipped with state-of-the-art supercritical CO2 extraction technology, produces silymarin with purity levels ranging from 80% to 95%—a range that caters to both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical clients. "We focus on consistency," says CEO Marie Rakotoarivelo. "Our clients know they'll get the same high quality batch after batch, whether they're ordering 1kg or 1000kg of bulk botanical extracts." MMTEL also prides itself on its global reach, exporting to Europe, North America, and Asia, with a dedicated logistics team to ensure timely delivery.

Key Strengths: Organic certification, vertically integrated supply chain, high-purity silymarin (up to 95%).

GreenBotanica Madagascar made a name for itself by specializing in niche botanical extracts, and silymarin is no exception. Established in 2010, this Antsirabe-based manufacturer has built a reputation for innovation, particularly in sustainable extraction methods. Unlike many suppliers that rely on solvent-based extraction, GreenBotanica uses a water-based cold-press technique for some of its milk thistle extract lines, appealing to brands marketing "clean label" products.

While they offer standard silymarin concentrations (70-85%), their claim to fame is their bioactive silymarin complex , which retains more of the plant's natural flavonoids alongside silybin (the most active component of silymarin). "We believe in preserving the plant's natural synergy," explains head botanist Dr. Jean-Luc Andriamanantena. "Our extracts aren't just about high numbers—they're about effectiveness." GreenBotanica also partners with local co-ops to source milk thistle, ensuring farmers receive fair prices, and holds ISO 22000 and GMP certifications, making them a favorite among pharmaceutical clients.

Key Strengths: Sustainable cold-press extraction, bioactive silymarin complex, fair trade partnerships.

For wholesalers and large-scale buyers, Malagasy Botanical Traders (MBT) is a household name. Based in Toamasina, a major port city, MBT focuses on bulk botanical extracts, with silymarin being one of their top-selling products. Founded in 2012, they've built a network of over 200 local farmers across Madagascar, allowing them to scale production quickly and meet high-volume orders—up to 50 metric tons per month of milk thistle extract.

MBT's sweet spot is mid-range purity silymarin (60-80%), ideal for dietary supplements and functional foods. They keep costs competitive by streamlining their operations, from mechanized harvesting to efficient solvent recovery in their extraction plants. "We're not the fanciest, but we're reliable," says sales director Lisa Randrianantoandro. "If a client needs 10 tons of silymarin next week, we can deliver. That's why so many global supplement brands keep coming back." MBT also offers custom blending services, allowing clients to mix silymarin with other botanical extracts like turmeric or ginger for unique formulations.

Key Strengths: Bulk supply capacity (up to 50MT/month), competitive pricing, custom blending options.

EcoExtract Madagascar is all about sustainability—and it shows. This Antananarivo-based manufacturer, founded in 2015, has made a mission to prove that botanical extraction can be both profitable and eco-friendly. Their milk thistle is grown on reclaimed land that was once degraded by deforestation, and they use solar-powered extraction facilities to reduce their carbon footprint. Even their packaging is 100% biodegradable, a selling point for eco-conscious brands.

But EcoExtract doesn't skimp on quality. Their silymarin is tested in-house for purity (75-90%) and heavy metal content, with third-party lab reports available upon request. They also offer organic milk thistle extract certified by the USDA and EU Organic, making them popular with natural skincare lines and organic supplement brands. "Sustainability isn't a marketing buzzword for us," says founder Hanta Rakotomalala. "It's how we do business. Our clients know that when they buy from us, they're supporting reforestation and local communities too."

Key Strengths: Carbon-neutral operations, organic certifications (USDA/EU), eco-friendly packaging.

As the name suggests, Silymarin Solutions Madagascar is a specialist—they focus exclusively on silymarin and milk thistle extract, and it's paid off. Founded in 2018 by a team of pharmaceutical scientists, this supplier has quickly gained a reputation for ultra-high-purity silymarin, with concentrations up to 98%. Their facility in Antsirabe is GMP-certified and equipped with HPLC and GC-MS labs to ensure every batch meets pharmaceutical-grade standards.

What sets them apart is their attention to research and development. They work closely with universities in Madagascar and France to study silymarin's potential beyond liver health, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in skincare. "We don't just sell extract—we sell expertise," says R&D director Dr. Tahiry Razafindrakoto. "Our clients get access to our technical team, who can help with formulation advice and stability testing." While they primarily serve pharmaceutical and high-end supplement brands, they also offer smaller sample sizes (as low as 100g) for startups and researchers.

Key Strengths: Ultra-high purity (up to 98%), pharmaceutical-grade certifications, R&D support.

Madagascar Bulk Extracts (MBE) is a one-stop shop for botanical extracts, and silymarin is a cornerstone of their product line. Based in Antananarivo, MBE was founded in 2008 and has grown to become one of the country's largest exporters of botanical extracts, with a portfolio that includes everything from rosemary to ginger. Their silymarin offering is versatile, with options for every need: raw milk thistle seed powder, standard extract (60-80% silymarin), and purified silybin (90%+).

MBE's biggest advantage is their global distribution network. With warehouses in France, the US, and Singapore, they can ship bulk orders to clients worldwide with minimal lead time. "We know time is money," says logistics manager Marco Rabemananjara. "A client in Canada shouldn't have to wait 6 weeks for their silymarin. Our overseas warehouses let us deliver in 3-5 days." They also offer private labeling for smaller brands, making it easy for startups to launch their own milk thistle supplements without investing in manufacturing.

Key Strengths: Global distribution network, diverse product range, private labeling services.

Rural Roots Extracts takes a community-focused approach to silymarin production. Based in Fianarantsoa, a city in Madagascar's agricultural heartland, this supplier works directly with smallholder farmers, providing them with training, seeds, and equipment to grow milk thistle sustainably. In return, Rural Roots guarantees a fair price for the harvested seeds, creating a stable income stream for rural families.

Their silymarin extract (70-85% purity) is marketed under the "Community Grown" label, which resonates with brands emphasizing social responsibility. While they're not the largest supplier, they've built a loyal following among ethical supplement companies and co-ops. "Our farmers are our partners, not just suppliers," says founder Andry Ratsimamanga. "When you buy from us, you're supporting a village, not just a business." Rural Roots holds Fair Trade and Organic certifications and offers small to medium bulk orders (10kg-1MT), making them accessible to both small brands and larger buyers.

Key Strengths: Community-focused sourcing, Fair Trade certification, ethical brand alignment.

Advanced Botanical Extracts (ABE) Madagascar is all about cutting-edge technology. Founded in 2015 by a team of engineers, they've invested heavily in innovative extraction methods, including ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) for their milk thistle extract. UAE uses high-frequency sound waves to break down plant cell walls, resulting in higher yields and shorter extraction times compared to traditional methods.

The result? A silymarin extract that's not only high in purity (80-90%) but also has better solubility—ideal for liquid supplements and skincare serums. "Solubility is a big issue for many brands," explains technical director Sophie Ramaroson. "Our UAE process ensures the silymarin dissolves evenly, so you don't get clumps in your product." ABE also offers custom particle sizes, from fine powder to microencapsulated beads, for targeted delivery in supplements. They're ISO 9001 certified and work with clients in the EU, US, and Asia, with a focus on innovative product developers.

Key Strengths: Ultrasonic-assisted extraction, enhanced solubility, custom particle sizes.

Madagascar Natural Ingredients (MNI) is a trader and exporter with a knack for connecting global buyers with local producers. Unlike some of the other entries on this list, MNI doesn't own its own farms or extraction facilities. Instead, they partner with a network of small to medium-sized milk thistle extract manufacturers across Madagascar, vetting each one for quality and ethics before adding them to their portfolio.

This model allows MNI to offer a wide range of silymarin products, from budget-friendly bulk extracts (50-70% purity) to premium organic options (85-95%). "We act as a bridge," says founder Paulin Rakotoarivelo. "A buyer in Australia might not have the time to vet 10 different Malagasy suppliers, so we do the legwork. We ensure quality, handle logistics, and negotiate fair prices for both sides." MNI also specializes in hard-to-find variations, like decaffeinated milk thistle extract and alcohol-free tinctures , catering to niche markets.

Key Strengths: Diverse product range, buyer-seller matchmaking, niche extract options.

Southern Madagascar Extracts (SME) rounds out our list, bringing a focus on regional specialization. Based in Toliara, in the country's arid south, SME grows milk thistle adapted to the region's unique climate—drier conditions that some believe result in higher silymarin concentrations. "Our milk thistle is tough," jokes farm manager Rakotoarison. "It's grown in conditions that make the plant produce more protective compounds, including silymarin."

SME's extract is known for its rich, dark color and high antioxidant activity, making it popular with natural skincare brands. They offer standard silymarin (75-85%) and a whole-plant extract that includes the leaves and stems, providing a broader spectrum of phytochemicals. While they're smaller than some of the Antananarivo-based suppliers, they make up for it with personalized service—each client is assigned a dedicated account manager who provides updates from farm to delivery. SME is also certified by the Rainforest Alliance, ensuring their operations protect local biodiversity.

Key Strengths: Climate-adapted milk thistle, whole-plant extract option, Rainforest Alliance certification.