If you've ever wondered where the pure, potent silymarin in your favorite liver supplements or skincare products comes from, there's a good chance Peru plays a role. Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this South American nation isn't just famous for its ancient ruins and vibrant culture—it's also a hidden gem in the global botanical extracts market. Silymarin, the active compound found in milk thistle (Silybum marianum), has become a staple in pharmaceuticals, health supplements, and even cosmetics, thanks to its antioxidant and liver-supporting properties. In Peru, a handful of standout companies have built their reputations on sourcing, extracting, and supplying high-quality silymarin to buyers worldwide. Whether you're a pharmaceutical manufacturer in need of bulk quantities, a supplement brand searching for organic-certified ingredients, or a small business looking to dip your toes into the market, this guide will walk you through the top players in Peru's silymarin scene.
Why Peru Stands Out in the Silymarin Market
Peru's unique climate—think sunny coastal plains, fertile valleys, and mild highlands—creates ideal conditions for growing milk thistle. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, and Peruvian farmers have honed their cultivation techniques over generations, often using sustainable, organic practices that align with global demand for clean, natural ingredients. Beyond favorable growing conditions, Peru's silymarin suppliers benefit from the country's growing reputation as a reliable source of botanical extracts. Many local manufacturers have invested in state-of-the-art extraction facilities, ensuring that their silymarin meets strict purity standards, from food-grade to pharmaceutical grade. Plus, with a focus on bulk production and competitive pricing, Peruvian suppliers are increasingly catching the eye of international buyers, from North America to Europe and Asia. It's no wonder that when industry insiders talk about consistent, high-quality silymarin, Peru is a name that keeps popping up.
Top 10 Silymarin Suppliers in Peru: A Closer Look
1. Andean Botanicals Extractos S.A.C.
Founded in 2005 in the coastal city of Lima, Andean Botanicals Extractos S.A.C. has grown from a small family-run operation to one of Peru's most trusted silymarin suppliers. What sets them apart? Their vertically integrated model: they own and operate their own milk thistle farms in the Ica Valley, a region known for its nutrient-rich soil and optimal growing conditions. This hands-on approach allows them to control every step of the process, from planting to extraction, ensuring that their silymarin is consistently pure—often testing at 80-95% silymarin content, depending on the client's needs.
Andean Botanicals specializes in bulk botanical extracts, with silymarin being their flagship product. They cater primarily to pharmaceutical companies and large-scale supplement brands, offering both standard and organic-certified options (USDA and EU organic certifications are available). Their minimum order quantity starts at 50kg, but they're equipped to handle orders of up to 10 tons per month, making them a go-to for businesses needing reliable, large-volume supply. Quality control is a point of pride here: their lab in Lima conducts third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants, and they're ISO 9001 and GMP certified. Clients often praise their transparency—they provide detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) documents with every shipment.
2. PeruSana Natural Extracts
PeruSana Natural Extracts, based in Arequipa, a city in southern Peru, has made a name for itself by focusing on niche, high-value botanical extracts—and their silymarin is no exception. Unlike some suppliers that offer a wide range of botanicals, PeruSana hones in on a select few, including milk thistle, which allows them to perfect their extraction process. Their silymarin is particularly popular in the cosmetics industry, thanks to its antioxidant properties that support skin health. If you're a skincare brand looking for silymarin to add to serums or creams, this is a supplier worth considering.
What makes PeruSana unique is their commitment to cold-extraction methods, which they claim preserves more of silymarin's active compounds compared to traditional heat-based extraction. They also offer custom formulations, such as silymarin blended with other skin-loving botanical extracts like green tea or aloe vera. While they do supply bulk quantities (minimum order 25kg), they're also flexible enough to work with smaller businesses, offering sample sizes to test formulations before committing to large orders. Certifications include ISO 22000 (food safety) and Ecocert for organic products. Their key markets include Europe and North America, with a growing presence in Asia, particularly in countries like South Korea and Japan where natural skincare ingredients are in high demand.
3. Mountain Milk Thistle Extractos
Nestled in the highlands near Cusco, Mountain Milk Thistle Extractos takes advantage of Peru's unique high-altitude growing conditions. Milk thistle grown at higher elevations (around 2,000 meters above sea level) tends to have a more concentrated silymarin content, and this supplier leans into that advantage. Their silymarin extract is often sought after by pharmaceutical companies for use in liver medications, as it consistently tests at 90%+ purity—a level that meets strict pharmaceutical grade standards.
Mountain Milk Thistle Extractos prides itself on sustainability. Their farms use rainwater harvesting and natural pest control methods, and they're certified by the Rainforest Alliance for responsible sourcing. They also partner directly with local farming communities, ensuring fair wages and supporting rural development—a story that resonates with buyers looking to align their supply chains with ethical practices. In terms of logistics, they operate a modern warehouse in Lima, allowing for fast shipping to ports on the Pacific coast, reducing lead times for international orders. While their prices are slightly higher than some competitors, clients say the premium is worth it for the consistent quality and ethical sourcing.
4. Lima Extractos y Derivados S.R.L.
Lima Extractos y Derivados S.R.L. is a player in Peru's botanical extracts industry, with over 30 years of experience. Based in the capital city, they've built a reputation for reliability and versatility, offering not just silymarin but a range of other botanical extracts, including echinacea, chamomile, and maca. For silymarin specifically, they cater to a broad client base: food and beverage companies (adding silymarin to functional drinks), supplement brands, and even animal health suppliers (silymarin is sometimes used in liver support supplements for livestock).
One of their standout offerings is their "standardized silymarin extract," which is calibrated to a specific silymarin content (usually 80% or 85%) to ensure consistency across batches. This is a hit with manufacturers who need uniform ingredients for their formulations. They also offer bulk powder and liquid extract options, giving clients flexibility in how they use the product. Lima Extractos has a large production capacity—up to 50 tons of silymarin per year—and they're known for their quick turnaround times, with most orders shipping within 5-7 business days. Certifications include GMP and ISO 14001 (environmental management), and they regularly conduct third-party audits to maintain quality standards.
5. Amazon BioExtractos
While most of Peru's silymarin production is concentrated on the coast or in the highlands, Amazon BioExtractos, based in Iquitos, brings a unique perspective by integrating Amazonian sustainability practices into their operations. Though they don't grow milk thistle in the Amazon (the climate there is too humid), they source the plant from trusted farmers in the northern coastal region and process it in their GMP-certified facility in Iquitos. Their claim to fame? A focus on "zero-waste" extraction, where byproducts from the silymarin extraction process are repurposed as animal feed, reducing environmental impact.
Amazon BioExtractos targets the health supplement market, particularly brands focused on eco-friendly and organic products. Their silymarin is certified organic by the USDA and the Peruvian Organic Certification Body (CCOF), and they offer both bulk powder and encapsulated extracts for easy use in supplements. They also provide full traceability: clients can track their silymarin from the farm where the milk thistle was grown to the final extraction, via a QR code on each batch. While their minimum order quantity is higher (100kg), they offer competitive pricing for large orders, making them a favorite among mid-sized supplement companies in North America and Europe.
6. Coastal Extractos Peru
Coastal Extractos Peru, located in the port city of Callao, is all about convenience and global reach. As one of the few silymarin suppliers in Peru with direct access to a major port, they can ship bulk orders worldwide with minimal delays—often cutting shipping times by 3-5 days compared to suppliers inland. This makes them a top choice for international buyers who need reliable, fast delivery, especially in time-sensitive industries like pharmaceuticals.
Their silymarin product line is diverse: they offer food-grade (for use in functional foods and beverages), cosmetic-grade (for skincare and haircare products), and pharmaceutical-grade (for medications and high-potency supplements). They also specialize in custom blends, such as silymarin combined with milk thistle seed oil for added nutritional benefits. Coastal Extractos has a strong focus on quality testing, with an in-house lab that conducts HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) analysis to verify silymarin content, as well as tests for heavy metals and microbial contamination. They're certified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for export to the US, and they're also registered with the EU's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) program, making it easy for European buyers to import their products.
7. PureSilymarin Peru
PureSilymarin Peru is a newer player on the scene, founded in 2018, but they've quickly made waves by focusing exclusively on silymarin. Based in Trujillo, a city known for its agricultural exports, they've invested heavily in cutting-edge extraction technology, including supercritical CO2 extraction, which produces a highly pure, solvent-free silymarin extract. This method is particularly appealing to buyers who want to avoid residual solvents in their products, such as organic supplement brands or natural cosmetics companies.
What sets PureSilymarin apart is their agility. They're willing to work with small to medium-sized businesses, offering lower minimum order quantities (starting at 10kg) and flexible payment terms. They also provide detailed technical support, helping clients determine the right silymarin concentration for their needs (ranging from 50% to 95% purity). While they're still building their international client base, they've already secured partnerships with several supplement brands in Canada and Australia, where demand for natural liver support supplements is growing. Certifications include ISO 9001 and GMP, and they're in the process of obtaining organic certification, with plans to launch an organic line by late 2025.
8. Andean Bulk Extractos
As the name suggests, Andean Bulk Extractos specializes in large-volume supply, making them a go-to for buyers who need silymarin in bulk—think 500kg or more per order. Based in Chiclayo, a major agricultural hub in northern Peru, they have access to vast milk thistle farms in the region, allowing them to scale production quickly to meet demand. Their silymarin is primarily sold to pharmaceutical manufacturers and large food supplement companies, who use it in everything from liver support pills to energy drinks.
Andean Bulk Extractos keeps costs low by focusing on efficiency: they use automated extraction lines and have negotiated favorable shipping rates with major carriers, passing those savings on to clients. While they don't offer as many niche certifications (they're GMP and ISO 9001 certified but not organic), their silymarin is consistently high quality, with purity levels of 80-85% as standard. They also offer fast turnaround times—most bulk orders ship within 3-5 business days—and they have a dedicated logistics team that handles customs documentation, making the import process smoother for international buyers. Their key markets include Latin America, the US, and India, where demand for affordable bulk botanical extracts is strong.
9. Peruvian Pharma Extractos
Peruvian Pharma Extractos, based in Lima, is all about meeting the strictest pharmaceutical standards. If you're a drug manufacturer in need of silymarin for use in prescription medications, this supplier is worth a closer look. They specialize in pharmaceutical grade silymarin extract, which undergoes rigorous testing to meet USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) standards. Their facility is certified by the Peruvian Ministry of Health and has been audited by the FDA, ensuring compliance with international pharmaceutical regulations.
Peruvian Pharma Extractos sources milk thistle from select farms in the central coast, where the soil is tested annually for contaminants. Their extraction process uses pharmaceutical-grade solvents, and they conduct multiple purity tests throughout production, including HPLC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and microbiological analysis. They also offer sterile silymarin powder for injectable medications, a niche product that few other Peruvian suppliers provide. While their prices are higher than non-pharmaceutical grade options, the quality and compliance support they offer make them a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies in Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Minimum order quantities start at 50kg, and they can produce up to 20 tons per month during peak season.
10. Green Valley Extractos
Rounding out our list is Green Valley Extractos, a family-owned business in the southern city of Arequipa that's been operating since 1998. What started as a small-scale operation selling local herbs has grown into a respected supplier of silymarin and other botanical extracts, with a focus on customer service. Green Valley prides itself on being "the friendly supplier"—they assign a dedicated account manager to each client, ensuring personalized support from initial inquiry to post-shipment follow-up.
Their silymarin product line is versatile, catering to food, cosmetic, and supplement markets. They offer both conventional and organic options, with certifications including USDA Organic and Fair Trade (they partner with small-scale farmers, ensuring fair prices for their milk thistle crop). Green Valley is also known for its quick sample turnaround—if you're unsure about their silymarin, they'll send a 1kg sample for testing within 3 business days, free of charge (you just pay shipping). This focus on customer trust has helped them build a loyal client base, particularly among small to mid-sized businesses in Australia, Canada, and the UK. While they don't have the largest production capacity (max 5 tons per month), their flexibility and personalized service make them a standout choice for businesses that value a human touch in their supply chain.
Comparing Peru's Top Silymarin Suppliers: At a Glance
| Supplier Name | Location | Key Markets | Certifications | Min. Order Quantity | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andean Botanicals Extractos S.A.C. | Lima | Pharmaceuticals, supplements (global) | ISO 9001, GMP, Organic (USDA/EU) | 50kg | Vertically integrated, bulk supply |
| PeruSana Natural Extracts | Arequipa | Cosmetics (Europe, Asia) | ISO 22000, Ecocert | 25kg | Cold-extraction, custom blends |
| Mountain Milk Thistle Extractos | Cusco Highlands | Pharmaceuticals (Europe, US) | Rainforest Alliance, GMP | 100kg | High-altitude, 90%+ purity |
| Lima Extractos y Derivados S.R.L. | Lima | Food, supplements, animal health | GMP, ISO 14001 | 25kg | Standardized extracts, fast shipping |
| Amazon BioExtractos | Iquitos | Eco-friendly supplements (NA, EU) | USDA Organic, CCOF | 100kg | Zero-waste extraction, traceability |
| Coastal Extractos Peru | Callao | Global (fast shipping) | FDA registered, REACH | 50kg | Multi-grade (food, cosmetic, pharma) |
| PureSilymarin Peru | Trujillo | Small-mid supplements (CA, AU) | ISO 9001, GMP (organic pending) | 10kg | CO2 extraction, flexible terms |
| Andean Bulk Extractos | Chiclayo | Bulk pharma, food (LatAm, US, India) | GMP, ISO 9001 | 100kg | Low-cost bulk supply |
| Peruvian Pharma Extractos | Lima | Pharmaceuticals (EU, US, ME) | USP, EP, FDA audited | 50kg | Pharmaceutical grade, sterile options |
| Green Valley Extractos | Arequipa | Small-mid businesses (AU, CA, UK) | USDA Organic, Fair Trade | 25kg | Customer service, free samples |
Choosing the Right Silymarin Supplier in Peru
With so many options, how do you narrow down the best silymarin supplier for your needs? Start by defining your priorities. If you're a pharmaceutical company, certifications like USP/EP compliance and FDA registration (as offered by Peruvian Pharma Extractos) will be non-negotiable. For skincare brands, cold-extracted or organic silymarin (from suppliers like PeruSana or Amazon BioExtractos) might be more important. Bulk buyers will likely gravitate toward Andean Bulk Extractos or Andean Botanicals for their large-scale production capabilities, while small businesses might prefer Green Valley Extractos or PureSilymarin Peru for their flexibility and lower minimum orders.
Don't forget to ask about quality control processes. Reputable suppliers should be happy to share COA documents, third-party test results, and details about their sourcing and extraction methods. It's also worth considering logistics: suppliers near ports (like Coastal Extractos Peru in Callao) can often offer faster shipping, which is crucial if you're working with tight production timelines. Finally, look for suppliers who align with your values—whether that's sustainability, fair trade, or supporting local communities. Many Peruvian suppliers, like Mountain Milk Thistle Extractos and Amazon BioExtractos, have compelling stories around ethical sourcing that can add value to your brand.
Peru's silymarin suppliers offer a diverse range of options, from pharmaceutical-grade extracts to eco-friendly bulk supply, all rooted in the country's rich botanical heritage. Whether you're a large manufacturer or a growing brand, there's a Peruvian supplier that can meet your needs for quality, consistency, and value. By taking the time to understand each supplier's strengths—from certifications to production capabilities—you'll be well on your way to finding a partner that helps your business thrive. After all, in the world of botanical extracts, the right supplier isn't just a vendor—they're an extension of your brand's commitment to quality.



