Herbal and traditional medicines are among the fastest-growing and most promising sectors of Iran’s pharmaceutical industry, deeply rooted in the country’s indigenous knowledge and rich biodiversity. These products include extracts, tablets, capsules, syrups, creams, and cosmetic-therapeutic items based on medicinal plants.

Iran benefits from over 8,000 identified plant species and has strong capabilities in extraction, standardization, formulation, and large-scale production of high-quality herbal medicines. Knowledge-based companies and research centers play a key role in developing innovative plant-based products.

Herbal medicines offer significant added value due to lower production costs, a broad consumer base, and growing global demand for natural remedies. The industry also supports job creation in agriculture, processing, research, and product development.

Iran, as one of the region’s leading producers of medicinal herbs, has high potential for exporting extracts, herbal drugs, and natural cosmetics to neighboring countries, Central Asia, Russia, Europe, and the Persian Gulf.

Iran’s competitive advantages include abundant plant resources, a blend of traditional and scientific knowledge, a skilled workforce, and low production costs. Obtaining international certifications, improving packaging, and developing global branding strategies are key to enhancing Iran’s competitiveness in the global herbal medicine market.