By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan is richly endowed with an extraordinary variety of medicinal and aromatic plants that have long supported traditional healing systems such as Ayurvedic and Unani (Hikmat) medicine.
The country hosts more than 600 species of medicinal plants, spread across diverse ecological zones — from the snow-capped northern mountains to the arid southern plains. This natural diversity provides a reliable source of raw materials for the herbal and Unani medicine industries.
A growing herbal sector
“Currently, more than 700 herbal medicine companies are registered with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Of these, about 50 companies dominate the market,” said Hakeem Muhammad Ahmad Saleemi, President of the National Council of Tibb.
Among the most commonly used herbs are Liquorice (Malathi), Borage (Gao Zaban), Violet (Banafsha), Sandalwood, Marshmallow (Khatmi), Mallow (Khubazi), Pellitory Root (Aqarqarha), Mace (Javitri), Indian Ginseng (Asgand Nagori), Linseed (Alsi), Chamomile (Babuna), Red Rose (Gulab), Aloe Vera (Kanwar Gandal), Basil (Tulsi), Lemon Grass, Mint (Podina), Fennel (Saunf), Kalonji (Nigella Sativa), Stevia (Honey Plant), and Turmeric (Haldi).
Hakeem Saleemi told Wealth Pakistan that stronger collaboration between research institutions, the private sector, and regulators could significantly boost Pakistan’s herbal medicine industry and encourage exports.
Untapped potential and import dependence
Despite this abundance, the mainstream pharmaceutical industry still relies heavily on imported materials. “About 85 percent of the raw material used in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector is imported,” said Amjad Ali Jawa, former Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA).
Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Jawa said this dependence highlights how little Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector uses its own medicinal plants. However, he noted growing opportunities in global herbal and nutraceutical markets, especially in the United States and Europe, where natural and Ayurvedic therapies are gaining popularity.
“The 100 percent duty imposed by the US on allopathic drugs from several countries, including India, has opened new opportunities for Pakistani herbal products,” Jawa said. He added that since no Pakistani pharmaceutical product currently has US FDA approval, the export potential for herbal and nutraceutical products made from local plants is enormous.
Research and innovation gaining ground
Experts say investment in research, cultivation, and processing could reduce import dependence and boost exports and rural incomes. “We are developing new varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants to make full use of this natural gift,” said Dr Muhammad Nawaz, Senior Scientist at the Plant Physiology Section of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad.
He told Wealth Pakistan that AARI has developed several plant varieties, including Stevia ‘Honey’ and Tulsi ‘FS-21’, both approved for commercial cultivation. The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) are also promoting the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants nationwide.
Dr Nawaz said the Punjab government has added medicinal plants to its High-Value Crops Program to encourage their commercial farming on marginal lands. He noted that raw materials for cough syrups, anti-hypertensive drugs, and anti-malarial medicines can be efficiently produced from local herbs.
“By promoting the use of locally sourced raw materials in pharmaceutical production, Pakistan can greatly reduce its dependence on imports,” Dr Nawaz added.