Egyptian Herbal Drug Industry: Challenges for the Future

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the goal of 'Health for All' cannot be achieved without herbal medicines. While the demand for herbal medicines is growing in developing countries including Egypt, there are indications that consumers in developed countries are becoming disillusioned with modern healthcare and are seeking alternatives in traditional medicines. There is, therefore, an increasing consumer demand for herbal medicines in developed countries. Medicinal plants have been used as a source of remedies since ancient times in Egypt. Many plants are still used today in folklore medicine and are sold at herbal venders and shops. Egypt is characterized by abundant production of medicinal and aromatic plants that are exported all over the world and is considered as one of the most important sectors can be relied upon to increase the volume of Egyptian exports due to the growing global demand but several factors pose constraints to their entry into the international market and put them in a disadvantageous position. This lecture explores the situation of the Egyptian herbal drug industry, the economic value, the needs and recommendations for developing this important sector.