The market

In Saudi Arabia, herbal medicines are sold in pharmacies as prescription and over the counter medicines and in special outlets without restriction. A national research institute on herbal medicines is part of King Saud University.

Legal status

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently developing a national policy, laws and regulations on TM/CAM.

Herbal products come under the purview of The Practice of the Pharmacy Profession and Trade in Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products Act. According to articles 44 and 50 issued by the Royal Decree, registration of medicinal products by the Ministry of Health is obligatory. As per paragraphs 13A of the special provision of regulation for registration amended through ministerial resolution, apart from drugs all products with medical claims or containing active ingredients with medicinal effects such as herbal preparations, health and supplementary food, medicated cosmetics, antiseptics and medical devices need to be registered.