KSA herbal medicine market report size, share, growth drivers, trends, opportunities & forecast 2025–2030

Saudi Arabia Herbal Medicine Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Herbal Medicine Market is valued at USD 1.6 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer awareness of natural remedies, a rising trend towards preventive healthcare, and the growing acceptance of herbal products among the population. The market has seen a significant shift as consumers seek alternatives to conventional medicine, leading to a surge in demand for herbal solutions. Key drivers include rising health consciousness, expansion of e-commerce platforms, and higher disposable income, which enable consumers to invest in premium herbal products .
• Key players in this market include Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, which dominate due to their large populations and urbanization. These cities have a higher concentration of healthcare facilities and wellness centers, making them hubs for herbal medicine consumption. Additionally, the cultural acceptance of traditional remedies in these regions further enhances their market presence .
• In 2023, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) implemented the "Regulation of Herbal Products and Dietary Supplements, 2023" issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. This regulation mandates that all herbal medicines undergo rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality testing, including registration and approval processes prior to market entry. The regulation covers product labeling, permissible ingredients, and post-market surveillance, aiming to enhance consumer trust and product quality in the herbal medicine sector .

Saudi Arabia Herbal Medicine Market Segmentation

By Intervention/Traditional System:The herbal medicine market in Saudi Arabia is characterized by various traditional systems, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and others. Among these, Ayurveda is currently the largest segment by revenue, driven by its established reputation for treating a wide range of ailments and its holistic approach. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) continues to gain traction due to growing interest in alternative therapies and its integration into wellness centers. The market is witnessing increased consumer demand for diverse traditional systems, reflecting a broader shift towards natural and integrative health solutions .

By Product Type:The product type segmentation in the herbal medicine market includes herbal supplements, herbal teas, essential oils, and more. Herbal supplements are currently the leading product type, driven by their convenience, the growing trend of self-medication, and increasing health consciousness among consumers. The expansion of e-commerce platforms has further boosted accessibility and sales of herbal supplements, making them a significant contributor to overall market growth .

Saudi Arabia Herbal Medicine Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Herbal Medicine Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Tabuk Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Company, Jamjoom Pharma, SPIMACO (Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation), Riyadh Pharma, Nature’s Way Products, LLC, Himalaya Drug Company, Dabur India Ltd., Blackmores Limited, NOW Foods, Garden of Life, Pure Encapsulations, Swisse Wellness Pty Ltd., BioCare Copenhagen, Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., NaturesPlus contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Herbal Medicine Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Consumer Awareness of Natural Remedies:The Saudi Arabian population is increasingly turning to herbal medicine, with a reported 61% of consumers preferring natural remedies over synthetic alternatives. This shift is driven by a growing awareness of the health benefits associated with herbal products, particularly among the younger demographic, which constitutes about 36% of the population. The World Health Organization indicates that natural remedies can effectively address various health issues, further fueling this trend.
• Government Support for Traditional Medicine:The Saudi government has allocated approximately SAR 1 billion (USD 267 million) to promote traditional medicine practices as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. This funding aims to enhance research, development, and integration of herbal medicine into the national healthcare system. The Ministry of Health's endorsement of herbal treatments has led to increased public trust, with 46% of citizens expressing confidence in government-approved herbal products.
• Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases:Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are on the rise in Saudi Arabia, affecting over 8 million people. This increase has led to a heightened demand for alternative treatments, including herbal medicine, which is perceived as a safer option. The Saudi Health Council reports that 32% of patients are now seeking herbal remedies as complementary treatments, indicating a significant market opportunity for herbal product manufacturers.

Market Challenges

• Regulatory Hurdles in Product Approval:The herbal medicine sector in Saudi Arabia faces stringent regulatory requirements, which can delay product approvals by up to 20 months. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) mandates comprehensive clinical trials and safety assessments, creating barriers for new entrants. This regulatory landscape can stifle innovation and limit the availability of diverse herbal products in the market, impacting overall growth.
• Limited Consumer Education on Herbal Products:Despite the growing interest in herbal medicine, consumer education remains inadequate, with only 27% of the population fully understanding the benefits and risks associated with herbal products. This lack of knowledge can lead to skepticism and hesitance in purchasing, hindering market expansion. Educational initiatives are crucial to bridge this gap and enhance consumer confidence in herbal remedies.

Saudi Arabia Herbal Medicine Market Future Outlook

The future of the Saudi Arabian herbal medicine market appears promising, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural health solutions and government initiatives supporting traditional practices. As the population becomes more health-conscious, the integration of technology in herbal medicine, such as mobile health applications, is expected to enhance accessibility and personalization of treatments. Additionally, the focus on sustainability in sourcing herbs will likely attract environmentally conscious consumers, further propelling market growth.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion of E-commerce Platforms for Herbal Products:The rise of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia, with online sales projected to reach SAR 35.7 billion (USD 9.5 billion) in future, presents a significant opportunity for herbal product manufacturers. Online platforms can facilitate wider distribution and accessibility, allowing consumers to purchase herbal remedies conveniently, thus driving sales growth in this sector.
• Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:Partnerships between herbal medicine companies and healthcare providers can enhance credibility and consumer trust. With over 62% of healthcare professionals expressing interest in integrating herbal treatments into patient care, such collaborations can lead to increased product recommendations and a broader acceptance of herbal remedies within the healthcare system.