Iran Shines in Global Health: Ranks Third in Traditional Medicine Trials on ICTRP!
According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Iran has achieved a notable position in the field of traditional medicine, ranking third in traditional medicine trials within the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). This highlights Iran’s role as a pioneer in traditional and complementary medicine, following China and India, which hold the first and second positions, respectively.
The share of clinical trials focused on traditional and complementary medicine in Iran accounts for approximately three percent of all clinical trials registered in the country. Despite this, only about 0.3 percent of healthcare staff are specialized in this field. This disparity underscores the potential for Iranian researchers to advance toward evidence-based medicine.
International Symposium on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
An important event, the international symposium on the policy, legacy, and regulatory landscape of traditional and complementary medicine, took place from November 21 to 23, 2024, in Tehran. The symposium was conducted both in-person and online, featuring five specialized panels where experts from various continents—Asia, Europe, America, and Africa—gathered to discuss their insights on traditional medicine.
- Training and higher education in traditional and complementary medicine
- Integration of traditional and complementary medicine into the healthcare system
- Laws and regulations concerning standardization and provision of traditional and natural products
The symposium served as a significant platform for enhancing communication, discussing, and sharing global experiences related to traditional medicine. It laid the groundwork for the integration of traditional and complementary medicine into Iran’s healthcare system, as reported by the health ministry.
According to Arman Zargaran, an advisor to the traditional medicine office at the Ministry of Health, “It is essential to establish and implement policies, regulations, and legislations to integrate traditional and complementary medicine into the healthcare system.” He further emphasized that the symposium could identify effective strategies to tackle challenges in this integration process and expand its reach.
Focus on Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention
Iranian traditional medicine places a significant emphasis on health maintenance and disease prevention rather than solely treatment. It stands as one of the oldest forms of traditional medicine, rooted in the concept of the four humors: phlegm (Balgham), blood (Dam), yellow bile (Safra’), and black bile (Sauda’). These principles are derived from the teachings of renowned historical figures such as Rhazes and Avicenna, forming a comprehensive medical system.
To date, approximately 30,000 plant species have been identified globally, with about 8,000 species found in Iran—surpassing the total number of species in Europe. This rich biodiversity supports the practice of traditional medicine in the country.
Currently, around 500 Persian medicine experts are offering health and medical treatment services throughout Iran. Additionally, more than 1,000 general practitioners who have completed Persian medicine courses endorsed by the health ministry are also providing services, according to Nafiseh Hosseini-Yekta, the director of the health ministry’s Persian medicine office.
Moreover, nine faculties of Persian medicine are actively enrolling students in universities across the country. The training of Persian medicine experts remains a top priority for the Persian medicine office, which has developed and conducted various skill courses under the supervision of the health ministry.
The ongoing efforts to integrate traditional medicine into Iran’s healthcare system reflect a commitment to preserving cultural heritage while advancing medical practices. Through such initiatives, Iran aims to enhance the role of traditional medicine on both national and international platforms.
