Nine proposals for Brazil to become a global leader in phytotherapeutic medicines
16/03/2026
Although it is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Brazil holds only a negligible share of the global market for plant-based medicines — just 0.1% of a sector that generated US$216.4 billion in 2023.
A study conducted by the Instituto Escolhas, through Eretz.bio, identifies the main barriers to the sector’s development and presents nine proposals that could position Brazil as a global leader in the phytotherapeutics market.
The study gathered interviews with specialists across the entire value chain, including public sector managers, industry representatives, prescribers, and researchers, along with an extensive review of regulation, market dynamics, and public policies. This work resulted in a solid and multidimensional diagnosis of the sector.
Based on this diagnosis, nine strategic proposals were structured, addressing topics ranging from research and innovation to industrial policy, medical education, and access.
Strengthening the phytotherapeutic sector could represent a cross-cutting national strategy, with the potential to reduce costs in Brazil’s public health system (SUS), foster sustainable production chains, stimulate national innovation, generate jobs, and contribute to the preservation of Brazilian biodiversity.
The report aims to analyze why Brazil, despite being the country with the greatest biodiversity in the world, still does not hold a leadership position in the global phytotherapeutics industry.
It begins with the recognition that this is a real and expanding market, with Germany standing out as the main international reference, despite having limited biodiversity.
The study also indicates that Brazil already has a robust regulatory framework, consolidated public policies, and federal budget allocations dedicated to the topic. However, important challenges remain that must be addressed to consolidate phytotherapy as a strategic sector, expanding its role in the country’s economic, social, and environmental development.
The following recommendations and action strategies were developed based on the identified barriers and could help transform Brazil’s biodiversity into a competitive advantage, strengthening the country’s global role in the phytotherapeutics market.
Nine proposals for Brazil to become a global leader in phytotherapeutic medicines
1. Integrate the discovery of new plant species with drug development
The study highlights the need to structure a continuous pipeline connecting experimental research on medicinal plants with subsequent stages of pharmaceutical development. This includes non-clinical studies, clinical trials, and regulatory approval, as well as stronger collaboration between universities, research centers, and industry to enable technology transfer and large-scale production.
2. Encourage clinical studies on phytotherapeutics through research funding calls
Clinical trials are essential to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of phytotherapeutic medicines but involve high costs. The study proposes that the government fund part of these studies through dedicated calls for proposals, sharing risks with industry and strengthening the scientific base required to expand the use of these medicines.
3. Use Official Pharmaceutical Laboratories to produce phytotherapeutics
Official Pharmaceutical Laboratories could play a catalytic role in the initial production of phytotherapeutics prioritized for Brazil’s public health system (SUS). After this stage, the technology could be transferred to private companies, demonstrating production feasibility at scale and stimulating the development of the national production chain.
4. Centralize the procurement of phytotherapeutic medicines by the Ministry of Health
The proposal suggests that the Ministry of Health conduct centralized procurement of phytotherapeutics included in the official SUS list and subsequently distribute them to states and municipalities. This model would ensure continuous and standardized supply while creating greater demand predictability for industry.
5. Include phytotherapeutic medicines in the Popular Pharmacy Program
The study also proposes that industrialized phytotherapeutics registered with Anvisa be incorporated into the Farmácia Popular Program. This measure would expand population access to these treatments within primary care while stimulating national production through increased demand.
6. Promote the use of phytotherapeutics in clinical protocols and therapeutic guidelines
Including phytotherapeutics in Clinical Protocols and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT) and in recommendations from the Federal Council of Medicine could encourage their use as therapeutic alternatives or complements. These documents guide healthcare professionals’ practice and can increase confidence in prescribing these medicines.
7. Introduce phytotherapy courses in medical education
The study suggests incorporating phytotherapy into medical education through structured and mandatory courses. This measure would strengthen the technical and scientific training of healthcare professionals, encouraging the safe use of phytotherapeutics and expanding academic research in the field.
8. Create an industrial policy coordination for phytotherapeutics within the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade
To structure an industrial policy for the sector, the study proposes that the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MDIC) coordinate government actions related to phytotherapeutics. This initiative would help align innovation policies, productive credit, and integration into global value chains.
9. Strengthen the “Farmácias Vivas” program
“Farmácias Vivas” locally produce phytotherapeutic medicines and can expand population access to these treatments. The study recommends ensuring continuous funding and access to financing and credit lines to guarantee the long-term sustainability of these initiatives.
Access the full study:
https://escolhas.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Relatorio-tecnico-fitoterapicos-brasil-lideranca-mercado.pdf
