TEHRAN -- In a remarkable milestone for Iranian traditional medicine, Dr. Roja Rahimi, a professor of traditional pharmacy at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, has been awarded the internationally acclaimed Bionorica Phytoneering Award 2025.
This accolade, announced by the Iranian Ministry of Health’s Office of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, underscores Iran’s growing scientific prowess in the realm of medicinal plants and herbal therapeutics.
Nafiseh Husseini-Yekta, director general of the Office of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, hailed Dr. Rahimi’s achievement as a testament to the country’s rich scientific heritage and the dedication of its researchers on the global stage. 
“This brilliant success, the fruit of years of relentless research and innovation in herbal drug development, is not merely a personal accomplishment but a clear reflection of the scientific capacities of Iranian traditional medicine and the distinguished position of our researchers internationally,” she stated.
The Bionorica Phytoneering Award is bestowed biennially by the German Society of Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) in partnership with Bionorica SE, a leading pharmaceutical company specializing in natural products. 
The award recognizes scientists who have made significant advances in the study and development of herbal medicines and natural compounds.
Husseini-Yekta emphasized the award’s significance as a marker of the high quality and efficacy of Iranian scientific research in phytotherapy. 
“Receiving such a prestigious honor from a globally recognized leader like Bionorica highlights the robustness of our research efforts and the valuable contributions of scholars like Dr. Rahimi,” she said.
This recognition arrives as Iran holds a distinguished position in the global traditional medicine arena, ranking fourth worldwide in medicinal plant production and research. 
The Ministry of Health continues to prioritize the integration and advancement of Iranian traditional medicine within national health strategies.
“This achievement opens a new chapter in showcasing the valuable capacities of Iranian traditional medicine at international scientific forums,” Husseini-Yekta added, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to fostering original and innovative research in this vital field.