Standardization of Plant Aroma Waters and Essential Oils

The secretary of National Network of Research and Technology in Medicinal Plants, highlighted the necessity of standardization of medicinal plants products and said, “Standardization of plants aroma waters, natural essential oils and medicinal plants cultivation is currently taking place.”

Professor Peyman Salehi added, “This process is being  implemented by the cooperation of Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran and the assistance of universities and research centers.”

He pointed out that the current standards of plants aroma waters are old and nontechnical and stated, “The new standard is for some of the plants aroma waters so that people would consume these medicinal plants products with more assurance.”

The Secretary of National Network of Research and Technology in Medicinal Plants emphasized that the natural essential oils that are being used in different industries such as food, perfume and additives must be prepared in accordance with a specific standard then supplied to the industries.

Salehi specified that the standardization of medicinal plants cultivation is in its last stages of development and mentioned, “This work has been delegated to National Network of Research and Technology in Medicinal Plants by the Council of Science and Technology Development of Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine.”

In response to the question of whether or not this standard is compulsory, Dr. Salehi said, “Medicinal plants standards, like some goods that are currently produced, are often not obligatory.”

Salehi predicted that these standards would not be compulsory in the first year so that the country’s industries would be able to comply with them. However, the relevant authorities must make sure these standards are eventually mandatory.

The secretary of National Network of Research and Technology in Medicinal Plants continued to say, “The products which have standards are more welcomed by the consumers and they use them with greater assurance.”