Analysis of the National Market of Herbal Medicinal Products Used in the Treatment of Hepatobiliary Disorders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20005447Keywords:
Ukrainian pharmaceutical market, hepatoprotective agent, hepatobiliary disorders, market analysis, herbal medicinesAbstract
Introduction: Chronic liver diseases are a significant medical and social issue, characterized by high prevalence and a tendency toward chronicity. Herbal medicines play an important role in the pharmacotherapy of hepatobiliary disorders due to their multifaceted pharmacological effects and favorable safety profile. Analyzing the structure of the pharmaceutical market for these products is relevant to assessing the market's characteristics and identifying development prospects. Objective: To investigate the structure of the domestic market of herbal medicines for hepatobiliary disorders and to substantiate the feasibility of developing a novel oral gel formulation based on dry extracts of Silybum marianum and Scutellaria baicalensis. Materials and Methods: Data from the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine as of 01.02.2026, WHO ATC classification, and publicly available pharmacy catalogs were analyzed. Structural analysis classified medicines by ATC subgroups, dosage forms, and composition (mono- or multicomponent). Logical and comparative analyses were conducted to assess the shares of domestic and foreign manufacturers and to compare the Ukrainian market structure with those of Poland and Germany. Graphical analysis was used to visualize the results in tables and figures. Results and Discussion: The analysis revealed that a substantial number of medicines for hepatobiliary disorders are registered in Ukraine (ATC group A05). Domestic products dominate the A05AX-10 subgroup (83.7%), while Ukrainian manufacturers account for 57.1% of the silymarin segment (A05BA03). Solid oral dosage forms predominate (~60%), with liquid forms and herbal raw materials underrepresented. A comparative analysis of the Polish and German markets demonstrated the successful application of oral gels in related gastroenterological categories (antacids, enterosorbents), supporting their potential introduction in hepatology. Conclusions: The pharmaceutical market for hepatobiliary medicines is characterized by a high share of domestic herbal products and predominance of solid dosage forms. The development of oral gels based on herbal raw materials is feasible to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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