The export of China's herb extracts reached $330 million during the first quarter, a year-on-year increase of 11.2 percent. The growth momentum is expected to continue in this quarter.

According to the China Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Medicine s and Health Products, exports of herb extracts from China are growing in a stable fashion and account for nearly half of the nation's traditional Chinese medicine exports.

Herb extracts can be used in medicines, health supplements, nutrients and skin nourishments and are categorized as one secto r of traditional Chinese medicine.

China's major herb extracts export destinations are the United States and Japan. During the first three months of this year, the export volume to the US jumped 26.9 percent year-on-year to hit $70.27 million. That can be attributed to Westerners' ever increasing preference for a natural lifestyle, said the chamber.

It also predicted that along with the export growth, domestic demand will increase, leading to fast growth in the industry.