Abstract In this study, five of popularly used medicinal plants as Cichorium intybus, Anethum graveolens seed, Thymus vulgaris, Fumaria officinalis and Hibiscus sabdariffa Syn: Hibiscus gossypifolius were prepared from Herbal Pharmacies in Tehran. The amounts of Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, V and Zn in samples were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis. In this method, Tehran research reactor as a neutron source and relative INAA have been used as the analysis procedure. Highest levels of Cr (5 mg/kg), Ca (28316 mg/kg) and Mg (4134 mg/kg) were detected in Thymus vulgaris and F1umaria officinalis, respectively.