One of the uses of rangelands is the exploitation of medicinal plants. There are various perspectives on this issue. In many cases, significant emphasis is placed on the export of medicinal plants harvested from rangelands. However, given the importance of these plants as genetic reserves and the relative and competitive advantage that native and endemic medicinal species hold over non-native species, direct harvesting from rangelands is generally not recommended. Instead, the focus should be on expanding the cultivation of medicinal plants in abandoned or low-yielding agricultural lands and rainfed fields, utilizing improved and highyielding varieties. Deciding whether to continue or halt the harvesting of medicinal plants from rangelands requires foundational data. At present, comprehensive information on the ecological suitability of rangeland habitats for medicinal plant exploitation is not available. Consequently, current harvesting practices are often not based on the environmental compatibility or sustainable yield limits of the habitat. In some cases, medicinal plants are harvested without consideration off their environmental requirements or the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. This study was carried out with the aim of ecologically and economically evaluating the exploitation of medicinal plants and forage production in the summer rangelands of Joladak, a representative rangeland in the southern Alborz region. According to the findings, the suitability of the area for medicinal plant harvesting, based on ecological, economic, and social criteria, was classified as Non-suitable (N), while its suitability for forage production and livestock grazing was classified as suitable (S1). These results indicate that not all rangeland habitats are suitable for medicinal plant exploitation. Therefore, a more sustainable approach is recommended one that involves conserving genetic resources by reducing harvesting, implementing controlled and capacity-based utilization, and implementing restoration practices where necessary. Widespread exploitation of medicinal plants across all rangeland areas is not advisable. This issue should be carefully considered by both research institutions and executive bodies when formulating policies related to medicinal plants.