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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal drug among non-health professionals

This narrative review was constructed through Nigeria?
a comprehensive literature search using electronic (iii) What factors influence the choice and application of
databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and local herbal remedies among non-health professionals?
Nigerian journals, complemented by gray literature (iv) How do cultural beliefs and practices shape the
sourced from government health websites and reports understanding and use of herbal medicine within
published within 2018 – 2023 to ensure the relevance various ethnic groups?
and currency of information. Sources from different (v) What implications do these practices have for public
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geographic regions and ethnic groups, particularly within health and policy in Nigeria?
Nigeria, were included to capture a comprehensive view
of herbal practices. Research focusing on various aspects 1.4. Significance of the study
such as cultural beliefs, preparation methods, regulatory The findings of this research are expected to provide
frameworks, and health implications of herbal medicine valuable insights into the roles that herbal medicine
was incorporated to provide a well-rounded analysis. 16 plays in the lives of non-health professionals in Nigeria.

This narrative review aims to explore the accessibility Understanding the dynamics of plant usage can aid public
of herbal drug information and examine the patterns of health practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in
herbal drug use among non-health professionals in Nigeria. formulating appropriate strategies that encompass both
Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the herbal and conventional medicine. In addition, this
potential risks associated with unregulated use and for research may serve as a foundation for further studies aimed
fostering informed decision-making among herbal drug at documenting and preserving traditional knowledge
users. systems, enhancing the status of herbal medicine as a
legitimate form of health care, and promoting cultural
1.1. Rationale for the study understanding amid globalization.
Focusing on non-health professionals in the study of herbal 1.4.1. Widespread self-medication practices in Nigeria
drug usage in Nigeria is significant for several key reasons,
particularly the widespread practice of self-medication, One of Nigeria’s most notable health behavior trends,
the growing popularity of herbal drugs, and the central especially among non-health professionals, is the
role of traditional knowledge in shaping health practices. widespread practice of self-medication. According
Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing to various studies, a large proportion of the Nigerian
potential risks and improving the safety and efficacy of population resorts to self-medication when dealing with
herbal medicine use in Nigeria. health issues, often due to limited access to formal health-
care services, high treatment costs, or long waiting times at
1.2. Research objectives health-care facilities. For many individuals, especially in
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The primary objective of this study is to explore the rural areas where access to health care is minimal, herbal
accessibility of herbal drug information and the usage remedies provide a practical and affordable alternative.
patterns among non-health professionals in Nigeria. Non-health professionals, who lack formal medical
Specifically, the study aims to: training, often rely on their personal experiences, cultural
(i) Identify and categorize the sources and types of beliefs, or community knowledge when selecting and
information available to non-health professionals using herbal medicines. This can lead to inappropriate self-
regarding herbal medicines diagnosis, incorrect dosage, or the misuse of remedies that
(ii) Analyze the sociocultural factors influencing how may interact negatively with other treatments. In addition,
different ethnic groups utilize herbal remedies the lack of professional oversight in the administration of
(iii) Assess the implications of herbal medicine practices herbal medicine can result in adverse health outcomes.
on public health strategies and policies. Understanding how and why self-medication is so
prevalent, and how non-health professionals obtain their
1.3. Research questions information, is crucial for identifying potential risks and
The following research questions were constructed to formulating interventions to promote safer practices. 19
guide the study:
(i) What are the common sources and types of 1.4.2. Growing popularity of herbal drugs
information regarding herbal drugs in Nigeria that are Herbal medicines have become increasingly popular in
accessible to non-health professionals? Nigeria, with many individuals turning to plant-based
(ii) What are the herbal drug usage patterns among non- remedies for their perceived health benefits. This popularity
health professionals across different ethnic groups in is primarily driven by factors such as the perceived “natural”

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 66 doi: 10.36922/IMO025080012