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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal drug among non-health professionals

properties of herbal remedies, their accessibility, and traditional knowledge guides herbal drug use can provide
affordability. As the cost of conventional pharmaceuticals valuable insights into how Nigerian communities perceive,
rises and access to formal health-care remains limited, value, and utilize herbal remedies. It also allows for a better
particularly in rural communities, herbal drugs present understanding of the need for education, regulation, and
an attractive alternative. This trend is reflected in the standardized practices in using herbal medicines, ensuring
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growing number of herbal products available in markets, that the benefits of traditional knowledge are maximized
both local and urban, as well as the increasing use of herbal while minimizing potential risks. 25
medicine for managing common ailments such as malaria,
respiratory infections, and digestive disorders. 21 1.4.4. Need for education and regulation
Non-health professionals, who may have limited While herbal medicine plays a critical role in the health-
knowledge of the potential side effects or interactions care system, especially in underserved regions, there is
of herbal drugs, often rely on informal channels such a significant need for formal education and regulation.
Non-health professionals, despite their frequent use of
as family members, friends, or local herbalists to guide herbal remedies, often lack formal education on the proper
their decisions. While many herbal remedies have proven use, potential side effects, and safe practices surrounding
therapeutic benefits, their unregulated use without these substances. They may be unaware of the risks of
proper guidance can pose risks, such as the ingestion of incorrect dosage, herbal-drug interactions, or potential
toxic plants, contamination with harmful substances, or contamination. By focusing on this demographic, the
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improper dosage. Given that herbal medicine is widely study can inform policymakers, health-care professionals,
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used across Nigeria, especially by non-health professionals, and regulatory bodies about the areas where education and
it is essential to focus on this group to understand their regulation are most needed.
motivations, behaviors, and the sources of information
they rely on to develop effective education and regulation As herbal medicine becomes more widely used, there
strategies. 21 is an urgent need for government and regulatory bodies
to implement stronger oversight mechanisms, such
1.4.3. Role of traditional knowledge as ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal
In Nigeria, traditional knowledge of herbal medicines products on the market. Understanding the information-
is a valuable resource passed down through generations. seeking behavior of non-health professionals and their
Indigenous healers, herbalists, and community elders play usage patterns will help identify gaps in knowledge and
a vital role in preserving and disseminating this knowledge. how information about herbal medicine can be better
Many non-health professionals rely heavily on this disseminated to the public. 26
traditional knowledge, either from elders in their families 2. Historical, cultural, and social relevance
or local herbalists who have gained informal expertise
through experience. This knowledge base is crucial for of herbal drugs
understanding how herbal remedies are selected and used, The use of herbal medicine in Nigeria dates back thousands
as well as the cultural significance attached to them. 22 of years, with indigenous knowledge passed down through
However, while traditional knowledge offers invaluable generations. Each ethnic group in Nigeria has its own set
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insights, it is often unverified by scientific research. of medicinal plants and traditional healing practices. For
As a result, herbal medicine usage among non-health instance, the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa people have rich
traditions of herbal therapy, often documented in oral
professionals can sometimes be based on anecdotal 14
evidence, which may not always be reliable or safe. histories, folklore, and ritual practices. Early Nigerian
Furthermore, with the increasing influence of social herbalists, known as babalawos (Yoruba) or dibias (Igbo),
media and digital platforms, disseminating unverified or were revered as experts in the use of plant-based medicine,
and many of their practices have survived into the modern
misleading information about herbal remedies has become era, albeit with evolving methods. Babalawos and dibias
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more common. It is more important to study how non- are custodians of extensive traditional knowledge of herbal
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health professionals acquire herbal drug information and remedies, rituals, and spiritual healing practices. They
how traditional knowledge is integrated into their health- are pivotal in preserving indigenous medical knowledge,
care decision-making. 24 often passed down through generations. In contemporary
This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional settings, they may engage in educational efforts to train
knowledge and modern scientific understanding by younger generations about medicinal plants and traditional
focusing on non-health professionals. Exploring how healing methods. Both roles are essential for maintaining
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Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 67 doi: 10.36922/IMO025080012