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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal drug among non-health professionals

cultural identity and spirituality. They continue to perform Tulsi is used in meditation and worship practices for its
rituals and practices that reinforce community bonds, calming effects and is believed to purify the mind and
which are especially important in globalization and the enhance spiritual awareness. Aloe vera is regarded as a
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encroachment of Western medical paradigms. Some symbol of health and healing across many cultures. It is
babalawos and dibias adapt to changes by incorporating commonly called the “plant of immortality” in ancient
modern health practices into their traditional methods. Egyptian culture.
They may work alongside physicians or incorporate Socially, herbal medicine is an economic asset in
conventional health knowledge into their consultations, Nigeria, providing livelihoods for many people, including
offering a hybrid form of care that draws on traditional and herbalists, farmers, traders, and researchers. The growing
modern medicine. 15
market for herbal products has led to the establishment
Before the colonial period, African societies had of small-scale businesses, with herbal medicine
developed extensive knowledge of their local flora and manufacturers and marketers catering to both local and
fauna, using these resources for medicinal, dietary, and international consumers. Furthermore, herbal products
ritual purposes. As Western medicine and colonial influence are often sold in local markets, where they are marketed
took hold in Nigeria, herbal medicine continued to coexist alongside conventional medications, contributing to a
with these new systems, often providing an affordable flourishing informal economy. 24
and culturally familiar alternative to pharmaceutical
drugs. Colonization resulted in the exchange of botanical 3. Common types of herbal medicines used
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knowledge between cultures. European colonizers often in Nigeria
documented and adapted traditional remedies encountered
in colonized regions, leading to the development of Herbal medicines in Nigeria encompass various plant
hybrid medicinal systems. For example, many African species, each used for specific therapeutic purposes.
herbal practices have influenced herbal medicine in the Some of the most commonly used herbal remedies are
Americas through the transatlantic slave trade, integrating summarized in Table 1.
various therapeutic approaches and plants that persist in 3.1. Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina)
contemporary use. 18
In Nigerian society, the practice of herbal medicine is 3.2. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
not only a health care option but a deep-rooted cultural Moringa is often referred to as the “miracle tree” due to its
practice. It is often tied to family and community life, numerous health benefits. The leaves, seeds, and pods of
with remedies being shared among relatives, neighbors, moringa are consumed for their high nutritional value and
and local healers. In rural areas, where access to formal medicinal properties. It is believed to help improve immune
16
health care may be limited or prohibitively expensive, function, lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation,
herbal medicines remain the first line of defense against and combat malnutrition. Moringa is also used to
30
illness. In these communities, knowledge of herbal drugs treat conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma,
is passed from one generation to the next, typically and digestive issues. However, high doses of moringa
through oral communication, storytelling, and hands-on leaf powder may cause stomach upset and diarrhea. In
mentorship. 20 addition, the roots of the moringa tree contain compounds
Herbal medicines are used to treat many ailments, that can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Pregnant
from common illnesses, such as colds and fevers, to women, in particular, should avoid moringa roots as they
more serious conditions such as malaria, high blood may cause abortion. 31
pressure, and diabetes. Plants such as moringa, bitter 3.3. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
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leaf, and neem have also gained popularity for their
purported health benefits, including detoxifying the Neem, also known as “Indian Lilac,” is another widely used
body, boosting the immune system, and managing plant in Nigeria. It is revered for its anti-bacterial, anti-
chronic diseases. The widespread cultural acceptance of viral, and anti-fungal properties. The leaves and bark of the
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herbal remedies often stems from their integration into neem tree are used to treat a range of conditions, including
religious practices, with many plants having symbolic skin infections, malaria, and as a detoxifying agent.
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significance or being associated with spiritual healing. Neem is also used as a natural pesticide, demonstrating its
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For example, in Hinduism, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) multifaceted uses in Nigerian communities. High doses of
is regarded as a sacred plant, representing purity and Neem leaf extracts have been associated with renal toxicity
divinity. It is often grown near homes and temples. in experimental settings. 33

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 68 doi: 10.36922/IMO025080012