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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal drug among non-health professionals

Table 1. Summary of key herbal medicines, their uses, and potential risks
Herbal medicine Traditional uses Potential risks
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Used for treating high blood pressure, High doses may lead to digestive issues,
diabetes, malnutrition, and inflammation electrolyte imbalances, or liver toxicity
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Commonly used for nausea, digestion It can cause heartburn, gastrointestinal irritation,
issues, and inflammation or interaction with blood thinners
Garlic (Azadirachta indica) Used for treating malaria, skin infections, Excessive use may cause kidney damage,
and as a detoxifier diarrhea, or low blood pressure.
Soursop (Graviola) Believed to treat cancer, inflammation, and Long-term use can cause nerve toxicity and may
digestive problems interact with chemotherapy drugs
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Used to lower blood pressure, treat fever, May lower blood pressure, too much can cause
and improve digestion dizziness or fainting in some individuals
Bitter leaf (Verononia amygdalina) Commonly used for treating diabetes, Excessive consumption may lead to liver toxicity
malaria, and digestive issues or digestive upset
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Used as an anti-inflammatory agent for It may cause gastrointestinal issues or interact
joint pain and digestive issues with blood-thinning medications
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Used to relieve indigestion, headaches, and It can cause heartburn or allergic reactions,
muscle pain especially in people with sensitive skin
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) Used to treat fever, high blood pressure, and Overuse may lead to digestive issues or allergic
as a calming agent reactions

3.4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) its potential anti-obesity properties. High doses of African
Ginger is a commonly used herb in Nigerian households, mango may cause stomach upset and diarrhea. 38
both as a spice in cooking and as a medicinal remedy. It 3.7. Soursop (Annona muricata)
is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-
nausea properties. Nigerians use ginger to treat digestive Soursop is a tropical fruit tree known for its sweet,
issues, alleviate nausea, reduce joint pain, and improve tangy flavor and medicinal benefits. Traditionally, the
circulation. High doses of ginger can lead to heartburn, leaves and fruit are used to treat infections, fever, and
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diarrhea, and stomach upset. Furthermore, ginger possesses digestive problems. Soursop is also believed to have anti-
blood-thinning properties and may increase bleeding risk cancer properties. It contains acetogenins, which have
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when consumed with anticoagulant medications. 35 demonstrated cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Some
studies suggest that soursop may have neurotoxic effects
3.5. Garlic (Allium sativum) linked to the compounds present in the seeds, which can
Garlic is widely used for its anti-microbial and cardiovascular potentially contribute to neurological disorders, including
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benefits. It is commonly employed in treating colds, flu, and Parkinson’s disease.
respiratory problems, as well as for managing hypertension 3.8. Holy basil (Tulsi) (Ocimum sanctum)
and cholesterol. The active compounds in garlic, such
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as allicin, are believed to have significant health benefits. Known for its aromatic properties, the holy basil is revered
Garlic has anti-platelet properties, which can increase the in many cultures for its health benefits.
risk of bleeding, particularly if taken with anticoagulant It is traditionally used for stress relief, respiratory
medications. High doses of garlic can lead to gastrointestinal issues, and immunity enhancement. It is often consumed
distress, including heartburn, gas, and diarrhea. Some as tea or in powder form. Holy basil contains important
individuals may experience allergic reactions to garlic, phytochemicals such as eugenol and rosmarinic acid,
including skin rashes and respiratory issues. 37 contributing to its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory
properties. Holy basil may have blood-thinning
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3.6. African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) properties, which can increase bleeding risk in individuals
African mango, or bush mango, is used primarily for taking anticoagulant medications. 42
weight management and improving metabolic health. The
seeds are believed to help control cholesterol, reduce blood 3.9. Pawpaw (Carica papaya)
sugar levels, and assist in weight loss. This herb has gained The pawpaw tree is indigenous to tropical America but is
attention in both local and international markets due to widely cultivated in Nigeria. Traditionally, pawpaw leaves

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 69 doi: 10.36922/IMO025080012