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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal drug among non-health professionals

are used to treat malaria, whereas the fruit is eaten for its 4.4. Internet and online platforms
digestive benefits and nutritional value. Pawpaw is rich With the rise of digital technology, the Internet has
in enzymes such as papain, which aids digestion. Some become a major source of information on herbal drugs,
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individuals may have allergies to pawpaw, leading to skin especially among younger populations. Social media
rashes and gastrointestinal disturbances. 44 platforms, websites, and online health forums are popular
3.10. African bird pepper (Capsicum frutescens) platforms for learning about herbal remedies, though
the reliability of the information varies. Many herbal
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The African bird pepper is a hot pepper widely used in practitioners and researchers have blogs or social media
Nigerian cuisine and traditional medicine. It is traditionally pages where they share insights and recent developments
used to stimulate appetite, alleviate pain, and treat in herbal medicine. Examples include health-focused
respiratory ailments. Capsaicin, the active compound in platforms on Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube. There are
peppers, is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory several online platforms that provide access to herbal
properties. While African bird pepper may help stimulate drug information, including articles, research papers, and
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appetite, excessive consumption may lead to irritation of encyclopedias. The National Center for Complementary
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the gastrointestinal tract, causing pain or discomfort. 45 and Integrative Health offers resources related to herbal
3.11. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) medicines and dietary supplements, including efficacy
and safety information. HerbMed is an interactive
Black cumin seeds have been used in traditional medicine database of scientific information on herbal medicine,
for centuries. In Nigerian herbal practices, they are used covering various herbs, their effects, and traditional uses.
for various ailments, including asthma, diabetes, and Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Database
inflammation. Thymoquinone is a prominent bioactive provides detailed information on the phytochemistry and
compound in black cumin, known for its antioxidant, ethnobotany of plants, including their traditional uses.
anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Although Reputable organizations and governmental agencies often
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generally safe, black cumin may cause allergic reactions in provide guidelines and research on herbal medicines. In
some individuals, including rashes and respiratory issues. 47 addition, the World Health Organization offers reports

4. Sources of herbal drug information and guidelines on herbal medicine worldwide. 53
However, misinformation about herbal medicine
4.1. Traditional healers and herbal practitioners
persists. This misinformation includes exaggerated claims
In Nigeria, local herbalists and traditional healers often of efficacy, which involve overstating the benefits of herbal
serve as the primary source of herbal drug information medicines, suggesting they are cures for serious diseases
for many people. Traditional healers play a central role or conditions without scientific backing. Examples include
in disseminating herbal medicine information within claims that an herb can cure cancer or reverse diabetes.
communities. They often pass down knowledge through Misinformation can also arise from claims regarding the
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generations and are trusted by many individuals in Nigeria sourcing and quality of herbal products. For example, some
for health advice. However, the challenge is ensuring products may be marketed as “100% pure” or “wildcrafted”
that the knowledge shared is based on safe practices and when they are not. Consumers may inadvertently purchase
accurate information. 49 poor-quality or contaminated products, which can pose
health risks. Misinformation about sourcing can undermine
4.2. Family and peer networks trust in herbal practices and lead to skepticism among
Many individuals receive information about herbal consumers. Unregulated products are often marketed with
remedies from family members or friends, particularly in little oversight regarding their safety and efficacy. Moreover,
rural areas where formal health care may be less accessible. consumers might encounter herbal supplements with
This knowledge is typically passed down through cultural vague labels and unverified claims. The use of unregulated
and familial practices. 50 supplements can lead to health risks due to contamination,
incorrect dosing, and inadequate labeling, potentially
4.3. Media (Radio, television, and newspapers) harming users and eroding trust in herbal medicine. 54
Media outlets, including radio, television programs, and
newspapers, serve as essential sources of information 4.5. Health-care providers (Doctors, pharmacists,
about herbal drugs. These platforms may present both and nurses)
traditional and scientific perspectives on the benefits and Although non-health professionals may not often rely
risks of herbal treatments. 50 on health-care providers for information about herbal

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 70 doi: 10.36922/IMO025080012