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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal drug among non-health professionals

drugs, some individuals may seek advice from medical 4.9. Health fairs and herbal medicine conferences
professionals, particularly when combining herbal Health fairs and conferences often feature sessions on
medicines with conventional treatments. 55 the use of herbal drugs, where individuals can learn from

4.6. Books and academic journals experts, including researchers, traditional healers, and
product manufacturers. 60
Some individuals, particularly those with higher education
or an interest in herbal medicine, may turn to academic 5. Perceived benefits of herbal medicine
publications, textbooks, and other scholarly sources to learn The perceived benefits of herbal medicines in Nigeria are
about the use of herbal drugs. However, the accessibility of shaped by both traditional beliefs and practical experiences.
such resources can be limited in rural areas. 56
Many Nigerians view herbal medicine as a safer, more
4.7. Government and health agency publications natural alternative to conventional pharmaceutical drugs.
There is a widespread belief that herbal remedies are less
Government and health agencies are crucial in regulating likely to cause side effects, particularly when compared
herbal medicines to ensure safety, efficacy, and proper to synthetic medications, which may be seen as harsh
labeling. Public health agencies, such as the Nigerian or artificial. For example, plants such as bitter leaf are
Ministry of Health or the World Health Organization, considered to have purifying and detoxifying properties,
occasionally provide guidelines and reports on herbal making them popular choices for managing chronic
medicines. These documents might include safety illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. 61
recommendations and regulatory information, although
access to such publications can be limited in some regions. Herbal medicines are also perceived to have cultural and
57
Other key regulatory agencies include Nigeria’s National spiritual significance, often used for physical healing and
Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control emotional and spiritual well-being. Many herbal remedies
(NAFDAC), which is responsible for regulating and are associated with rituals, prayers, and spiritual practices,
controlling food, drugs, and herbal products in Nigeria. further strengthening their place in Nigerian society. For
Its mandate includes ensuring that herbal medicines meet instance, herbalists may offer prayers while preparing or
administering certain remedies, reinforcing the belief that
safety and quality standards before they enter the market. healing is a holistic process that involves both physical and
Herbal products must be registered with NAFDAC, which spiritual elements. 62
involves submitting documentation that demonstrates
the product’s safety, efficacy, and quality. This includes In addition, herbal medicines are often viewed as
evidence, trial, or traditional use documentation. NAFDAC affordable, with many remedies being freely available in
enforces good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards local markets or from family members and community
for manufacturers of herbal medicines. This ensures healers. This affordability and accessibility make herbal
that products are consistently produced and controlled drugs particularly attractive in low-income and rural
according to quality standards. Herbal products must have communities where people may face financial constraints
accurate labeling that includes information on ingredients, or lack access to formal health-care services. 63
recommended dosages, usage instructions, and potential 6. Comparison of Internet sources to
side effects. Claims on the label must be substantiated. In
addition, NAFDAC conducts post-market surveillance traditional sources in herbal medicine
to monitor the safety and efficacy of herbal products that information
are already on the market. This includes tracking adverse The rise of the Internet as a primary source of information
reactions and ensuring compliance with regulatory has transformed how individuals access knowledge about
standards. 58 herbal medicines. While the Internet offers convenience
and a wealth of resources, there are notable differences
4.8. Workshops and community health outreach in reliability when compared to traditional sources such
programs
as academic journals, books, and professional medical
Non-professional individuals may also gain herbal drug advice. 64
information through community workshops or health
outreach programs conducted by non-governmental 6.1. Accessibility and availability
agencies, community health workers, or local governments. The Internet provides immediate access to an extensive
These initiatives often aim to educate the public on both range of information on herbal medicines, including
the benefits and risks of herbal medicine. 59 articles, blogs, forums, and research papers. This

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 71 doi: 10.36922/IMO025080012