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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal drug among non-health professionals

accessibility allows users to gather information quickly addition, blogs and websites funded by herbal product
from multiple perspectives without physical access to companies may present information skewed to favor
libraries and databases. On the other hand, traditional their product. In contrast, peer-reviewed articles and
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sources such as academic journals and books may require publications affiliated with academic institutions are
specific access (e.g., subscriptions or physical libraries), as generally free from commercial influence. They focus
they are curated and peer-reviewed, often providing more on unbiased evidence to present a balanced view of the
authoritative content. This can limit immediate availability subject matter. 74
but ensures a higher information standard. 66
6.6. User engagement and community feedback
6.2. Quality of information
Online platforms often encourage user interaction
The quality of information on the Internet can vary through comments and forums, allowing for shared
significantly. Many websites may offer anecdotal experiences experiences and recommendations. While this can
or personal opinions rather than scientifically validated provide valuable insights, it is essential to exercise
information. Factors such as author credentials, publication caution, as personal stories may not reflect broader
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reviews, and bias must be critically evaluated. Regarding clinical outcomes. On the other hand, traditional
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traditional sources, academic journals and books generally sources typically do not allow for community feedback;
undergo rigorous peer review and editorial processes. This their information is presented as established knowledge.
enhances the reliability of the information being presented. While this structure promotes reliability, it may lack
Traditional sources often include references to empirical the immediate engagement that users find beneficial
research and clinical studies, providing a solid foundation online. 76,77
for claims made about herbal medicines. 68
7. Usage patterns of herbal drugs among
6.3. Credibility and trustworthiness
non-health professionals
On the Internet, websites with information on herbal
medicines may lack credentials, and consumers must be The patterns of herbal drug use in Nigeria vary across
vigilant in determining the credibility of the source. Resources different demographic groups, but there are several
such as Wikipedia, personal blogs, or non-professional health common trends.
websites may present misinformation or unverified claims, (i) Self-medication: A significant proportion of non-
leading to potential health risks. In contrast, traditional health professionals use herbal drugs for self-
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sources, such as published scientific research and medical treatment, particularly for common ailments such as
literature from reputable institutions, uphold established headaches, body pain, coughs, and gastrointestinal
standards of evidence-based medicine. These traditional issues. This pattern is primarily due to the perceived
sources typically come from professionals with expertise in safety, affordability, and availability of herbal
the field, thereby increasing their trustworthiness. 70 remedies. 78
(ii) Chronic disease management: Individuals suffering
6.4. Evidence-based information from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension,
While some online platforms, such as databases and arthritis often use herbal remedies either as a
(e.g., PubMed and National Center for Complementary primary treatment or as an adjunct to conventional
and Integrative Health) and health organization websites medicine. However, the lack of standardized dosing
(e.g., World Health Organization), provide evidence- and quality control in herbal products may lead to
based guidance, many internet resources emphasize safety concerns. 79
anecdotal evidence and personal testimonials. This can (iii) Preventive health: In some cases, herbal drugs are used
lead to the promotion of unproven or ineffective herbal for preventive purposes, such as boosting immunity
medicine. Whereas traditional sources, such as academic or detoxifying the body. These uses are often based on
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publications, prioritize systematic reviews of literature, cultural beliefs and are sometimes promoted by herbal
clinical trials, and empirical evidence. These sources are practitioners. 80
key to validating the efficacy and safety of herbal products, (iv) Cultural beliefs and trust: Traditional healing practices
providing insights grounded in scientific research. 72 are often trusted more than modern medicine in
certain communities. Many people prefer herbal
6.5. Bias and commercial influence medicine because they believe it is “natural,” and
Many Internet sources may contain bias – products may therefore safer, or because it is part of their cultural
be marketed with inflated claims to increase sales. In heritage. 81

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 72 doi: 10.36922/IMO025080012