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Innovative Medicines & Omics Herbal drug among non-health professionals

(ii) Online resource development. This can be achieved the country’s health-care system and the need to ensure
by creating centralized online platforms that provide safety and efficacy. The recent policy developments and
vetted, evidence-based information about herbal efforts by the Nigerian government, specifically through
medicines, detailing their uses, potential side effects, agencies such as the NAFDAC and other related entities,
and scientific research. This could also include to regulate herbal medicine are discussed below.
100
partnerships with universities, health organizations,
and government agencies. 93 11.1. Regulatory framework enhancement

9.4. Promoting collaboration between traditional The enhancement of the regulatory framework is being
and modern medicine achieved through two main approaches.
(i) Updated guidelines for herbal medicines. NAFDAC
The collaboration between traditional and modern has been actively reviewing and updating its guidelines
medicine can also facilitate increased access to information for registering and regulating herbal products. These
about herbal drugs. guidelines emphasize the need for scientific evidence
(i) Integrating health-care models. Encourage to support claims made by herbal products and
collaboration between traditional healers and require comprehensive documentation regarding
health-care providers. Creating integrative health- quality control, safety, and efficacy. 101
care models can enhance patient care by blending (ii) Traditional Medicine Policy. In 2020, NAFDAC and
traditional knowledge with modern medical practices. the Federal Ministry of Health unveiled the National
(ii) Interdisciplinary workshops. Organizing workshops and Policy on Traditional Medicine. The policy aims to
forums where traditional practitioners and health-care integrate traditional medicine practices, including
professionals are able to share knowledge and experiences herbal medicine, into the national health-care system,
can lead to mutual respect and understanding. 94
ensuring that they are recognized, regulated, and
10. Factors influencing usage patterns practiced safely. 102
Several factors influence the usage patterns of herbal 11.2. Collaborative effort with traditional healers
medicine within the community. These include: Regarding collaborative efforts, NAFDAC has initiated
(i) Economic factors. Cost is a significant determinant of dialogs and training programs that engage traditional
herbal drug use. Herbal drugs are often seen as more
affordable than pharmaceutical drugs, especially in healers and herbal practitioners. These initiatives are
low-income communities. 95 designed to educate them on regulatory requirements,
(ii) Perceived safety and efficacy. The widespread belief quality standards, and safe practices in herbal medicine.
in the effectiveness of herbal medicine, especially in This collaboration seeks to enhance the credibility of
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rural areas, plays a central role in its continued use. traditional medicine while ensuring consumer safety.
Many users report that herbal treatments are effective, 11.3. Promotion of research and development
though these claims are often based on personal
experience rather than clinical evidence. 96 In recent years, the Nigerian government has emphasized
(iii) Accessibility. Herbal drugs are often more accessible research into medicinal plants, collaborating with
than conventional medicines, particularly in remote or universities and research institutions. These efforts aim to
rural areas where health-care facilities may be scarce. 97 validate the efficacy of traditional remedies and document
(iv) Cultural factors. In many Nigerian communities, indigenous knowledge. The government has called for
herbal medicine is considered a culturally significant more funding and support for studies focused on herbal
practice. This cultural attachment to traditional medicine to promote evidence-based practices. 104
medicine influences its use and acceptance. 98
(v) Trust in herbalists. Trust in local herbalists or 11.4. Adverse event reporting and safety
traditional healers plays a significant role. People often monitoring
seek advice from these practitioners based on their Nigeria’s NAFDAC has been developing systems to
knowledge, reputation, and the experience of others monitor the safety of herbal products. This includes
in the community. 99 making provisions for consumers and health-care
providers to report adverse reactions associated with
11. Policy and regulatory framework herbal medicines. The emphasis on monitoring aims to

The Nigerian government has made notable strides in improve the safety profile of herbal products and enhance
regulating herbal medicine, recognizing its significance in public trust. 105

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 74 doi: 10.36922/IMO025080012