By Tunbosun Ogundare

Copyright tribuneonlineng

A deputy director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Dr Oluwagbeminga Aina, has revealed that many herbal-related medicinal products and plants in Nigerian markets are only safe for use but not actually effective to treat the medical conditions their producers claimed they are for.

He stated that from the evidence-based research work he carried out spanning over six years on no fewer than 46 herbal medicinal products, plants and supplements in the country, the results showed that most of them failed efficacy tests.

Aina, a biochemist-nutritionist and an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Eko University of Medicine and Health Science, Lagos, gave this revelation at a recent monthly dialogue organised by the institute with the media.

“We carried out research on 46 herbal –related medicines and drugs as well as supplements in the markets, and found out that none of them passed the eficacy test.

“Those are some of the herbal drugs and supplements in the market that their producers claimed to be effective to cure all manner of medical conditions including the chronic types whereas they are only safe but not efficacious” he stated, noting that the tests were conducted on animals.

While identifying numerous challenges faced by researchers which include lack of funds, inadequate laboratory equipment and high cost of test, shortage of qualified manpower and standard animal housing facilities among others, the researcher underscored the importance of herbal medicine producers doing more work on preparation of their products before taking them to market.

He said they could do this by subjecting their products for safety and potent tests at any of the standard laboratories in the country to protect consumers.

According to him, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that traditional and herbal related medicines should be tested before being made available to the public.

But many of them in the market currently did not undergo toxicity assessments to ensure their safety, which is the primary concern for patients, health authorities, and the public.

“So, it now becomes important for those whose products are already in the market to do more work by finding out the active ingredient in their products preparation and how it can be harnessed to effectively treat the condition they are targeting,” Aina emphasised.

Aina, whose current research areas include malaria chemotherapy in humans and the screening of medicinal plants suspected to possess antimalarial properties, also advised people on their part to always be cautious of the herbal drugs and supplements they take, especially when their efficacy is not guaranteed.

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