Traditional medicine, used in the treatment of both physical and mental illnesses, encompasses a variety of skills and practices rooted in the beliefs and experiences of different cultures.
In Nigeria, traditional medicine has existed for generations and has been the go-to for older population.
Various ethnic groups across Nigeria have different approaches to traditional medicine, which have been reported to be effective. Hence, traditional medicine has continued to gain significance over time.
Issues of efficacy and safety raise serious concerns regarding the usage of herbal medicine (which is a part of traditional medicine) in Nigeria. Herbal medicines use medicinal plants (like Neem, Acacia, Bitter Leaf, Ginger, Lemongrass, Aloe vera etc.) to treat and prevent diseases.
If you are Nigerian, you might be familiar with what the elders call Agbo (Yoruba), Ahu (Igbo) and Magani (Hausa), which are used to treat different diseases like Malaria, Typhoid, Measles and more.
These concoctions are made using a variety of plants, seeds or roots. While some Nigerians believe in traditional medicine, a common question lingers: is it safe? Many argue that it is, citing its effectiveness, long history of use and numerous successful stories.
In the sections that follow, we will examine the efficacy, safety and regulation of traditional medicine in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
Efficacy of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria
The effectiveness of traditional medicine in Nigeria is still under debate.
Traditional healers make use of medicinal plants to treat a variety of illnesses. Nigerians make use of this treatment for malaria, infertility, weight loss, and chronic pains.
Scientific studies carried out on herbal medicines derived from neem, bitter leaf and ginger have confirmed that these plants possess medicinal properties.
However, the potency and effectiveness of Nigerian herbal medicine are uncertain. This is due to the lack of extensive clinical research on the products.
Modern medicine goes through various clinical trials before being proven safe for use. These procedures help determine the effective dosage of a particular drug—an essential step often lacking in traditional medicine.
While success stories about the use of traditional remedies abound, determining their true efficacy in Nigeria requires more comprehensive and scientifically rigorous research.
Safety Concerns Regarding Traditional Medicine in Nigeria
Many traditional treatments are administered without proper dosages and guidelines which can pose high health risks. This treatment is prone to contamination like heavy metals, harmful microorganisms or chemicals due to poor handling and preparation.
Some traditional healers go as far as combining herbs with synthetic drugs, without fully understanding the potential synergistic or antagonistic effects on their patients.
Misdiagnoses can also occur due to the absence of proper diagnostic equipment typically found in modern hospitals.
Additionally, concerns around antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria may partly stem from the inappropriate use of certain herbal concoctions.
The lack of standardised procedures and precise dosages in the administration of traditional medicine continues to raise serious safety concerns.
Regulation of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria
The government, through agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Traditional Medicine Council of Nigeria, have made efforts to monitor and regulate traditional medicine.
Despite the policies put in place to regulate herbal medicines, some still find their way into the market without being registered. The Nigerian government has to enforce stricter measures to ensure herbal medicine’s safety and promote quality control.
More research should be carried out to develop ways to safely integrate traditional medicine into the healthcare system.
Bridging Tradition and Science for a Healthier Future
Concerns about the safety and regulation of traditional medicine in Nigeria remain valid. However, important progress has been made.
Institutions like the Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) now lead research into local herbal remedies. NIPRD has developed standardised products like Niprimune, made from Andrographis paniculata, to support immune health.
NAFDAC has also taken steps by registering select herbal products, this helps ensure their safety and quality. Several Nigerian universities have studied plants like neem, bitter leaf, and scent leaf. These studies confirm their medicinal properties and support their traditional use.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, NIPRD evaluated herbal solutions and even assessed COVID-organics from Madagascar. This shows how traditional medicine can adapt to modern health challenges.
Efforts to integrate traditional medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system are growing. Some states now train and license traditional healers for improved care.
Universities have launched ethnopharmacology programs to preserve indigenous knowledge and promote scientific understanding. These programs help bridge cultural wisdom with medical science.
To move forward, Nigeria must balance heritage with healthcare standards. Tradition and science can work hand in hand.
With better research, regulation, and education, traditional medicine can thrive safely and sustainably.
Final Thoughts
Despite the controversies, traditional medicine continues to play a vital role in Nigerian society. Many people view it as being affordable and accessible unlike modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas where hospitals are scarce.
The proposed solution is to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine by promoting the scientific validation of herbal treatments. As traditional medicine continues to evolve, it is essential to preserve cultural heritage while aligning with modern healthcare standards.
Read more: Advantages of Modern Drugs Over Traditional Drugs
