The professor from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, specifically said there was a need for strong partnership among the academia, traditional medicine practitioners, relevant Federal Government agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Federal Ministry of Health, to synergize on comprehensive research and development of African traditional medicines.
The don stated this at a lecture he delivered at the scientific forum on herbal medicine. The event was organised by the Centre for Herbal Medicine and Drug Discovery at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo town, Ondo State. The lecture was titled, ‘African traditional medicine: our heritage and legacy.’
He said, “African traditional medicine is a breakthrough in the drug discovery process as some of the drugs being used in conventional medicine were originally derived from plants.
“Some of these herbal medicines act as lead molecules for the synthesis of various potent drugs. Reports have shown that there are many hidden mysteries that need to be learned from African traditional practices by the modern world.
“There are strong proofs to show that there is a renewed interest in African plant-based medicines in the prevention and cure of various pathologies, and medicinal plants still play an important role in the healthcare system in African countries.
“We need to maintain a very strong connection with the traditional knowledge regarding the collection and processing of herbal medicines so that the greatest majority of herbal medicines that are produced are consistent with those used historically. This will ensure optimum harvest times, drying times, and processing conditions for producing high-quality herbal medicines.
He further explained that the collaboration among the stakeholders would significantly boost the health status of Nigerians, provide outlets for research efforts, create wealth for medicinal plant researchers, and generate job opportunities across the country.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the UNIMED, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, stated that herbs had for centuries been an integral part of human civilization, offering remedies and insights into the intricacies of nature’s healing potential.
“One of the ways UNIMED intends to achieve ‘better health for a greater nation’ is to harness the goodness of nature—herbal medicine. This forum, which was established by the university and powered by the Centre for Herbal Medicine and Drug Discovery to commemorate World African Traditional Medicine Day, stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the pursuit of scientific excellence and the promotion of holistic well-being.
“I trust that as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, our understanding of botanical wonders will continue to deepen, opening new doors to innovation and discovery,” the VC posited.
