Experts at the University of Lagos have called for stronger regulation, scientific validation and responsible use of herbal medicines to improve their safety and effectiveness.

The experts made the call at the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day symposium organised by the Model Herbal Clinic, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos.

The symposium, held at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine Campus, Idi-Araba, Lagos, was themed, “Safe, Effective and Regulated: The Future of Herbal Medicine.”

The event brought together academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, students, regulatory stakeholders and players in the herbal medicine sector to discuss the development and integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare.

Speaking at the event, Pharm. (Mrs.) Ijeoma P. Ezeka, Deputy Director, Herbal and Nutraceutical Division, Drug Evaluation and Research Directorate, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, stressed the need for greater public awareness of substances used in herbal medicines and other natural products.

She cautioned against the assumption that substances derived from plants are automatically safe simply because they are natural.

Ezeka also highlighted the importance of understanding the source, composition and processing of substances used in herbal preparations, noting that consumers may not always be aware of how products are processed before they reach the market.

The experts also warned against the indiscriminate use of medicinal leaves, roots and other plant materials without adequate knowledge of their dosage, preparation methods, possible side effects and interactions with other substances.

Dr. Ifeoma C. Orabueze, Acting Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNILAG, said the symposium provided an opportunity to celebrate Africa’s traditional medicine heritage while promoting its scientific development.

Orabueze said African Traditional Medicine Day is celebrated annually on August 31 following its establishment in 2000 by the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa to promote indigenous healing systems across the continent.

She explained that UNILAG’s annual celebration began in 2017 following a proposal made during a departmental meeting.

According to her, the first edition featured Professor Maurice Iwu as guest speaker and Archbishop M.A. Atilade as chairman.

She added that the programme continued during the COVID-19 pandemic through a virtual symposium which attracted more than 1,000 participants.

Orabueze said scientific validation, safety, regulation and sustainable development remained essential to the future of African traditional medicine.

She also advocated stronger collaboration between academic institutions and players in the herbal medicine industry.

According to her, such collaboration would provide opportunities for researchers, regulators, industry players, healthcare practitioners and consumers to better understand the challenges and opportunities within the sector.

She proposed the introduction of a market day as part of future editions of the programme to bring researchers, industry players, students, regulatory agencies and consumers together.

Orabueze described the initiative as a way of connecting “the gown and the town” by creating stronger links between academic research and the wider herbal medicine industry.

Chief Dr. (Mrs.) S.O.A. Olagbende-Dada (Rtd.) also contributed to discussions on traditional medicine and the need for greater understanding of naturally derived substances used by Nigerians.

The symposium featured herbal medicine exhibitions and product showcases, allowing participants to interact with products and developments within the sector.

 

The Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, served as Chief Host, while the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Sunday A. Adesegun, served as Co-Host.

The organisers said the symposium was aimed at promoting safer and more effective use of herbal medicines while encouraging scientific research, quality assurance and appropriate regulation of traditional medicine practices.

They stressed that the development of herbal medicine should involve stronger collaboration between researchers, regulators, practitioners and industry stakeholders.