The accessibility and usage patterns of herbal drug information among non-health professionals in Nigeria: A narrative review

Abstract

Herbal medicine plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s health-care system, particularly among non-health professionals, with many individuals relying on traditional remedies for self-medication and disease management. The review aims to identify sources of information on herbal drugs, types of herbal medications commonly used, reasons for their usage, and associated risks. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and local Nigerian journals, complemented by gray literature from government health websites and reports. Key terms such as “herbal medicine,” “Nigeria,” “non-health professionals,” and “information accessibility” were employed to identify relevant studies and reports published between 2000 and 2023. The selected materials were analyzed to extract themes surrounding the knowledge and practices of non-health professionals regarding herbal medicine. Findings reveal that non-health professionals primarily rely on traditional healers, family members, and media sources for information. However, these sources often lack scientific evidence, resulting in potential misinformation. Commonly used herbal remedies include moringa, neem, and various local plants, often endorsed for their perceived efficacy and affordability compared to conventional drugs. Despite the cultural acceptance of herbal medicines, significant safety concerns arise from inadequate regulation, potential toxicity, and adverse drug interactions when used concurrently with pharmaceuticals. This review highlights the need for improved regulation, credible information dissemination, and public education regarding herbal medicines to enhance safe practices. Recommendations include collaborating with health authorities to promote awareness and integrating traditional healers into formal health-care systems. By shedding light on the current state of herbal drug information accessibility and usage, this study underscores the importance of addressing gaps in knowledge to safeguard public health in Nigeria.

Keywords

Herbal medicine / Non-health professionals / Information accessibility / Usage patterns / Nigeria / Regulation

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

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