Confronting The Scourge Of Herpes Using Herbal Intervention

Herpes is a common, long lasting infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), characterized by painful, recurring blisters or ulcers on the mouth (oral) or genitals. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) results in an infection that can cause oral or genital herpes.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the virus that typically causes oral herpes. You can get it through contact with the sores and saliva. In some cases, oral sex can spread oral herpes to the genitals.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the virus that typically causes genital herpes. It can be contracted through sexual contact, even when sores are not present.

Both types of herpes are common. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 billion people have either HSV-1 (3.7 billion) or HSV-2 (400 million).

For people with a herpes lesion outbreak, symptoms can be uncomfortable. Herpes simplex virus remains in your body long term, though often in a dormant state without symptoms.

The Prevalence Of Herpes In Africa  

Herpes Simplex Virus is highly prevalent in Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, with some studies showing it is as high as 80-90% in certain populations. Women are disproportionately affected, with prevalence ranging from 30–80%, compared to 10–50% in men, driven by high rates

of transmission and a strong link to HIV.

The disease is prevalent in Africa due to early childhood exposure to HSV-1 (oral) and high, sustained transmission rates of HSV-2 (genital), often linked to high-risk factors and lack of access to widespread antiviral treatment. HSV-1 is nearly universal, with over 90% of people acquiring it before age 15. High genital herpes rates, particularly in Southern/Eastern Africa, are driven by co-infection with other STIs and limited testing/prevention infrastructure.

Orthodox Drugs Cannot Cure Herpes

Orthodox (conventional) antiviral drugs cannot cure herpes because the herpes simplex virus (HSV) has the unique ability to hide in nerve cells in a dormant (latent) state, where orthodox medications cannot reach or eliminate it. 

After initial infection, the HSV travels along nerve pathways and settles in clusters of nerve cells called ganglia (specifically the sensory ganglia, like the trigeminal ganglia for oral herpes and the dorsal root ganglia for genital herpes).

In these nerve cells, the virus enters a latent phase where it remains inactive for long periods. During this phase, it does not replicate, making it impervious to antiviral medications. The virus also uses complex mechanisms to trick and evade the host's immune system while in this dormant state.

Why Herbs May Help In The Treatment Of Herpes

Herbs may help in the treatment of herpes because their various active components, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and essential oils, can act through multiple mechanisms to fight the virus and support the body's immune response, unlike conventional single-mechanism antiviral drugs. 

Many plant extracts have virucidal effects, meaning they can directly inactivate the virus particles outside of host cells. Herbal compounds can interfere with different stages of the viral life cycle, such as preventing the virus from attaching to and penetrating host cells, inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, or suppressing the expression of viral genes and proteins necessary for replication.

Because herbs contain multiple active ingredients acting in various ways, it is more difficult for the herpes virus to develop resistance to these treatments compared to single-compound pharmaceutical drugs like acyclovir, where resistance has been observed, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Certain herbs and their components (e.g., echinacea, astragalus, specific polysaccharides) can help modulate and strengthen the body's immune system, improving its ability to manage the infection and reduce the frequency or severity of outbreaks.

Some Herbs That May Help In The Treatment Of Herpes

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): One of the most studied herbs for herpes, topical application of lemon balm cream or extract has been shown to help reduce redness, swelling, and pain, as well as speed up the healing time of cold sores.

Propolis: This resin-like material produced by bees has antiviral and wound-healing properties. Propolis ointments or lip balms may significantly shorten the time to lesion healing compared to conventional acyclovir cream.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): The active ingredient in licorice root, glycyrrhizin, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects against HSV in laboratory settings and may be a promising treatment for outbreaks.

Olive Leaf Extract (Olea europaea L.): Topical olive leaf extract cream has shown a more rapid improvement in symptoms and shorter healing time compared with acyclovir in one study.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) and Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum): A combined cream formulation of sage and rhubarb extracts was found to be as effective as acyclovir cream in one clinical trial for healing time.

Echinacea: Known for its immune-boosting potential, certain extracts of echinacea may be an effective antiviral against both strains of herpes simplex and may soothe existing flare-ups.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): In older lab studies, diluted tea tree oil showed promise in preventing recurrent outbreaks. It must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation.

  

Read More

Fibrox: The Effective Herbal Cure For Fibroid

Before we take a look at what has made Fibrox the most effective treatment for Fibroid in Africa, it is note-worthy to consider briefly what Fibroid itself really is.

What Is Fibroid?

The word "Fibroid" sounds like a death knell in the ears of most women. But this should not be so. Every woman has Fibroid because it is a natural growth on the walls of the uterus. However, it is when this growth becomes abnormal that Fibroid becomes an issue, and in some cases, can become a very big issue if the right steps are not taken to correct it.

Orthodox medicine does not have any remedy for Fibroid other than surgery. However, this is a very risky approach because in most cases, surgery scars the uterus, making normal ovarian functions like normal menstruation, ovulation and conception difficult if not impossible.

Surgery And Its Complications

Surgery brings a whole lot of complications that end up damaging the womb. Some women have had their womb completely removed because of complications due to Fibroid surgery.

Why Fibrox Has Been Recording Success Testimonials In The Fight Against Fibroid

It then becomes obvious that the actual cure for Fibroid lies in natural, herbal therapy. And this is where Fibrox comes to play a vital roll.

Ever since its formulation, Fibrox has been recording success after success in the management, treatment and cure of Fibroid cases and several testimonies have been pouring in from across Africa. (You can read two of these amazing testimonies here).

So, what is Fibrox? Fibrox is a 100% natural medicine, made from Nigerian local herbs, packaged by a Nigerian company based in Lagos, and most important of all, recognised, approved and registered by NAFDAC ( National Agency for Food  and Drug Administration and Control), the agency vested with the power and authority to regulate food and drugs in Nigeria.

Fibrox is a powerful natural anti-fibroid formula. It is a potent and high quality formulation for female health and wellness and for hormone balancing. It is a nice product for reduction and control of Fibroid and abnormal swellings in the uterus.

Who Needs Fibroid?

Fibrox is good supplement for women with heavily menses, internal swelling, frequent miscarriages, abnormal growth.

Fibrox works naturally by helping the body to prevent the growth of abnormal swellings in the uterus, by reducing the swelling or assisting the body to dissolve the Fibroid, through the powerful natural ingredients which activates and boost the internal cleaning system in the womb. It shrinks the size of fibroids back to the uterine level, where conception and implantation of fetus is assured.  

Fibrox works by reducing swellings, inflammation, congestion and is also a restorative for good health.

 

So, do you have fibroid or is someone close you suffering from it? has the doctor told you that you cannot conceive unless you undergo surgery? you don't need to worry. With Fibrox, your fibroid can be cured within a space of 2 - 3 months.

To get the results proven NAFDAC approved herbal medicines for fibroid, contact +2347031040178 (WhatsApp only) 

Read More

Ugandan Natural Health Firm Calls For Stronger Government Regulation And Standardization Of Sector

A Ugandan natural health product supplier is rewarding its most dedicated customers with an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai while simultaneously urging significant reforms within the country’s herbal and natural remedy market. BeNatural Uganda announced that the new campaign will select a winner through public voting on social media based on customer testimonials.

Founder Angela Aguda Kobusingye explained the initiative was born from recognizing that the company’s growth over the past seven years has been built largely on customer referrals and trust, rather than traditional advertising. She stated the Dubai trip is a gesture of appreciation to the community that has supported the business since its inception.

Alongside the celebration, Kobusingye issued a strong call for greater regulation and standardization in Uganda’s burgeoning natural health sector. She highlighted critical challenges, including the adulteration of traditional herbs with modern pharmaceuticals and a lack of laws ensuring fair competition. These gaps, she argued, undermine consumer trust, product efficacy, and leave the public vulnerable to misleading information.

To address these issues, Kobusingye urged the government to implement comprehensive policies, stringent quality controls, and improved supply chain infrastructure. She also emphasized the need for consumer education to promote the safe use of natural remedies and combat misinformation.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a pivotal moment for BeNatural, as heightened health consciousness and overwhelmed hospitals led many Ugandans to seek out natural alternatives. Kobusingye also noted the impact of the digital age, where increasingly informed customers often arrive with specific product requests based on their own research.

Uganda’s natural health market is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising interest in plant-based and preventive healthcare. The sector now includes a wide range of products from herbal teas to skincare formulations. BeNatural, founded seven years ago, specializes in organic, locally-sourced remedies.

  

Read More

Why Weak Erection Is On The Rise Among Young Men - Experts

Weak Erection or Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for vaginal penetration or satisfactory sexual performance. A recent study found there is a total prevalence of erectile dysfunction of 52 percent. Experts estimated that, in 1995, over 152 million men worldwide experienced ED. For 2025, the prevalence of ED is predicted to be approximately 322 million worldwide.

The Underlying Cause Of Weak Erection

But the question is: what could be responsible for the growing cases of weak erection? In one of his interviews with Nigeria Natural Health Online, Dr. Bola Olaosebikan, MD/CEO Healthcare  Products, a major player in the Nigerian natural health industry,  attributed the development to the shift in lifestyles pattern, especially in Africa. “In the times past, our fore fathers were very close to nature and all its protective herbs. The main form of medication was herbal. They ate fresh fruits and vegetables harvested fresh from the farm and often trekked to the farm or made use of bicycles,” he said. “But, today, people eat all sorts of junks in the form of fast foods. People go out from their airconditioned house, into their airconditioned car, and from there to their airconditioned office and the same process is repeated on their way back home from work. In those days, a man in his late 60s, married to four or five wives, could satisfy all of them sexually whereas today, you find young men in their mid 20s and 30s with just one wife, coming down with weak erection.”

In the past, erectile dysfunction was commonly believed to be caused by psychological problems. It is now known that, for most men, erectile dysfunction is caused by physical problems, usually related to the blood supply of the penis. Many advances have occurred in both diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. And even though there are several chemical based drugs indicated for weak erection, natural and herbal formulations, due to their organic nature, have been known to be more effective than their orthodox chemical based drugs in the treatment and management of weak erection.

Some Other Factors To Consider

If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.

Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. But in most cases, medications or other direct treatments will definitely be needed.

What Are The Symptoms?

Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Trouble sustaining an erection
• Inability to penetrate the vagina
• Reduced sexual desire

A Combination of Psychological And Physical Factors

Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. And as has been earlier observed, weak erection are most times caused by dangerous lifestyles that affect the flow of blood to the penis.

Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Physical Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Certain prescription medications
• Tobacco use
• Peyronie's disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
• Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
• Sleep disorders
• Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
• Low testosterone

Psychological Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Stress
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

Effective Herbal Remedies For Weak Erection

Experts agree that the most effective cure for weak erection is the use of organic natural and herbal formulations that contain the potent herbs that restore strong and lasting erection. And even though many roadside drug peddlers have taken advantage of this fact to flood the market with herbal medicines purportedly indicated in the treatment of weak erection, a recent survey, based on testimonies of users, shows that there are actually some very effective herbal formulations that have consistently restored sexual performance to those suffering from weak erection. These ones can most times be found in pharmacies and not from hawkers and vendors along the road. Another good thing about these herbal interventions is that, like most organic natural medications, they not only correct weak erection but go further to restore the sperm quality thereby boosting fertility and the chances of conception for couples who have not been able to have a child because of male infertility.

How To Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) becomes more common as men age. But it is not necessarily a normal part of aging. How can you avoid it? Here's what experts say.

1. Watch What You Eat

A diet that's bad for a man's heart is also not good for their ability to have erections.

Research has shown that the same eating patterns that can cause heart attacks due to restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries can also impede blood flow to and within the penis. The blood flow is needed for the penis to become erect. Diets that include very few fruits and vegetables along with lots of fatty, fried, and processed foods can contribute to decreased blood circulation throughout the body.

Anything that is bad for a man's heart is also bad for his penis, says Andrew McCullough, MD, associate professor of clinical urology and director of the male sexual health program at New York University Langone Medical Center.

Recent studies show that weak erection is relatively uncommon among men who eat a traditional Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy fats including nuts and olive oil, fish, and wine, particularly red.

"The link between the Mediterranean diet and improved sexual function has been scientifically established," says Irwin Goldstein, MD, director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego.

2. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Being overweight can bring many health problems, including type 2 diabetes, which can cause nerve damage throughout the body. If the diabetes affects the nerves that supply the penis, ED can result.

3. Avoid High Blood Pressure And High Cholesterol

High cholesterol or high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including those that bring blood to the penis. Eventually, this may lead to ED.

Make sure your doctor checks your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. You might also want to check your blood pressure between doctor visits. Blood pressure monitors are also sold for home use.

If your cholesterol or blood pressure is out of whack, get it treated.

Some blood pressure drugs can make it hard to get an erection. But doctors say many cases of ED that get blamed on these drugs are actually caused by arterial damage resulting from high blood pressure (also called hypertension).

4. Drink Alcohol In Moderation Or Not At All

There is no evidence that mild or even moderate alcohol consumption is bad for erectile function, says Ira Sharlip, MD, a urology professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. Chronic heavy drinking can cause liver damage, nerve damage, and other conditions -- such as interfering with the normal balance of male sex hormone levels -- that can lead to ED. And binge drinking may impact the ability to have an erection.

5. Exercise Regularly

Strong evidence links a sedentary lifestyle to erectile dysfunction. Running, swimming, and other forms of aerobic exercise have been shown to help prevent ED.

Watch out for any form of exercise that puts excessive pressure on the perineum, which is the area between the scrotum and anus. Both the blood vessels and the nerves that supply the penis can be adversely affected from excessive pressure in this area.

6. Try Doing Kegels

Kegel exercises involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles in the pelvis. Kegels can be helpful for men and women who have incontinence. These exercises are good to try if you have ED, as certain pelvic muscles help support an erection. 

7. Keep Tabs On Testosterone

Even in healthy men, testosterone levels often begin falling sharply around age 50. Every year after age 40, a man's testosterone level typically falls about 1.3%.

Symptoms like a low sex drive, moodiness, lack of stamina, or trouble making decisions suggest a testosterone deficiency, as do lackluster erections. Your doctor can check on that.

8. Avoid Anabolic Steroids

These drugs, which are often abused by athletes and bodybuilders, can shrink the testicles and sap their ability to make testosterone.

9. Quit Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can harm blood vessels and curb blood flow to the penis. And nicotine makes blood vessels contract, which can hamper blood flow to the penis.

10. Steer Clear Of Risky Sex

believe it or not, some cases of erectile dysfunction stem from penile injuries that occur during sex. Taking your time and avoiding certain positions can help. It may be uncomfortable, but consider talking to your doctor about what to do and, more importantly, what not to do.

11. Curb Stress

Psychological stress boosts levels of the hormone adrenaline, which makes blood vessels contract. That can be bad news for an erection. Anything a man can do to ease tension and feel better emotionally is likely to give their sex life a big boost.

 

Shop For Over 500 Natural/Alternative Health Products

Beauty And Personal Care Products

Fertility Health Products

General Wellness Products

Dietary Supplements

Women’s Health Products  

Devices And Machines

  

Read More

Don't Consume Herbal Liquids After 14 Days Of Preparation, NAFDAC Warns

The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control has warned Nigerians to avoid taking herbal liquids after 14 days of preparation as this could be risky to their health. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, its Director General, gave the advice in a statement issued to commemorate the World Herbal Medicine Day which holds annually on Aug. 31.

Adeyeye advised Nigerians to use herbal medicines with caution to prevent avoidable deaths and complications.

According to her, for safety reasons, no liquid herbal formulation should be ingested after days of preparation and such medicines should always be kept refrigerated.

“After 14 days, if it is liquid, it may start to develop bacteria that can make people sick.

“The general public should use herbal medicines with care because you don’t know the quantity that you are supposed to take.

“The fact that it is natural doesn’t mean it is not toxic,’’ she stressed.

She explained that toxicity was not about the volume consumed, but that something could be in micro quantity and could kill.

“Just because you prepared the concoction in your house doesn’t mean you can drink it like water. It may be dangerous,’’ she cautioned.

Adeyeye noted that the problem associated with herbal medicines was that many people did not understand that it should be scientifically driven.

“If you prepare herbal medicine in liquid form you don’t know how stable the medicine will be in water. If it is not stable and it is degrading to another thing, it may hurt.

“Those who engage in hawking herbal preparations on the streets under the scorching sun, the heat generated by the sun may have a way of causing decomposition of the active ingredients in the medicines being sold.

“This may pose significant health risks to those buying and consuming these preparations.

“That’s why herbal medicines in Nigeria have to be handled with care. Some people take herbal medicines like vaccines.

“Herbal medicines are derived from plants mostly, sometimes from animals in few cases while vaccines are from human or animal cells that have been programmed to elicit immunologic effects in the body.’’ She added

Adeyeye also advised against simultaneous use of both herbal and conventional medicines by members of the public.

“If someone is using herbal medicine and a conventional medicine simultaneously, there may be a problem.

“Let’s say that a medicine is supposed to lower blood pressure or lower sugar level for diabetes and a person takes conventional medicine and the sugar level is lowered and he then takes herbal remedy, that person may go into a shock.

“This means that the level of sugar in the blood is too low because the two are now working synergistically.

“Sometimes herbal medicines may actually reduce the effectiveness of the conventional medicine. That’s why studies need to be done because there is drug-herbal medicine interaction that may cause a lot of harm.

“Whoever is taking herbal medicine should talk to his or her pharmacist and medical doctor for professional advice,’’ she stated.

Adeyeye, however, called for collaboration between herbal medicine practitioners and medical researchers to achieve rapid development of the herbal medicine industry in the country.

The D-G noted that NAFDAC in March 2019 set up herbal medicine product committee before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out to advance research in herbal medicines.

According to her, the goal of setting up the committee is to make sure that the herbalist and the researcher are collaborating.

“So, whatever the herbalist knows from ancestral history that does not have research to back it up, collaboration with researchers will enable that herbal medicine to be advanced to be listed by NAFDAC if it’s deemed safe.

“Right now, there is no single herbal medicine that has gone through full clinical trial the way clinical trial is supposed to be done.

“There could be herbal medicines that have been used to treat a symptom of COVID-19 or whatever, but it has not been published in which case, it is not an official clinical trial,’’ she said.

  

Read More

WHO Backs Local Therapies For COVID-19

As the African Traditional Medicine Day (ATMD) holds today, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, has harped on promotion of the continent’s rich and diverse medicinal plants and herbs in improving well-being.

She said for generations, the vast majority of people in Africa had relied on traditional medicine as trusted and affordable source of healthcare needs.

The Botswanan submitted that as part of the COVID-19 response, promising local therapies were emerging.

She said: “In Cameroun for example, the Ministry of Health has approved two products as complementary therapies for COVID-19. Madagascar’s herbal remedy, COVID-Organics Plus Curative, is in Phase III trials and encouraging preliminary results have been reported. We look forward to the final results of this trial, and of trials underway for different products in 12 other African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa.”

Moet noted that with the support of national and district authorities, traditional health practitioners are leading the charge in building buy-in for COVID-19 prevention measures and referring patients for timely care. This, she explained, is contributing to strengthening and building confidence in health systems throughout Africa.

The physician said, at the highest levels, the pandemic has improved awareness of the value of traditional medicine, adding that investing more in research and development would harness homegrown solutions to improve well-being on the continent and other parts of the world.

The official went on: “Natural remedies are burgeoning in popularity in western countries and have a long history in China, India and other places. Major pharmaceutical companies are also looking to Africa for new active ingredients. With the right partnerships and investments, tried-and-tested African traditional medicines could find a broad global market.

“WHO and other multilateral organisations are playing key roles in supporting capacity development in the traditional medicine sector, including the development of local manufacturing.

“Recently, we looked back on the progress achieved in the Second Decade of African Traditional Medicine from 2011 to 2020 and in the implementation of the Regional Strategy on Enhancing the Role of Traditional Medicine in Health Systems 2013–2023.”

Moeti said WHO’s evaluation revealed that 40 African nations now have policy frameworks for traditional medicine, up from only eight in 2000.

The public health specialist said communities have been mobilised to participate in raising awareness on traditional medicine.

Similarly, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, told journalists, yesterday, that to achieve rapid development of the herbal medicine industry in Nigeria, there was need for both herbal medicine practitioners and researchers to collaborate.

To this end, she said her organisation set up an herbal medicine product committee in March 2019 before the advent of the novel coronavirus, to advance research in herbal medicine.

Adeyeye made the disclosure in Abuja ahead of today’s continental event.

The NAFDAC DG, in a statement by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, confirmed many of the herbal products are being subjected to review by different agencies of government nationwide.

The pharmacist advised Nigerians to use herbal medicines with caution to prevent avoidable deaths and complications.

To the Director, Pax Herbal Clinics Ewu, Edo State, Rev Fr. Anselm Adodo, traditional medicine is a holistic discipline involving use of indigenous herbalism combined with aspects of African spirituality.

He said about 80 per cent of Africa’s population relies on traditional medicine for their basic health needs.

“In some cases, traditional medicine is the only healthcare service available, accessible and affordable to many people on the continent. In this case, the significant contribution of traditional medicine as a major provider of healthcare services in Africa cannot be underestimated,” he added.

  

Read More

Ooni Of Ife Unveils NAFDAC Approved Herbal Cure For COVID-19

The fear of the COVID-19 virus in Nigerians was again allayed on Thursday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, unveiled an indigenous drug for the cure and prevention of the viral infection.

The drug named Verozil, which is available in capsules, blisters packs and liquid, was certified by the body regulating sales and use of drugs in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Verozil, which was launched alongside other three indigenous drugs, was researched and produced by Yem-Kem International Group and Ooni Ojaja Global Outreach. It will be distributed by Organic Remedies.

Oba Adeyeye, who spoke at the launch at the banquet hall, Ooni’s palace, Ile-Ife, said it was a great day and privilege to unveil the indigenous medicines, noting that their potencies have been tested and proven by government and other bodies.

His words: “Today is a great day for in the history of this great nation. I give kudos to the Minister of Health, NAFDAC DG and the Presidency for the success of these products.

 “I want to announce to the whole world that there is a new phase in traditional medicine research that will be berth soon with the introduction of an Executive Bill, which is at the second reading at the National Assembly, on herbal product research. We are also launching bitter leaf, a very powerful product and now it is in gelatin form to be consumed easily by people and it was produced in Nigeria.

“As the world is celebrating their COVID-19 vaccine, we are here to unveil and celebrate our own indigenous medicine.”

Prominent herbal medicine practitioner and founder and Chief Executive Officer, Yem-Kem International Nigeria Limited, Akintunde Ayeni, said the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi phoned him during the COVID-19 and inquired from him what he was doing in respect of the deadly virus.

He said Oba Adeyeye sent him some recipes that they could use in making indigenous medicine to fight COVID-19, which he studied and gave birth to the medicines that were been launched.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment in the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, Afolabi Imoukhuede, in his goodwill messages, said COVID-19 has brought to the fore the importance of immunity.

  

Read More

Why Regular Consumption Of Zobo With Hypertension Drugs Should Be Avoided - Experts

The consumption of hibiscus tea or zobo is growing in popularity owing to accumulating evidence that it has benefits against excess weight, constipation, upset stomach, diabetes and can safely reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, two major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

 

Among the best-described health benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa, also commonly referred to as roselle, is blood pressure control for hypertension and many patients on conventional antihypertensives may also consume iced zobo drink to beat the increasing atmospheric temperature.

 

Studies have shown that a two-week period of zobo extract administration could produce the antihypertensive activity. However, in a new study, experts warn against long term consumption of zobo drink by individuals on captopril, a conventional hypertension medication.

 

According to them, regular intake of zobo drink with captopril, one of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor may be potentially dangerous. This could lead to a lowering of the blood pressure than initially planned.

 

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril dilate the blood vessels to lower hypertension or treat heart failure.

 

Even though the intake of the antihypertensive with zobo drink does not influence the antihypertensive potency of captopril or cause any side effects, they said two weeks of regular intake of zobo drink with captopril can reduce the efficacy of the drug.  This was contained in the 2020 edition of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

 

Ingestion of zobo drink with conventional medicines such as paracetamol, chloroquine and antibiotics in many communities are very common, without regard to the possibility of herb-drug interactions. Being natural products, individuals wrongly believe they are always safe to be taken with drugs.

 

When herbal therapies and drugs (prescription or non-prescription medications) are used together, they can interact in the body, causing changes in the way the herbs and/or the drugs work. Such changes are called herb-drug interactions. They can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the type of interaction.

 

More than 300 species of hibiscus can be found around the world and most of its varieties are used as ornamentals. However, there are two main types of Hibiscus sabdariffa cultivated for its jute-like fibre and its edible calyces. Its infusion made from its bright red calyces, which is commonly called zobo, is consumed hot or cold. This tea is often sweetened with sugar.

 

For the study on the possible effect of prolonged administration of zobo extract on captopril in the body, male rats were divided into two groups of six. The first group received a single dose of captopril suspension while the second group received zobo daily for two weeks prior to the same captopril dose.

 

Multiple blood samples were collected at predetermined times after the antihypertensive was administration and its concentration in these blood samples were assessed using ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

 

Previously, experts at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said taking zobo along with the prescription drug lisinopril, a blood pressure medication, ensures its better effectiveness in blood pressure control.

 

The availability of lisinopril alone and in the presence of Hibiscus tea was determined at the stomach, intestine and blood pH.

 

The 2019 study, which involved I. Nasir, M. Aminu, A.M. Ismail, A Salisu and G Magaji, published in the Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, found that taking lisinopril with zobo drink or hibiscus tea could enhance its availability consequent to the increased dissolution of lisinopril in simulated gastric, intestinal and blood pH.

 

Dr I. Nasir declared: “It is a common practice to see individuals taking a prescription drug for antihypertensive medications outside the hospital while also taking zobo drink and moringa. They believe that when they take it together, they get better. And when you check their blood pressure, it would have dropped miraculously.”

 

He added “the result of the study has proven that the zobo drink helps in checking their high blood pressure.”

 

According to him, “its pharmacological effect will definitely be seen. In fact, there is a banker; all that she takes in the morning for her hypertension is the sour zobo drink which contains no additive like sugar.

 

“Many studies have shown that zobo drink has some antihypertensive effect. In fact, some prescribers recommend that instead of using water to swallow the drug, they could use a zobo drink. But they advise not to take zobo drink that contains sugar.”

 

The researchers, however, said further studies on the effect of varying concentrations of zobo on the bioavailability of lisinopril would still need to be evaluated.

 

However, people taking blood pressure medications like the Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as lisinopril should avoid consuming large amounts of zobo as well as foods high in potassium including avocados, oranges and orange juice, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and tomato source.   

Read More

Lowering Blood Sugar With Mulberry Leaf And Kidney Bean Extract

Researchers has shown that mulberry leaf and white kidney bean extract mix could be a solution for lowering post-meal glucose level.

 

A study conducted by Peking University and supported by the Key Projects of Beijing Science & Technology showed that mulberry and white kidney beans could lower the glucose level by decreasing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. It is the first trial on the effects of the ingredients on pre-diabetic individuals.

 

The individuals who had taken the mixture had reduced glucose, insulin, and c-peptide levels, which are all interlinked. This is because insulin and c-peptide levels are regulated by the glucose levels.

 

Sixty-five pre-diabetic subjects aged 45 to 65 completed the random controlled trial (RCT) which took place between October and November 2018. As pre-diabetics, their fasting plasma glucose was in the range of 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L or haemoglobin A1c (the average level of blood sugar) levels in the range of 5.7 to 6.4 per cent.

 

The experiment group took a brown powder containing 0.5g of mulberry leaf extract and 1.0 grammes of white kidney bean extract with 100 grammes of white bread and 200ml of plain water. Their blood samples were then collected at the 30th, 60th, and 120th minute. 

Read More

Eating Bitter Kola Can Reduce Eye Pressure In Young Adults

Eating bitter kola can reduce intraocular pressure in the eye of healthy young adults by 21 per cent and this may be of benefit to individuals with primary

open-angle glaucoma (POAG), which is the most common form of glaucoma or ocular hypertension in low-income settings, a study has said.

 

In the new study, researchers assessed the effect of eating bitter kola on intraocular pressure (IOP) in 46 healthy individuals aged between 19 and 27

years at the Optometry Clinic of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. They were recruited from the University of Cape Coast student population and randomised

into two groups (A and B).

Group A took 100 mg/kg body weight of bitter kola that was mashed and dissolved in a 200 ml of water on their first visit and group B ingested 200 ml of

water. On the second visit, the order of treatment was reversed. The IOP was measured at baseline and every 45 minutes interval for 135 minutes.

 

The dosage of 100 mg/kg used in this study is equivalent to 5.0 to 9.6 grammes of bitter kola and it falls within the average daily consumption of two

nuts of bitter kola. This dosage is considered to be safe because other scientists had speculated that high doses (400 mg/kg) of bitter kola can be toxic

to human organs and may cause liver damage and peptic ulcer.

 

They had a baseline IOP measurement of between 11 and 24 mmHg in both eyes, and none of the subjects was a casual or habitual bitter kola consumer.

Also excluded were I ndividuals that had a family history of glaucoma, any eye or systemic disease, or were taking any forms of medication at the time of the study.

Same too fori ndividuals that had reported allergic reactions to bitter kola, corneal abnormalities or have potential risk factors for angle-closure

glaucoma.

 

This 2020 study to determine whether eating bitter kola in a dose comparable to normal daily consumption levels will reduce IOP significantly in healthy

young adults had involved Alex A. Ilechie, Mohammed M. Jeduah, Carl H. Abraham, Stephen Ocansey, Emmanuel Abu, Theophilus Okyere and Obarijima Ngosaro.

It was in the journal, Acta Ophthalmology.

 

They found that the average IOP measurements decreased by 7.9, 18.2 and 20.6 per cent at 45, 90 and 135 minutes, respectively, after bitter kola treatment.

The reduction, though variable across the individuals, was statistically significant across the respective time points.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Its most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), is characterised by progressive

optic nerve degeneration and affects more than 60 million people worldwide.

In Africa, glaucoma accounts for 15 per cent of blindness and it is the region with the highest prevalence of blindness relative to other regions worldwide.

Intraocular pressure is the only modifiable factor in patients with glaucoma; therefore, treatment with IOP-lowering medication has been critical to prevent

blindness.

 

However, the development of an active natural product that is effective in lowering IOP and have fewer side effects might be critical to improving glaucoma

treatment compliance.

One of such natural products is bitter kola. It is colloquially referred to as ‘bitter kola’ because of its typical distinct bitter taste. In Africa, bitter

kola is prevalently used for traditional hospitality and serves a variety of roles in the treatment of several ailments including coughs, colds, voice

hoarseness, aphrodisiac and liver diseases.

Studies have found Bitter kola has blood pressure lowering effects. It has also shown potential utility for fighting virulent diseases, including Ebola,

by halting viral replication. Also, there is significant scientific evidence suggesting that bitter kola is safe in humans at the normal consumption level.

The IOP-lowering effect of applying its water solution has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies, including a recent randomized clinical trial

which examined different IOP-lowering medications. 

Read More