By Jake Clifford
The Federal Government has aapproved seven herbal medicines developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to support the treatment and management of several health conditions, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatitis B, peptic ulcer, hypertension and high cholesterol.
The products were officially unveiled during a visit by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, to the agency’s office in Lagos.Government Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, Prof. Martins Emeje, said the development marks a significant step in promoting scientifically validated natural medicines in Nigeria.
According to him, herbal medicines have gained wider acceptance because they are now produced in standardized forms with proper dosage, making them safer and more reliable for patients.News The agency introduced seven products designed to address different health challenges.
Among them is Namdavir, developed for the treatment of hepatitis B, while Namdacid is intended for the management of peptic ulcer disease. Another product, Turmegol, was developed to help prevent and manage colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancers.History
The agency also unveiled Namdorol, formulated to manage high cholesterol and hypertension, Namgor, a natural aphrodisiac, and Zobo Tea, designed for people living with hypertension. The government said the products are part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by promoting the use of locally developed natural medicines backed by scientific research.
Also speaking during the event, the Consul General of India in Lagos, Shri Kannan, highlighted the potential for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and India in the field of traditional medicine.
He said both countries could partner in medicinal plant research, quality control, scientific studies, biodiversity conservation, training, academic exchange and the development of innovative natural healthcare products. Kannan noted that Nigeria and India share a long history of using natural medicine and can benefit from exchanging knowledge and research to improve healthcare delivery and develop new treatment options.
The unveiling of the herbal medicines reflects the Federal Government’s broader push to encourage research, innovation and the commercialization of indigenous healthcare solutions while expanding treatment options for Nigerians. L
