Symposium: EFFECTIVE
AND SAFE USE OF HERBS
The conference
on “effective and safe use of herbs” in which the guest speaker Revd. Father
Anselm Adodo,OSB, made a thoughtful herbal presentation: he said the criticism
leveled against herbal medicines are directed to their use as a drug. For
example, the idea of precise dosage only applies when dealing with chemicals or
synthesized plant extracts. In dealing with such substances precise dosage is
vital to avoid over dosing. But when herbs are used as food or as supplement, precise
dosage does not really apply. The body simply takes the amount of nutrients it
needs and the rest are excreted.
It is
therefore wrong to avoid the chemical mentality on the use of herbs generally. HE
spoke also about the side effect of herbal medicine, saying ‘when used as food
supplement herbs have no side effect, i.e. water leaf, bitter leaf, ewedu in our soup.
However as a
drug, herbs can have from mild to severe side effect and that it is technically
difficult if not possible to identify with precision hundreds of chemicals
constituent that are an herb.
When taking in
their natural state, herbs benefit the body in a various ways and different
people can derive different benefit from the same herb depending on their
health needs. So this is why the same herb may be prescribed for many ailments.
Speaking further, what has brought us
together is our desire to build budding medical practice through collaborative
effort, ‘let us stand together on the common goal as unity and stability will
only make a huge success in our traditional medicines.
The problem with us here is that we have different
people working differently on their own. Hence, he called for enabling
environment and a level practice ground for all herbal medicine practitioners.
Hence, he defined Drug as a
medication or a substance taken to cure or ameliorate symptom or an illness or
medical condition as a preventive against none existing or per-existing
diseases or symptoms.
The seasoned guest speaker who revealed this in his presentation; noted his experience “when we are to export our product to china, we are told that it is against the law of china to allow product from other countries to come into china and not only china. Last year also as we try to export to Ghana eventually I met with the minister of health of Ghana who said ‘come let me tell you the truth as you are a reverend father, we will not allow you to bring this product to Ghana because it will not help the local herbal industry in Ghana.” That is what he told me as at that time. But so many products are coming in from Ghana.
The seasoned guest speaker who revealed this in his presentation; noted his experience “when we are to export our product to china, we are told that it is against the law of china to allow product from other countries to come into china and not only china. Last year also as we try to export to Ghana eventually I met with the minister of health of Ghana who said ‘come let me tell you the truth as you are a reverend father, we will not allow you to bring this product to Ghana because it will not help the local herbal industry in Ghana.” That is what he told me as at that time. But so many products are coming in from Ghana.
The seasoned speaker is a wide
traveller who has combined teaching in the academy and informal sector
together. His Pax Herbal clinic and research laboratories open a training and
research ground for P.H.D students and others.
Georgia Idoko, who represents Prof.Maurice Iwu, the special guest of honor, the president of Bioresources and conservation group, said both the efficacy and safety of traditional medicine can only be established through research and clinical practice. And that the defining characteristics of traditional medicine or tradomedicine is that it has to be based on culture and practice that are indigenous to people overtime and dynamic enough to accommodate cultural adaptation to changes in the environment and response to new diseases and existential threat expose by modernism.
Georgia Idoko, who represents Prof.Maurice Iwu, the special guest of honor, the president of Bioresources and conservation group, said both the efficacy and safety of traditional medicine can only be established through research and clinical practice. And that the defining characteristics of traditional medicine or tradomedicine is that it has to be based on culture and practice that are indigenous to people overtime and dynamic enough to accommodate cultural adaptation to changes in the environment and response to new diseases and existential threat expose by modernism.
The other
speaker at the event Pharm.Moshood O.Lawal
of the department of traditional medicine, federal of health Abuja, who
was represented said traditional medicine has been here from time in memorial
and it is the only medicinal treatment known by our fore fathers through which
they live.
Speaking further through his representative
Pharm.Mrs.Onukwor, we should avoid using herbal medical with orthodox drugs at
the same time.-Very important.
Other
dignitaries presents are; The Chief Host Prof.Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof.M.O Kehinde of department of medicine, college
of medicine, University of lagos, Augustin Azughu, representing pharmaceutical
council of Nigeria. The presence of everyone demonstrate dedication where the
lucky dip winners went home with gift of free medical check up. Pharm.Adeola Adegun, L.o.c Chairman gave the
Vote of thanks.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
Model
Herbal Clinic Annual Symposium
In
commemoration of
African
Traditional Medicine Day (12th September, 2018)
The Old
Great Hall, LUTH, Idi- Araba, Mushin, Lagos Nigeria.
The theme for the Programme was: “Effective and Safe Use of Herbs”
Members of the high table included:
·
Rev.
Fr. Anselm Adodo-Founder, Pax-Herbal/ Guest Lecturer
·
Dr.
Mrs. Sowemimo-Acting HOD, Department of Pharmacognosy
·
Dr. Azubike- represented Prof. B.A. Aina, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy
·
Pharmacist
Onukwo-represented Pharmacist Moshood Lawal, Ministry of Health
·
Mrs.
C. Umebeze- Botony Department
·
O.O
Sofola –representing Oredugba
·
Mrs.
Arinola Sururah Bello-represented Maj-Gen. Olasehinde Ishola Williams,
PANAFSTRAG
·
Dr. Saliu- represented The DG,
Natural Medicine Development Agency.
·
Georgina
Idoko- represented Prof. Maurice Iwu-CEO, Bio Resources Development Group.
Dr. Mrs. Sowemimo gave the Welcome
address explaining that herbal medicine is now becoming more relevant by the
day. She thanked everyone for making it to the day’s event and was quite
hopeful we will gain a lot from attending the event.
Dr. Olagbende-Dada gave a short
report of the Model Herbal Clinic which started in 2011 and currently makes eight different herbal teas that help
patients with ailments such as Diabetes, hypertension and various others. Other
products marketed by the Model Clinic are the sliming capsules and the bottled honey. These products are often exhibited and sold at
exhibitions and conferences. With the assistance and support of Prof. Odukoya,
the Lagos State Government donated a tea-bagging Machine which manufactures
10,000bags/hour. This has assisted with the work of the clinic. However this is
not enough.
Efforts are currently ongoing to get the
NAFDAC Certification. The Model clinic also require support in terms of human
resources to work in the Clinic; a bigger space to meet the NAFDAC stipulation;
and land to plant some of its raw materials.
The Department of Pharmacognocy
still runs its weekend/Saturday Diploma and Advanced Diploma Courses in herbal
Medicine for nine months respectively.
Citation of Rev Fr. Anselm Adodo was
read out by Mrs O.O. Olaleye before the main event of the day.
Summary of
the Lecture by Rev. Fr Anselm Adodo
·
The
lecture was centred on the effective and safe use of herbs.
·
He
explained the nomenclature- Traditional medicine, herbal medicine, native
medicine, etc all means the same thing. The goal of medicine is to prevent
diseases
·
From
the Chinese perspective-it is health care Vs Sick care. The Emperor’s Physician
is not paid once the Emperor falls ill. He is paid to prevent the Emperor from
failing sick
·
Western
approach to medical practice is capitalistic, monopolistic and expensive in
nature, hence the shift to herbal medicine. Other reasons for use of
alternative/natural medicine includes dissatisfaction with biomedicine;
awareness of spirituality; power of mind in healing; face to face contact with
human frailty/mortality;
It is not just being alive alone but
being well and the major determinant of wellness is knowledge not wealth.
·
Policies
on herbal medicine in the U.S-herbal medicine as food supplement and
U.K-doctrine of reasonable certainty are quite clear. In Nigeria however, its
not so clear.
·
Criticisms
of herbal medicine include:
1. Lack of standardization
and safety
2. Technical difficulty in
identifying chemical constitution
3. Lack of scientific proof
of efficacy
4. Most claims are not
backed with evidences/proofs
5. Lack of dosage
·
Explanations
countering these claims include:
1. Food/supplements and
drugs are herbs
2. In terms of dosage- the
body takes what its needs and excrete the rest
3. Cooking of food may not
have side-effects
4. Same herbs can be used to
cure many ailments
·
Various
precautions in harvesting were also look at such as:
1. Always use sharp knives
during harvest
2. Cut from a part that can
self-replace itself and not total damage /expose or kill the plant
3. Take from barks of trees in
small patches
·
In
preserving:
1. Don’t dry under direct
sunlight
2. Raise herbs directly off
the floor to prevent access to rodents, insects and snakes
3. The hot room method in
customized trays can also be used for drying
**Science is not a native of Europe
and America. Scientific thought and creation is a common and shared heritage of
mankind-Abdulsalam, A Pakistani Scientist
·
Shelf-life
of products were also shared:
1. Approximately-1 year if
stored properly
2. Tinctures- 3years
3. Capsules-2years
4. Once a product is
grounded, it shortens its life span
·
Periods
for harvesting also differs
·
It
is advisable to Take herbs on empty stomach an hour or two before meals to
ensure it doesn’t mix with food
·
Do
not combine different fruits together
·
Do
not combine fruits with food
·
We
should remember humans are the youngest; the hills, water, plants and forest
all were existing before we came.
The summary of the entire lecture
was to go back to the use of herbs/roots as it has cure for all ailments.
Clarifications, comments and
questions were all addressed at the end of the lecture.
·
Representative
of Pharmacist Moshood Lawal-Pharmacist Onukwo from the Ministry of Health
buttressed the topic of discussion but mentioned that the Traditional Medicine
Depart of the Ministry has several Policies which has been incorporated into
practice. She highlighted some of the functions of the Ministry to include: herbal
Pharmacopeia, assessment of medicines, provision of information to users,
product standardization for efficacy and availability, establishment of the
Traditional Medicine Board amongst others.
·
Gen.
Ishola Williams’ goodwill message was also delivered by Mrs. Arinola S. Bello
buttressing the earlier speeches and suggesting that future programmes should
be nationwide. Some of his thoughts
include:
·
Undergraduate
courses in the area of herbal, alternative, complementary and natural therapy
Medicine should be highly welcomed in our Universities with a plan for
Post-graduate courses afterwards.
·
Universities
are to expand their inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teaching and
research in these areas.
·
Dialogue
between the professional medical/health care related bodies, practitioners,
institutions, think-tanks, manufacturers and interested NGOs for the urgent
rationalization is key.
·
We
need a stand-alone Research Institute; National and State Botanical and
horticultural nurseries, gardens and private plantations across the entire
nation.
·
The
representative of Prof. M. Iwu-Ms. Georgina Idoko also delivered his goodwill
message while apologizing for his absence. She talked extensively about the
role of Bio Resources Group in the subject area.
There was a lucky dip for two
attendees who will have free medical checks as their prizes.
The vote of thanks was given by the
Chairperson of the LOC- Mrs. Adeola Adegun.
Exhibition of various publications,
healthcare, consumable and body-care products were on display for sale.
Arinola S. Bello
Programme Coordinator
PANAFSTRAG.
OTHER RELEVANT:
Address at the African
Traditional Medicine Day (Wednesday September 12th, 2018).
The
PanAfrican Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG) is a Membership
Organization of Global Africans (Africa and the African Union-Sixth Region)
with focus on issues and activities that are essential for the well-being of
and respect for African persons all over the world.
Therefore,
we need focus on Botany, Horticulture, Forestry, History of Indigenous Science
and Technology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), Bio-Archaeology, Medical
Anthropology and African Theology and Spirituality as Interdisciplinary and
Multi-Disciplinary approach in order to be competitive globally where the
above-mentioned subject falls.
There
was a meeting with the Department of Pharmacognosy in mid-February 2017 and a
follow up in mid-May to revitalize this essential activity.
It
is indeed commendable to see these consecutive celebrations as serious
commitment by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy of UNILAG. Kudos
once again to the entire team at the Department of Pharmacognosy, with the bold
leadership system of Prof. Odukoya, Dr. S.A. Adesegun, Dr. Mrs. Olugbende-Dada,
Dr. Odimegwu and all those who closed the say-do gap. Prof. Dr. Anselm Adodo, founder
of Pax-Herbal’s, presence demonstrates his dedication, passion and leadership
in this area and one of the unsung heroes of our country. We thank the Chair
for the career efforts to bring scientifically proven products with respectability
and order to this ancient well-being profession.
It
is estimated that 80% of Africa’s Population still use traditional medicine for
their basic health care. In many cases, this is the only option available and
easily affordable to the teaming masses. This field can therefore no longer be
ignored and completely relegated as a minor element of the total national
health and well-being system.
Our call for Undergraduate courses in Herbal
Medicine which are ongoing in South-Africa and Ghana respectively is yet to be
heeded as we continue to cry for more resources to be dedicated to research and
development in closer partnership with the practitioners.
We continue
to recognize the efforts of those who have worked in the past and today with
the Federal Ministry of Health to reposition herbal, alternative, complementary
and natural therapy through legislative instruments, policies and structures.
The creation of a full Directorate of Traditional, Alternate, Complementary
Medicine and Natural Therapy is a huge step forward. This Ministerial action
with funding of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development
(NIPRD) has further opened the doors for Universities to expand their
inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teaching and research in those areas.
We need modern herbal medicine with scientific
assurance to complement or alternate with the orthodox medicine.
Along this
line, the new DG, NAFDAC, Prof. C.M. Adeyeye is a specialist in this area and
she is working closely with her professional bodies- The Nigeria Association of
Pharmacists in the Academia and National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research
and Development. She has promised to continue the Annual Consultative Forum
with the Practitioners. She has also accepted in principle, to organize a
national and Continental Colloquia in the immediate future. There is also the possibility
of doing same on African Herbal products in collaboration with AU in Europe, USA
and the Caribbean.
PANAFSTRAG
sees the need for Federal, States and Local Governments to join all relevant Institutions
and bodies and come up with necessary resources for celebrating
the annual
traditional medicine day nationwide.
The time
is ripe for a serious dialogue between the professional medical/health care
related bodies, practitioners, institutions, think-tanks, manufacturers and
interested NGOs for the urgent rationalization of the present confusing
situation that is impacting on the poor, women and the aged who are the most
vulnerable. This dialogue is important in repositioning our traditional herbal
and other related health care and therapy framework at national and
international levels.
Finally, there
is still the need for expanding National and State Botanical and horticultural
nurseries, gardens and private herbal plants plantations across the entire
nation.
There
is no doubt that Nigeria with its increasing domestic demands and overseas
market stands to benefit more in economic terms just like the Asians(especially
the Chinese, Indians), South Africans and Ghana as well in social and political
terms. Hopefully, this day with the present Collaborators have demonstrated
greater will to regenerate greater national interest in this important aspect
of our lives as we need to actualize the “health is wealth” mantra.
PANAFSTRAG WITH ITS VERY LIMITED CAPACITY IS
READY TO WALK WITH ALL THOSE WITH SELFLESS COMMITMENTS TO WHERE WE MUST BE.
Olasehinde
Ishola Williams
PANAFSTRAG.
1 comments:
There are video available to learn fron on how to preserve your herbs.make your subscription when ready .Thanks
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