Nigeria unveils seven indigenous herbal medicines for cancer, ulcer, hepatitis B, hypertension

Nigeria: The Federal Government has unveiled seven locally developed herbal medicines targeted at managing a range of diseases, including cancers, hepatitis B, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease and high cholesterol, in what officials describe as a major step towards building Nigeria's natural medicine industry.

The products, developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), were launched in Lagos by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, who said Nigeria has the potential to become a global player in natural medicine through research, innovation and commercialisation.

The agency also disclosed that it has developed more than 22 herbal formulations from indigenous medicinal plants since 2023, as part of efforts to provide affordable healthcare alternatives sourced within Nigeria.

FG eyes multi-billion-dollar natural medicine industry

Speaking at the unveiling, Udeh said Nigeria is endowed with thousands of medicinal plants capable of addressing some of the country's most pressing health challenges if backed by scientific research and investment.

According to him, traditional medicine has served communities for generations and should be transformed into a modern industry capable of improving healthcare, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

The minister pledged Federal Government support for the agency and announced plans to establish a Clinical Observational Research Centre at the NNMDA headquarters in Lagos to accelerate scientific evaluation of locally developed medicines.

Rather than waiting for the 2027 budget cycle, Udeh said the government would explore alternative funding options to fast-track the project.

He also praised the agency's ongoing research into herbal treatments for malaria, sickle cell disease, diabetes, erectile dysfunction and other health conditions.

"Nigeria has what it takes to build a multi-billion-dollar natural medicine industry that not only meets domestic healthcare needs but also generates export earnings and employment," the minister said.

Seven herbal products unveiled

NNMDA Director-General, Prof. Martins Emeje, said advances in scientific research, quality control and product standardisation have significantly improved confidence in herbal medicine by ensuring consistency, safety and proper dosage.

The seven products unveiled include:

- Namdavir – developed for the management of Hepatitis B.

- Namdacid – formulated for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

- Turmegol – developed for the prevention and management of colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancers.

- Namdorol – formulated to reduce high cholesterol and support hypertension management.

- Namgor – a natural aphrodisiac.

- Zobo Tea – developed to assist in hypertension management.

- An additional indigenous herbal formulation, introduced as part of the agency's expanding portfolio of natural medicines.

Emeje said preliminary laboratory studies suggest Turmegol has demonstrated potential to slow cancer progression and eliminate early-stage cancer cells. However, he stressed that continued scientific validation and expanded clinical research remain essential before wider adoption.

Push for clinical trials

The NNMDA boss urged the Federal Government to prioritise the establishment of the proposed Clinical Observational Research Centre, describing it as critical to accelerating clinical studies and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria's herbal medicines.

He also disclosed that one of the newly launched products has the potential to generate about 3.5 million jobs across farming, cultivation, processing, manufacturing, packaging and distribution if fully commercialised.

According to him, developing a robust value chain around indigenous medicinal plants could create significant economic opportunities while reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported pharmaceutical products.

Nigeria, India seek stronger partnership

The launch also attracted international attention, with India's Consul General in Lagos, Shri Chandramouli Kannan, calling for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and India in traditional medicine.

He advocated stronger collaboration in medicinal plant research, scientific validation, quality assurance, biodiversity conservation and pharmaceutical innovation, noting that both countries possess centuries-old traditional healing systems that could support modern healthcare and economic development.

Hope, but scientific validation remains key

The unveiling reflects the Federal Government's ambition to position natural medicine as part of Nigeria's healthcare and economic strategy.

If the products successfully complete the required scientific validation, clinical evaluation and regulatory processes, they could expand access to locally produced healthcare solutions, reduce dependence on imported medicines, create thousands of jobs and strengthen Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry.

However, health experts continue to emphasise that widespread acceptance will depend on rigorous clinical evidence demonstrating the products' safety and effectiveness, alongside approvals from the appropriate regulatory authorities before they can be recommended as standard treatments for the conditions they are intended to manage.