By Bashirat Omotosho
Scholars have called for the responsible and evidence-based use of indigenous medicinal herbs as they urged practitioners and citizens to approach traditional remedies with caution, respect for traditional knowledge, and adherence to scientific standards.
This call was made last Friday (June 20, 2025) during a virtual workshop organised by the African Centre for Herbal Research and Innovation (ACHRI), University of Ilorin, for herbal practitioners across Nigeria.
The workshop, held via Zoom, featured renowned academics and experts in the field of herbal medicine who emphasised the importance of bridging traditional medicine practice with modern research in order to ensure safety, efficacy, and public trust in indigenous medicine.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Kambizi Learnmore of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa, delivered a lecture titled “The Role of Indigenous Medicinal Plants in Modern Healthcare: Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Scientific Research” where he highlighted the deep cultural roots and long history of herbal medicine in African societies. He noted that many communities have used plant-based remedies for generations to manage common illnesses and chronic conditions.
Prof. Kambizi emphasised that while traditional medicine holds great promise, the lack of proper documentation, standardisation, and dosage regulation poses a serious risk.
He called on African researchers, institutions, and governments to invest in research that validates the safety and efficacy of indigenous herbs, adding that “science must work hand-in-hand with tradition to create a future where herbal medicine is safe, respected, and globally relevant.”
The Keynote Speaker, Professor Steve Metiboba of the Federal University, Lokoja, stressed the need for greater public and citizen participation in herbal medicine research.
Speaking on the topic “Herbal Medicine Research: The Need for Citizens’ Participation,” Prof. Metiboba encouraged communities to document their knowledge and collaborate with scientists for the development of standardised herbal products.
Prof. Metiboba, who taught at the Department of Sociology, University of Ilorin,for many years, also expressed concern over the growing misuse of untested herbal remedies, warning that such practices could undermine the credibility of indigenous medicine.
He urged herbal medicine practitioners to seek training, avoid exaggerated health claims, and align their practices with ongoing scientific advancements. “We cannot continue to ignore the place of research in herbal medicine if we want it to stand side by side with modern healthcare,” he said.
The ACHRI-UNILORIN workshop, which was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Taibat Moji Bakare-Odunola, attracted over 100 participants that included herbalists, researchers, and healthcare stakeholders who discussed strategies for improving the practice and perception of indigenous medicine in Nigeria and across the continent.
