By Adaora Adibe
The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike- Muonso has emphasized the immense potential of Nigerian medicinal plants for drug research and development.
Prof. Ike-Muonso made this assertion while delivering a paper titled “Nigerian Medicinal Plants: A Treasured Natural Resource for Drug Research and Development” at the recently concluded Herbfest in Owerri, Imo State.
The DG was represented by the Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Engr (Mrs) Uchenna Maduegbuna explained that medicinal plants contain therapeutic secondary metabolites or drug precursors.
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“Traditionally, medicinal plants represent a significant pool for the discovery of new drugs. Such plants have been used as herbal medication in many cultural medicine by the Western culture “, the DG stated.
He observed that the potential for discovering new drugs from plants remains vast, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions like Nigeria, but has not been attained as almost all active ingredients are imported from China, India, Europe, and the USA.
According to him, “These countries of import have something in common which is a large investment in Research and Development by their governments and pharmaceutical companies.
He explained that from various studies, indications show that much-needed attention has not been paid to local production of raw materials, especially the API which can be obtained from new frontiers in drug development such as natural sources like medical plants or through bioprocessing (synthetically).
The DG noted that the development of Nigeria‘s herbal medicine has received national acceptance with the following
-Creation of a Traditional Complimentary Alternative Medicine (TCAM) department under the Federal Ministry of Health
– Bill seeking to recognize and integrate the traditional medicine practice along with the Orthodox
– Development of National Policy Traditional Complimentary Alternative Medicine (TCAM) practices
– The recent establishment of the Sector Skill Council for Traditional Medicine Practice by the National Board for Technical Education aimed to inculcate best practices. RMRDC is a member.
The DG stated that despite the moves, it has not resulted in the much-desired integration of both healthcare practices because of challenges such as standardization, limited scientific evidence, stigma, funding constraints, and barriers to access of services.
He observed that overcoming these challenges of integration for inclusive healthcare systems that will combine the use of herbal and Orthodox medicine requires prioritizing equitable access, development of standardized training, generating scientific-based evidence and increased investment in R&D, increasing awareness, and biodiversity conservation.
“to achieve the goal of successful integration, collaboration amongst stakeholders such as herbal medicine practitioners, healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers is paramount. Overcoming the challenges of integration requires cooperation, evidence-based strategies, and investment in research “, DG opined.
He emphasized that on the global stage, research expenditures on drug development are from pharmaceutical manufacturing industries with little support from the government.
“the same cannot be said of pharmaceutical companies in developing countries like Nigeria where little or no research are conducted for the development of new drugs rather parent companies of existing pharmaceutical companies conduct such research in their own countries and import the drugs”, he added.
The DG further stated that the RMRDC has developed and patented several process technologies and R&D for the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and excipients from Plant and Mineral Resources, while some have been completed and awaiting commercialization, others are still in the process of completion.
“The pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria has the potential to attain 100% capacity utilization because of the abundant human and natural resources required to drive the sector. The industry should key into the achievements of the Council in the area of pharmaceutical raw materials research and development and strengthen the research and industry linkage to drive the industrialization of the country in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Federal Government “, the DG said.
The Herbfest was aimed to promote awareness of Nigeria’s medicinal plant resources, foster collaboration among stakeholders, showcase research findings and products, and encourage investment in the herbal medicine sector.
