During COVID-19, ethnopharmacology became prominent in Nigeria due to affordability, accessibility, and cultural trust, but evidence for safety and efficacy remains limited. This review examines ethnopharmacology’s integration into Nigeria’s COVID-19 response, evaluating strengths, constraints, and future pathways. Common remedies included ginger, garlic, lemon, turmeric, and bitter kola. NAFDAC listed 14 herbal medicines based on toxicological safety, but efficacy requires rigorous trials. Some formulations showed promising preliminary results, but evidence was constrained by small samples, lack of RCTs, and insufficient pharmacokinetic data. Strengthening resilience requires research investment, IP frameworks, and transparent communication.<\/p>\n
Introduction<\/p>\n
COVID-19, first reported in Wuhan in November 2019, caused over 500 million cases globally within three years. Nigeria’s first case was on February 27, 2020. The pandemic exposed healthcare inequities and renewed interest in ethnopharmacology. In Nigeria, ~80% rely on herbal remedies. Common plants included ginger, garlic, lemon, and neem<\/a>. NAFDAC and NIPRD accelerated evaluation of 14 herbal medicines.<\/p>\n Traditional medicine used during COVID-19<\/p>\n Common plants: ginger (respiratory), garlic (antiviral), turmeric (anti-inflammatory), sweet wormwood (anti-SARS-CoV-2), neem (antiviral), and herbal teas. Key phytoconstituents: gingerols, allicin, curcumin, artemisinins, azadirachtin. Globally, China used TCM, India used AYUSH, Madagascar promoted COVID-Organics, and South Africa used local herbs.<\/p>\n Regulatory listing in Nigeria<\/p>\n NAFDAC listing confirms safety based on toxicology, not efficacy<\/a>. Listing is valid for two years; cure claims require RCTs. Commonly used remedies included lemon, ginger, garlic, turmeric, neem, pawpaw, guava, lemongrass, scent leaf, bitter leaf, detox tea, anise, and wormwood.<\/p>\n Gaps during the pandemic<\/p>\n Most herbal mixtures lacked clinical studies, pharmacokinetic data, and toxicological evaluation. Safety concerns arose for high-risk patients. IP laws inadequately protect traditional knowledge. Some avoided hospital care, and high doses may have increased toxicity. Misinformation on social media undermined evidence-based measures.<\/p>\n Addressing COVID-19 through ethnopharmacology<\/p>\n Herbal remedies with trial progress:<\/strong><\/p>\n IHP Detox Tea<\/strong>\u00a0(Andrographis,\u00a0Garcinia,\u00a0Psidium): Pilot RCT (n=72) showed no deaths (vs. 3 placebo), faster viral clearance. Sample too small for definitive conclusions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Niprimum<\/strong>\u00a0(Andrographis\u00a0capsule): NAFDAC-listed as safe; trials planned.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n FORTE1<\/strong>\u00a0(Moringa,\u00a0Terminalia,\u00a0Bridelia,\u00a0Scoparia): In vitro activity shown; no clinical trials.<\/p>\n
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