Received on 21 January 2024; revised on 04 February 2024; accepted on 06 February 2024 | Michael Alurame Eruaga, Esther Oleiye Itua, James Tabat Bature
The paper explores the regulation of herbal medicine in Nigeria, a complex landscape that balances traditional practices with modern standards. It delves into the historical roots of herbal medicine, its cultural significance, and the challenges posed by safety, efficacy, and standardization concerns. The study examines existing regulatory frameworks, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and discusses the tension between preserving traditional knowledge and ensuring consumer protection. It proposes strategies for enhancing collaboration between traditional healers and the formal healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices and culturally sensitive approaches. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms and future directions, advocating for a harmonized approach that respects cultural heritage while safeguarding public health.The paper explores the regulation of herbal medicine in Nigeria, a complex landscape that balances traditional practices with modern standards. It delves into the historical roots of herbal medicine, its cultural significance, and the challenges posed by safety, efficacy, and standardization concerns. The study examines existing regulatory frameworks, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and discusses the tension between preserving traditional knowledge and ensuring consumer protection. It proposes strategies for enhancing collaboration between traditional healers and the formal healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices and culturally sensitive approaches. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms and future directions, advocating for a harmonized approach that respects cultural heritage while safeguarding public health.