This study examined the effects of packaging and innovativeness on the performance of herbal medicine businesses in Gombe State. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from owners and/or managers of herbal medicine businesses. The study employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The findings showed that packaging had a positive and insignificant effect on business performance (β = 0.421, t = 2.417, p = 0.018), while innovativeness had a positive and significant effect (β = 0.630, t = 2.886, p = 0.000). The model produced an R2 value of .560, indicating that the predictors jointly explained 0.56 of the variance in business performance. The study concluded that strengthening modern packaging can improve the performance of herbal medicine businesses in Gombe State. The study recommended that herbal businesses owners should embrace continuous improvement in product packaging and hygienic handling in order to strengthen their competitiveness and customer patronage. Read more

The study examined the perception of Anambra state residents toward media campaigns against the consumption of uncertified herbal medicine. The essence of the study was to determine the extent of exposure of the residents to media campaigns against the consumption of uncertified herbal medicine. Study adopted two theoretical frameworks, survey research method was used. The study found among others that a majority of the respondents were moderately exposed to media campaigns against the consumption of uncertified herbal medicine; radio was the medium through which most of the respondents accessed media campaigns against the consumption of uncertified herbal medicine. Further findings revealed that the media campaigns against consumption of uncertified herbal medicine among the residents have not been so effective. Study concludes that the media campaigns against the consumption of uncertified herbal medicine convey uncertainty a grey area by Anambra state residents. Thus, study recommends the media should actively shed light on the dangers of consuming uncertified herbal medicine, committing themselves to features, editorials, radio presentations, news programmes, call-in-programs, documentaries etc. Read more

In this research work, a dynamically consistent non-standard finite difference (NSFD) scheme is developed to solve a continuous-time model of malaria transmission with herbal medicine as control strategy. We compared results from NSFD scheme with the standard finite difference methods (4th order Runge-kutta and forward Euler methods). The numerical investigation showed that the proposed NSFD method remains consistent, preserves the positivity of solutions and converges to true equilibrium points of the continuous model independent of the step size h. Read more

The use of herbal drugs has become a common practice among the populace in the study area. Its consumption rate is quite alarming in this recent times therefore the knowledge of its public health importance and microbiological safety should be periotized in all ramifications. This research was focused on assessing the microbial quality of different popular herbal preparations registered by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) sold within South-West and South-South regions of Nigeria. The microbial diversity of some herbal drugs were examined by aerobic plate count method and microbial isolates were identified based on their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. A total of five (5) herbal samples from six (6) herbal products (Goko cleanser, Gogorigo, Boom, 7 keys) were analyzed and all were found to be free from pathogenic bacteria and indicator organisms of fecal contamination. However, “The presence of microbial contaminants in non-sterile pharmaceutical products in some herbal mixtures Y-herbal mixtures can reduce or even inactivate the therapeutic activity of the products and has the potential to adversely affect patient taking, the medicine." The possible contaminated organisms were isolated from these product, are E coli, staphylococcus aureus, bacillus sp ,Aspergillus sp proteus sp Rhizopus, penicillin. And the organisms isolated are the same with other finding results from other researchers that work on isolating microorganisms from herbal mixtures. Read more

Conventional anti–malarial drugs (chloroquine, Artesunate, Quinine, Amodiaquine etc) are used by most malaria-endemic countries as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. However, resistance by plasmodium parasite against these conventional anti–malarial drugs has necessitated the need for herbal medicine as alternative. So in this study, we formulate a mathematical model of malaria transmission in two interacting population of human (host) and mosquito (vector) incorporating anti-malarial herbal therapy as first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria infection. The region where the model is epidemiological feasible and mathematically well–posed is established and the basic reproduction number R_0 is derived using next generation matrix approach. The numerical experiment carried out to access the impact of the control measure on malaria transmission revealed a reduction in the number of complicated infectious human population. Hence this research work suggests a massive campaign on use of anti-malarial herbal therapy as first- line treatment for malaria infection cases. Read more

Background: Experts have been consistent that the overall functioning and productivity of individuals depend on their mental health status. The rising cases of mental health challenges are fast becoming a threat to public health, particularly in developing countries. Evidence shows that over 35% of the global population suffers mental health issues. The burden is higher in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria accounting for 13% prevalence. Earlier studies have demonstrated that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) could effectively treat mentally ill patients and other chronic health problems. However, little is known about the caregivers’ attitudes, perceptions, and CAM utilisation in Nigeria. Method: 381 caregivers of mentally ill persons in Abakaliki were recruited into this study. The modified attitude toward Mental Illness Questionnaire was administered to the participants to elicit relevant information on CAM use. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most participants (92%) had good knowledge of CAM and would encourage their mentally ill relatives to use CAM. In comparison, 89% have either used CAM or used CAM on mentally ill relatives. CAM utilisation was associated with good knowledge and referral by other users. The common CAM therapies included herbal drugs, spiritual intervention, and alternative medical systems such as homeopathic medicine. It was concluded that the informal caregivers for mentally ill patients knew about CAM and were using them. Studies on the effectiveness and safety of CAM are required to establish their benefits in treating mental illness. Read more