Are Nigerian Herbal Remedies Safe? What Science Says in 2025

In Nigeria, because of the paucity of medical facilities, the cost of accessing the available few facilities, and the economic capacity of the vast majority of citizens, herbal medicine (locally called agbo, ese, or kayan magani) remains the first line of treatment for millions. From malaria to typhoid, fertility issues to high blood pressure, there’s an herbal mixture for almost everything. But one big question is: are these herbal mixtures truly safe?

While some Nigerian herbs have impressive scientific backing, others carry serious risks – including liver damage, kidney failure, heavy metal poisoning, and dangerous interactions with conventional drugs.

Let’s look at some evidence-based breakdown of the most popular ones as of 2025.

1. Moringa (Zogale / Ewe Igbale)

Traditional Use: Diabetes, hypertension, malnutrition, breast milk production
What Science Says (2025):

Strong evidence supports blood sugar lowering and antioxidant effects (multiple RCTs and meta-analyses).
Generally safe at culinary doses (1–3 tsp powder or fresh leaves daily).
High doses (>15g/day powder) linked to digestive upset and rare liver enzyme elevation.
Verdict: Safe and beneficial when used moderately. Avoid excessive doses during pregnancy (may have uterine-stimulating effects).

2. Bitter Leaf (Onugbu / Shuwaka / Ewuro)

Traditional Use: Malaria, typhoid, diabetes, stomach issues
Science Says:

Contains vernodalin and vernoniosides with proven anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, and anti-bacterial activity.
Aqueous extract shown to lower blood glucose in human trials.
Excessive consumption (especially raw juice) linked to stomach ulcers and liver stress in animal studies.
Verdict: Safe in moderation as soup or washed leaves. Avoid concentrated bitter leaf juice daily.

3. Neem / Dogonyaro (Azadirachta indica)

Traditional Use: Malaria, skin infections, contraception, typhoid
Science Says:

Strong anti-malarial and anti-viral properties confirmed.
WHO cautions: prolonged high-dose use (especially seeds/oil) linked to liver and kidney damage.
Several documented cases of neem-induced liver failure in children given concentrated dogonyaro for fever.
Verdict: Safe for short-term external use or mild tea. Dangerous in high doses, especially for children.

4. Scent Leaf (Nchanwu / Efirin / Daidoya)

Traditional Use: Cough, diarrhea, stomach pain, malaria
Science Says:

Eugenol content gives strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Human studies show effectiveness against diarrhea-causing bacteria.
Generally very safe — commonly used as food seasoning.
Verdict: One of the safest and most evidence-backed Nigerian herbs.

5. Agbo Jedi / Herbal Mixtures for Pile, Infection, or “Toilet Disease”

Common Ingredients: Bitter leaf, scent leaf, aloe vera, guava leaves, mistletoe (afomo), etc.
Major Risks (2025 Evidence):

Many roadside agbo sellers add prescription drugs (e.g., dexamethasone, chlorpheniramine, antibiotics) without disclosure → steroid dependence, adrenal failure, antibiotic resistance.
Contamination with heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) common in unregulated mixtures — Nigerian studies found 40–70% exceed WHO safe limits.
Cases of acute kidney injury from herbal mixtures rose sharply in Nigerian hospitals 2023–2025.
Verdict: High risk. Avoid unregulated street agbo.

6. Mistletoe (Afomo / Kauchi)

Traditional Use: Hypertension, diabetes, cancer
Science Says:

African mistletoe (Viscum album growing on local trees) contains toxic lectins.
Nigerian case reports: severe hypotension, liver damage, and deaths after drinking mistletoe tea.
Verdict: Potentially dangerous — avoid oral use.

7. Bitter Kola + Garlic + Ginger + Honey Mixtures

Traditional Use: “Blood cleanser,” immunity, infections
Science Says:

All individual ingredients have mild antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
Generally safe in food amounts.
High-dose garlic can thin blood → risk of bleeding if combined with warfarin or before surgery.
Verdict: Safe in moderation; avoid mega-doses.

Key Safety Tips from NAFDAC & Nigerian Researchers (2025)

Never combine herbs with prescription drugs without doctor/pharmacist approval (dangerous interactions common).
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: stick to culinary herbs only (moringa leaves, scent leaf, ugwu).
Children under 12: avoid concentrated herbal preparations.
Buy from NAFDAC-registered manufacturers (look for NAFDAC number).
Stop immediately if you notice yellow eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, or unusual bleeding.
Get liver and kidney function tests if using herbs long-term.

Conclusion: Not All Herbs Are Safe, But Many Are Helpful

Nigerian herbal medicine is a treasure trove — but it’s not harmless. Science supports moderate use of moringa, scent leaf, bitter leaf (cooked), and others. At the same time, unregulated mixtures, mistletoe, and excessive dogonyaro have caused real harm in Nigerian hospitals.

The safest approach: Use herbs as food (soups, teas, seasoning) rather than concentrated medicines, and always involve a healthcare professional when treating serious conditions.

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References (2023–2025 Studies & Reports)

NAFDAC Warnings on Herbal Medicines (2024–2025)
Safety of Herbal Medicines in Nigeria – Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
Hepatotoxicity of Herbal Remedies in Nigeria – PMC
Heavy Metal Contamination in Nigerian Herbal Products – Journal of Health & Pollution
Moringa oleifera: A review of clinical evidence – Phytomedicine 2024
Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) therapeutic uses – Frontiers in Pharmacology
Azadirachta indica (neem) toxicity case reports – Nigerian Medical Journal
Acute Kidney Injury from Herbal Mixtures in Southwest Nigeria – Renal Association
Safety profile of African mistletoe – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Prevalence and pattern of herbal medicine use in Nigeria – BMC Complementary Medicine