Navigating the Challenges of Integrating African Herbal Medicines: A Path to Universal Acceptance
Herbal medicine, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge, presents a longstanding approach to global healthcare, particularly in Africa. This review comprehensively explores the holistic nature of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM), with specific emphasis on the significance of herba...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Fountain University Osogbo
2024-04-01
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| Series: | Fountain Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences (FUJNAS) |
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| Online Access: | https://www.fountainjournals.com/index.php/FUJNAS/article/view/474 |
| _version_ | 1797193513481273344 |
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| author | A. K. Salau Shehu M. S. M. T. Bakare-Odunola |
| author_facet | A. K. Salau Shehu M. S. M. T. Bakare-Odunola |
| author_sort | A. K. Salau |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description |
Herbal medicine, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge, presents a longstanding approach to global
healthcare, particularly in Africa. This review comprehensively explores the holistic nature of Traditional
and Complementary Medicine (T&CM), with specific emphasis on the significance of herbal medicine.
Despite its long-standing use and efficacy, herbal medicine faces challenges in universal acceptance and
integration into mainstream healthcare systems. Factors influencing acceptance, from inadequate
standardisation to societal stigma, are examined comprehensively. Understanding the motivations behind
herbal medicine usage, including prevention, curiosity, and natural beliefs, is crucial for shaping future
healthcare policies and comprehending public attitudes. Global initiatives, exemplified by the WHO
Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, and national endeavours in countries like Nigeria and Ghana,
underscore collaborative approaches. The review concludes by emphasizing the necessity of addressing
divergent stakeholder perspectives for effective integration. Proposed strategies involve collaborative
research, international endorsements, adverse-event reporting systems, governmental support,
inventorying, botanical gardens, testing laboratories, standardised dosage norms, and education initiatives.
These measures aim to seamlessly integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, promote
evidence-based practices, and enhance regulations—crucial steps toward fostering acceptance.
Addressing challenges and fostering acceptance is imperative for ensuring the safe and effective utilisation
of traditional medicines, thereby enhancing healthcare outcomes and overall well-being globally.
Keywords: Herbal Remedies, Integrative Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Complementary Therapies
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| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T05:41:35Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-76caae69429644959fd572cb835181cd |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2350-1863 2354-337X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T05:41:35Z |
| publishDate | 2024-04-01 |
| publisher | Fountain University Osogbo |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Fountain Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences (FUJNAS) |
| spelling | doaj.art-76caae69429644959fd572cb835181cd2024-04-23T21:14:46ZengFountain University OsogboFountain Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences (FUJNAS)2350-18632354-337X2024-04-0113110.53704/fujnas.v13i1.474Navigating the Challenges of Integrating African Herbal Medicines: A Path to Universal AcceptanceA. K. Salau0Shehu M. S.1M. T. Bakare-Odunola2Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Km 04, Ora Road, P.M.B 204, Ila-Orangun, Osun State-Nigeria.Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, NigeriaDepartment of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Herbal medicine, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge, presents a longstanding approach to global healthcare, particularly in Africa. This review comprehensively explores the holistic nature of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM), with specific emphasis on the significance of herbal medicine. Despite its long-standing use and efficacy, herbal medicine faces challenges in universal acceptance and integration into mainstream healthcare systems. Factors influencing acceptance, from inadequate standardisation to societal stigma, are examined comprehensively. Understanding the motivations behind herbal medicine usage, including prevention, curiosity, and natural beliefs, is crucial for shaping future healthcare policies and comprehending public attitudes. Global initiatives, exemplified by the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, and national endeavours in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, underscore collaborative approaches. The review concludes by emphasizing the necessity of addressing divergent stakeholder perspectives for effective integration. Proposed strategies involve collaborative research, international endorsements, adverse-event reporting systems, governmental support, inventorying, botanical gardens, testing laboratories, standardised dosage norms, and education initiatives. These measures aim to seamlessly integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, promote evidence-based practices, and enhance regulations—crucial steps toward fostering acceptance. Addressing challenges and fostering acceptance is imperative for ensuring the safe and effective utilisation of traditional medicines, thereby enhancing healthcare outcomes and overall well-being globally. Keywords: Herbal Remedies, Integrative Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Complementary Therapies https://www.fountainjournals.com/index.php/FUJNAS/article/view/474Traditional medicineacceptanceherbalchallengeshealthcare |
| spellingShingle | A. K. Salau Shehu M. S. M. T. Bakare-Odunola Navigating the Challenges of Integrating African Herbal Medicines: A Path to Universal Acceptance Fountain Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences (FUJNAS) Traditional medicine acceptance herbal challenges healthcare |
| title | Navigating the Challenges of Integrating African Herbal Medicines: A Path to Universal Acceptance |
| title_full | Navigating the Challenges of Integrating African Herbal Medicines: A Path to Universal Acceptance |
| title_fullStr | Navigating the Challenges of Integrating African Herbal Medicines: A Path to Universal Acceptance |
| title_full_unstemmed | Navigating the Challenges of Integrating African Herbal Medicines: A Path to Universal Acceptance |
| title_short | Navigating the Challenges of Integrating African Herbal Medicines: A Path to Universal Acceptance |
| title_sort | navigating the challenges of integrating african herbal medicines a path to universal acceptance |
| topic | Traditional medicine acceptance herbal challenges healthcare |
| url | https://www.fountainjournals.com/index.php/FUJNAS/article/view/474 |
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