Prof. Elujoba
HealthHighlight

COVID-19: Professor of Pharmacognosy recommends herbal medicine as lifeline therapeutics

396

 

 

As lifeline therapeutics to COVID-19, a professor of Pharmacognosy and ex-Acting Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Osun, Anthony Elujoba, said on Wednesday that herbal medicine should be explored as solution to the pandemic.

He said since the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the federal agencies including the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research; the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and some Nigerian universities had invested in herbal medicines in the past, `it is now time to explore the dividends of their investments.’’

“It is time to explore the dividends of their investments by using the products of their investment in herbal medicine to offer solution to the pandemic,’’ Elujoba said in a statement.

Elujoba, according to wikipedia, is fondly referred to as “village chemist” because of his involvement in research into medicinal plants.

Persecondnews recalls that Madagascar has launched a drink, dubbed “Miracle Drink’’ as a cure and prevention of coronavirus infection.

At the launch of the product on Monday in Antananarivo, President Andry Rajoelina, drank a bottle of the drink called “Covid Organics” or CVO.

The country’s Institut Malgache de Recherches Appliquées (IMRA) produced the drink from the local plant — Artemisia annua or sweet wormwood.

It is a green leafy plant that emits a striking odor and is also used for malaria.

Rajoelina said the drink is effective against the virus as it strengthens the body’s immune system.

 

Also, a professor of Pharmacognosy from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), who is also the Chairman of the Imo State Taskforce on COVID-19, Prof. Maurice Iwu, had presented plant-based patented treatment for COVID-19 to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, early this year.

 

The renowned don, who did a research into the medicinal value of bitter kola, said the treatment was also being tested in United States.

“Luckily, the drug is a safe one. It is drug already in use. We are repurposing it for this particular purpose. So when we finish studying and testing that we are doing, I think the drug will come up in line very soon,” he said.

Elujoba, therefore, called on the Federal Government to explore the opportunities offered by diverse plants in the country to treat victims of coronavirus.

Coronavirus, which started in Wuhan, China in late 2019,  has killed thousands of people globally and four months after there is no known cure for it.

 

He also advised the Federal Government to create isolation/treatment centres where patients who choose to be treated with alternative medicine would be attended to all over the country.

 

Elujoba, however, said alternative medicine should not be confused with witchcraft and occultism.

He argued that the spread and death rate occasioned by coronavirus should “push us to alternative actions before it is too late.”

“We read on a daily basis testimonies of several patients from here and elsewhere of COVID-19 including chief executives in governments using or talking about herbal options, one president has spoken publicly on herbal cure.

“It is time for dividends of the past expenditures on herbal development and time to start proactive herbal research on these emerging diseases,’’ the professor said.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Trump’s Tariff Policies Spark Oil Market Volatility, Threaten Nigeria’s Economy – NMDPRA Boss

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory...

Nigeria Shines at ITTF World Para Future Tournament in Jordan

Team Nigeria made a powerful performance at the just concluded ITTF World...

FCT security gets boost as NAF, NPF agree to join forces

In a strategic move to bolster security in the nation’s capital, the...

U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier: Flamingos Battle Algeria

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, are intensifying preparations for their FIFA U17 Women’s...

Nigerians lose N1.3trn as CBEX digital trading platform crashes

Nigerians took to their various social media platforms to lament their losses...

Gunners Look to Seal Quarterfinal Spot Against Real Madrid

Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu...

Arsonist sets fire to US Pennsylvania governor’s residence, ex-Pres. Joe Biden fumes

A suspected arsonist on Sunday broke into the residence of Pennsylvania Governor,...

PDP Governors Rule Out Merger With Other Parties, Open To Defectors Ahead of 2027 Polls

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has ruled out merging with...

AGC relocation: NBA slams Rivers Administrator Ibas over N300m claim, calls it gift, not hosting rights

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has vehemently denied claims by Rivers State’s...

Just in: National conference shift: Refund N300m hosting rights, Rivers Govt tells NBA

After the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) relocated its national conference from Port...

Updated: Defamation Case: Portable Sent to Prison for Not Meeting Bail Terms

For failure to meet the stringent bail conditions imposed on him by...

Emergency Rule: Rivers Magistrate Slams ‘Quasi-Military’ Rule, Quits Over Ibas’ Appointment

After 16 years of dedicated service to the Rivers State judiciary, Chief...

Nwankwo Kanu’s Enyimba Reaps $400,000 Reward from CAF

Nigerian football powerhouse, Enyimba International FC has received a significant financial boost,...

Just in: Alleged defamation of Saheed Osupa: Portable gets N1m bail, other stringent conditions

Following his arraignment on charges of criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance,...

VP Shettima Launches Tinubu’s Human Capital Development Strategic Plan, Roadmap In Uyo

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to...

Just in: Rivers Emergency Rule: Hundreds of Women Rally Support for Administrator

Barely 21 days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency...

FCT Police Urge Residents, Motorists to Obey Traffic Laws, Prioritize Road Safety

FCT Police Commissioner Saka Adewale Ajao has made a passionate appeal to...

Portable Arrested After Saheed Osupa’s Petition Sparks Legal Action

Nigerian street-hop sensation, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been arrested...

Tragedy As Another Ex-Green Eagles Player Dies Shortly After Christian Chukwu’s Passing

Tragedy has again hit the Nigerian football as another member of the...

Guinean Envoy Woos Nigerian Investors for $20bln Home Country’s Mega Projects

In a bid to strengthen economic ties between Guinea and Nigeria, Guinean...