Dynamics of herbal medicine processing and production in Benue State Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge base of traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) in Benue State in relation to current good manufacturing practice for effective quality, safety, and increased economic value. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the TMPs using questionnaire. Information such as practice area, type of herbal medicine preparations, water quality, preservatives as well as knowledge of packaging of finished herbal medicines was evaluated. Over 55% of the TMPs practice herbal medicine alone, while others combine other traditional medicine disciplines alongside herbal medicine. Majority of the TMPs produce extemporaneous products for their patient while 10% produce products for sale. A number corresponding to 18% of the TMPs use either tap or borehole water, the others use water from well, streams and rivers. The herbal medicines produced by the TMPs are largely liquids and only 47% have any knowledge of preservatives and fewer have any knowledge on packaging of herbal medicines. This study shows that the majority of the TMPs lack appropriate technical resources and knowledge for herbal medicine production. Hence, there is an urgent need for a coordinated intervention in terms of working tools and trainings. water supply for the processing and preparation of the herbal medicines, preservatives used in herbal liquid preparations as well as packaging of the finished herbal medicines.