Adeola T. Kola-Mustapha, a professor of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy at the University of Ilorin, has advocated for the integration of indigenous pharmaceutical practices with global standards, urging for continuous efforts to co-formulate natural and synthetic medicines for improved healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
She made the call while delivering the 285th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled “Rooted in Nature, Refined by Science: A New Horizon in Advanced Drug Delivery”, under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and a Professor of International Law.
According to Kola-Mustapha, natural medicines therapeutic products derived from plants, animals, and minerals are just as effective and measurable as their synthetic counterparts.
She, however, cautioned that no medicine is without side effects.
“Every drug is a potential poison and must be used with caution, whether natural or synthetic, therefore Scientists must continue to identify active components in plants, determine their safety, standardise dosages, and enhance pharmaceutical formulations for industrial viability and patient benefit.”
Clarifying common misconceptions, she noted that, “all herbal remedies are natural drugs, but not all natural drugs are herbal.
“Herbal remedies are plant-based and represent just one source of natural medicines. On the other hand, synthetic medicines are artificial or chemically modified versions of natural compounds, and they play an equally vital role in disease treatment.”
She debunked several myths such as “natural is clean and safe, synthetic is dirty,” and the belief that “natural and synthetic medicines cannot co-exist.”
According to her, both types of medicines can be beneficial or harmful depending on how they are used.
“Our flora contains both medicinal and toxic compounds. The key is proper identification, formulation, and administration,” she explained.
Kola-Mustapha emphasised the global success of integrated medicinal approaches, citing China and India as examples of countries effectively utilizing traditional and synthetic therapies, particularly for managing multifactorial diseases.
“In China, traditional Chinese medicine is used in tandem with synthetic drugs. India’s Ayurvedic system operates alongside modern allopathic medicine. Similarly, over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population rely on some form of traditional medicine. Indeed, the combined use is highly beneficial,” she noted.
She concluded by highlighting a critical gap in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical system and called for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve access to modern technologies in pharmaceutical education and drug development.
