The Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Prof. Martins Emeje, has unveiled seven new herbal medicines developed from indigenous Nigerian medicinal plants to treat and manage major diseases.
He described the breakthrough as a significant step towards reducing the country’s dependence on imported medicines. Addressing the gathering during the unveiling in Lagos, Emeje said the products were developed through scientific research and standardisation, with the medicines now available in modern dosage forms such as capsules, tablets and syrups. Africans & Diaspora.
He explained that the agency has developed more than 22 herbal products since 2023 to address Nigeria’s healthcare needs, and highlighted the seven newly unveiled medicines as among its most advanced innovations. The first product, Namdavir, is a natural medicine developed from an indigenous medicinal plant for the treatment of the Hepatitis B virus, according to him.
“The product is highly active against the Hepatitis B virus and is called Namdavir,” he said. The second product, Namdacid, is designed for the management of peptic ulcer disease, which he described as a major health challenge in many communities.
Emeje said the agency also unveiled Turmegol, a herbal medicine developed from Nigerian medicinal plants for the prevention and management of cancers, including colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancers.
“We have scientific evidence that it can stop the progression of cancers or eliminate early cancer cells,” he said.
Another product, Namdorol, is intended for the management of high cholesterol and hypertension. According to the NNMDA boss, the medicine helps cleanse the body while effectively managing elevated cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The agency also introduced Namgor, a natural aphrodisiac, and Zobo Tea, formulated to aid in the management of hypertension.
Emeje said the development of the medicines demonstrates the growing scientific credibility of traditional medicine, stressing that standardisation now ensures accurate dosage, safety and quality.
“We want to change the narrative of drug importation in Nigeria. We must develop our medicines and export them,” he said. Africans & Diaspora
He added that one of the newly developed products, when fully commercialised across its value chain, has the potential to generate about 3.5 million jobs. The professor urged the Federal Government to establish a Clinical Observational Research Centre at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos to strengthen clinical trials and accelerate the commercialisation of the herbal medicines.
In his remarks, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, pledged government support for the agency, promising to facilitate the establishment of the proposed research centre and explore alternative funding sources to advance indigenous medicine development.
He said Nigeria has the potential to become a major producer and exporter of natural medicines worth billions of dollars while improving healthcare delivery and creating jobs through local pharmaceutical innovation. The unveiling of the drugs in Lagos was by the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh
