THE EFFECT OF MICROBACTERIAL ON LOCALLY MADE HERBS SOLD IN ENUGU STATE
1.1 Background to the Study
Throughout history, all cultures have employed a variety of plants or plant derived materials for the prevention
and treatment of diseases (H.B. et al., 1983; O.,1987). In developing countries as much as 80% of the indigenous
populations depend on traditional systems of medicine and medicinal plants and their primary source of health
care (R.B. et al,1983; WHO, 2001). The world Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine (TM) as
the total combination of knowledge and practices whether explicable or not used in diagnosing, preventing or
eliminating physical, mental or social diseases, which may rely exclusively on past experience and observation
handed down from generation to generation verbally or otherwise (WHO, 2001). This strategy promotes the
integration into health systems of traditional medicine for which evidence on safety, efficiency and quality is
available and the generation of such evidence when it is lacking.
The Alma- At a declaration of 1978, the relevant recommendations of WHO governing bodies and the
orientations of the Regional Health for all policy for the 21st Century underscored the importance of traditional
medicine and its practitioners in primary health care. Despite these policies, only a few countries have developed
national policies, legal frame works and codes of conduct for the practice of traditional medicine.
Herbal therapy is widely accepted and is used as an alternative in the prevention and treatment of physical
mental disorders as well as infectious diseases and anti social behaviours attributable to spiritual causes. Due to
its intrinsic qualities, unique and holistic approaches as well as its accessibility and affordability, it continues to
be the best alternative health care available for the majority of the global population, particularly for those in the
rural areas of developing countries (Mwambazi and W.C. 1996). Among the successes achieved by herbal
medicine is thatany drugs in clinical use today were discovered from the ways plants were used in traditional
communities. Examples include quinine which was discovered from the way traditional communities in South
America especially Peru, Columbia and Bolivia used plants species of the genus Cinchona in managing fevers.
Thus emphasis is now being laid on traditional medicine as an alternative to Orthodox medicine more than ever
before. This especially true in developing countries like Nigeria.
1.2 Problem Statement
A previous study conducted found liquid and powdered herbal medicines prepared locally by herbalists to have
high levels of bacterial contamination (M.Justin et al.,1998). The large number of isolated micro organisms from
the samples could pose a risk of acquisition of pathogenic microbial agents to those taking these herbal mixtures.
This observation prompts the need to know the effect microbiological on locallyade herbs sold in Enugu state.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The major objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of micro bacterial on locally made herbs sold on Enugu
state.
1.4 Research Questions
(1) what are locally made herbs?
(2) what are their benefits and uses?
(3) How are they produced?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study gives a clear insight into the effect of micro bacterial on locally made herbs sold in Enugu star. This
findings and recommendations of this research will help develop national policies, legal framework and codes of
conduct for the practice of traditional medicine so also enforce them.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The research focuses on the effect of micro bacterial on locally made herbs sold in Enugu State.
References
H.B. Mathews, G.W. Lucifer and K.D. Fisher, Environ. Health Perspective, 107 (1999) 773-778.
M. Justin Temu, E.F. Lyamuya, C. Makwaya, P.R. Antony and D. Mloka, Afr. J. Health Sci. 5(1998) 140- 143.
Mwambazi, W.C. (1996). WHO partnership in the Development and Utilization of Herbal Remedies in Ethiopia
In : Abebe, D. (end). Proceedings of the Workshops on Development and Utilization of Herbal Remedies in
Ethiopia. Addis Ababa. EHNRI 26-7.
Promoting the Role of Traditional Medicine in Health Systems. A Strategy of the African Region, WHO
AFR/RC 50/9 (2001)3
Promoting the Rational Use of Traditional Medicine in Health Systems: A strategy for the African Region WHO
AFR/RC 50/9 and AFR/RC 50/R3(2001)15.
R.B. Bannenman, J. Burton and C. WenChich, Traditional Medicine and Health Care, Coverage, WHO, Geneva
Switzerland. 1983 pp 9-13.
