By Omotolani Alamu
The Federal Ministry of Health has recommended a locally developed cough mixture/syrup for the management of COVID-19 patients for approval and listing by the NAFDAC.
The ministry, in a letter sent to Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General, NAFDAC on April 28, 2020 by its Permanent Secretary, Mr. A. M. Abdullaihi, said following its approval, it would contract the packaging of the product to some identified pharmaceutical companies.
Titled: ‘Formulation of a phyto medicine based cough mixture/syrup for the management of COVID-19 patients by traditional complementary and alternative medicine department of the ministry,’ the Ministry of Health said the mixture was part of its effort to develop a local treatment for the coronavirus pandemic.
The letter reads:
“This is to convey my compliment to you. As you are aware, the COIVD- 19 pandemic is currently ravaging the world with no definite treatment or vaccine. This has necessitated countries to look for solution from within and Nigeria is no exception. It is worthy to note that Nigeria is blessed with medicinal plants that could be exploited.
“It is heart -warming to note that the Department of TCAM has taken the pains to research into scientific materials to come up with a formulation intended for the management of cough in COVID 19 and other cough related infections.
“The formulation is Cov-herbal cough mixture. Interestingly, all the ingredients that make up the formulation are medicinal plants that are widely used as food materials and medicines. They include: allium sativa (Garlic); allium cepa (onions); zingiber officinale (ginger); piper guineense (West African black pepper); and andasonia digitata (baobab fruit). The innovation here is the composition of the formulation.
“These medicinal plants have documented scientific evidences of long use for the management of cough and other respiratory infections, with medicinal properties of mucolytic, antussive, expectorant, soothing, demulcent, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
“The ministry is determined to walk the ta;k in the promotion and integration of herbal medicine into the health care delivery system. In view of the foregoing and the desire of the Ministry to showcase to the public a product that is 100% sourced locally, you are requested to carry out the necessary procedures or listing.
“The Ministry will contract the packaging of the product to some identified pharmaceutical companies. Find attached scientific evidences of the products and labelling for your information and necessary action.”