The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has explained why it has yet to approve any herbal medicine for the treatment of COVID-19 despite the heavy calls to do so.
This explanation was contained in a statement signed by the agency resident Media Consultant, Mr. Olusayo Akintola, and issued to newsmen yesterday, in Abuja.
The statement quoted NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Moji Adeyeye as saying that ‘no single drug has been found yet to cure COVID -19’.
Africa Today News, New York reports that Adeyeye also used the opportunity to warn Nigerians against excessive consumption of onions and garlic with a view to curing COVID-19, saying, ‘If you eat too much your breath will be smelling and nobody will want to stay by you.’
She said that medicinal products available now could only help ease symptoms and up the odds of survival.
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She warned Nigerian researchers and other herbal medicine practitioners to desist from parading unverified medicine for the virus.
She said that any product without NAFDAC approval for the cure of COVID-19 is null and void, adding that such an act was a violation of the national regulatory authorities and breach of protocols.
She admitted that onions or garlic or any of the natural fruits that we take have antioxidant and nutrients that can help us feel better, adding that people might have been using it and they get better.
She added that they may boost the immunity and the person may not be easily susceptible to infection, adding that ‘’even with that, you still have to protect yourself.
“If you eat garlic and onion and you don’t use face mask you will get COVID -19. If you are in a bad environment; If you don’t wash your hands, you will get COVID -19.
The DG insisted that her agency must approve the clinical trial protocol, stressing that ‘If they don’t do that and go-ahead to market and sell their product, such act would be a violation of regulatory procedures.
According to her, some people might have been using it and they got better, but without being approved scientifically and documented, we may not be able to guarantee its safety for human consumption.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK