A growing trend in Nigeria has health experts sounding the alarm on the dangers of alcoholic-herbal beverages. These drinks, often marketed as natural and safe, are made by fermenting herbs, roots, and other natural ingredients with alcohol. However, they can contain toxic ingredients, interact with medications, or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions.
According to Francis Ugwu, “Alcoholic-tainted herbal beverages have a long history in Nigeria, with many people using them for medicinal purposes. However, in recent years, their production and consumption have skyrocketed, posing potential significant health risks.”
Researchers from the University of Ibadan found that alcohol herbal mixture caused neurobehavioral and biochemical perturbations in mice. The study revealed an enhanced reduction in locomotor activity and impaired motor coordination in mice following acute and sub-acute administrations of an alcoholic herbal mixture combined with ethanol.
The Director of Savehealth Pharmacy, notes, “The issue with herbal formulations, generally, is that they lack standardisation. Standardisation implies the quantity or the amount of substance one needs to take that will give one a specific result.”
Mr. Hyacinth Obayi, an expert in Plant Physiology and Biotechnology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, states, “Herbal remedy for now has not been segmented in terms of dosage. These people formulate alcoholic herbal drinks locally, if you ask them the dosage, they will tell you that you can take as much quantity as you want because it is a natural product, which is not correct.”
Obayi warns that the lethal dosage of these drinks has not been determined, posing a threat to the human kidney, liver, or other essential organs.
In conclusion, the consumption of alcoholic-herbal beverages poses significant health risks, including liver and kidney damage, neurobehavioral issues, and other health problems. Health experts urge the need for standardization, regulation, and awareness about the dangers of consuming these beverages.
Source: Daily Post
