Nigeria's social media flooded with unverified herbal remedy ads, posing health risks
Axios (Tổng hợp từ Al Jazeera English)
Many Nigerians turn to herbal remedies advertised on social media for quick, cheap cures, but face dangerous complications, adding strain to an already overburdened health system. Doctors report a surge in self-medication with unverified products, worsening health outcomes and delaying treatment. Regulators struggle to enforce rules online, while experts call for better access to affordable care and platform accountability.
Abuja, Nigeria – Oke Bola, a woman in her early 40s who had never had children, bought a fertility supplement advertised online earlier this year. She increased the recommended dosage hoping for faster results after hearing friends and relatives praise it. Within days, she began to have trouble breathing. “I recognized the symptoms of asthma; the wheezing at night was familiar,” said Bola, whose name has been changed. “When I checked online, I realized it could be from the herbal drug.” Her symptoms subsided after she stopped using the product, called Jinja Herbal Mixture, marketed for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
A 2025 Nigerian study of the product found it safe for short-term use at tested doses, but also noted biochemical changes at higher doses, including shifts in creatinine and sodium levels, indicating potential kidney and liver stress. The study called for further research on long-term impacts and interactions with conventional drugs.
Temi Ahondiwura, 47, a master’s graduate from the University of Ibadan, said an herbal eye drop bought via Facebook worsened her vision. Marketed by social media influencers, the product claimed to treat various eye conditions. “At first, I felt itching, but I thought it was part of the process. When it persisted, I stopped and went back to my prescription contact lenses,” she recounted.
Such stories are increasingly common. Pharmacist Akinade Akinlolu and Dr. Egemba Chinonso Fidelis said that across Nigeria, doctors and pharmacists are seeing a surge in self-medication via social media, especially with unverified herbal products, worsening health outcomes, delaying treatment, and adding pressure to an already strained health system serving roughly 230 million people.
Dr. Isaac Kolawole and Dr. Fidelis described the phenomenon as an “algorithm pharmacy” — an unregulated online marketplace where influencers and anonymous sellers promote remedies directly to consumers with little or no scientific basis.
A report by Surjen Healthcare, a health-tech platform providing home care, found that many Nigerians, due to high medical costs and distrust of the mainstream system, turn to social media advice. The report linked the trend to rising antimicrobial resistance, late hospital admissions, and increased exposure to unsafe or counterfeit products. A 2025 study found 68% of surveyed patients were willing to consult online traditional healers. “Platforms amplify this effect. Their algorithms reward engaging content and push it to wider audiences,” said Dr. Fidelis, known online as Aproko Doctor.
Herbal remedies, long a part of Nigerian culture, are being repackaged as miracle cures. Dr. Yemi Raji, a nephrologist at the University College Hospital Ibadan, said herbs are a factor in kidney disease cases. “When you take herbal remedies, you get both good and bad,” he noted, adding that 5-7% of his patients fall into this category. Dialysis costs range from 50,000 to 100,000 naira (USD 36-72) per session.
Pharmacist Akinlolu in Ibadan said many online sellers rely on aggressive marketing to build trust, often promising cures for diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Dr. Fidelis stressed: “Real medicines don’t promise to cure everything and don’t rely on countdowns. Scammers do.” He cited a study showing about 46% of hospital admissions for liver disease at one Nigerian hospital were linked to herbs. A 2022 survey found 76.65% of participants had used herbal remedies, and 82.44% did not inform their doctors.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it works to track unregistered manufacturers, but enforcement is difficult, especially online. NAFDAC’s Southwest Director, Isaac Kolawole, said many sellers use fake or incomplete addresses, complicating tracing. “Given the sheer volume of products online, enforcement has limited reach,” he acknowledged.
Dr. Fidelis argues that strict regulation alone is insufficient. He called for improved access to affordable healthcare, restoring public trust, and holding digital platforms accountable for the health content they amplify. “Without stronger safeguards, the ‘algorithm pharmacy’ will continue to grow and endanger more people,” he warned.
