Poison or Elixir: Nigerians debate use of herbal concoctions

• A post on the use of herbal concoctions by a user on X has sparked debates about its efficacy and risks
• Netizens react, with some users advocating for caution and others emphasising its untapped potential
• However, experts concluded that proper regulation could help balance the cultural heritage of traditional medicine with modern healthcare standards

The conversation surrounding the use of traditional herbal remedies, popularly known as agbo, has taken centre stage on X (formerly Twitter). 

The trend began when user @ThaBoyYom posted, “Whoever has ever said ‘drinking agbo doesn’t work’ should be locked up for 65 trillion years with hard labour.” 

The post opened the floodgates for diverse reactions, with users sharing personal experiences, professional insights, and strong opinions about the efficacy and risks of herbal concoctions.

The case for herbal concoctions

Several users recounted positive experiences with the use of this herbal remedy, emphasising its ability to heal where orthodox medicine had failed. 

@nevilbot narrated a life-changing encounter with agbo that cured a severe case of stomach ulcers after multiple unsuccessful treatments with conventional medication. 

Similarly, user @Mr_Jonnson shared how his baby brother, who couldn't walk at 18-months-old, was cured through a herbal remedy that involved soaking roots and leaves in water. The boy began walking within a week.

A popular influencer, @arojinle, highlighted the integration of agbo in advanced research, citing a personal experience during his MSc program. He successfully used a traditional herb recommended by a community elder for his research on mitochondrial membrane permeability—a potential anticancer agent.

Many proponents argued that agbo could rival modern medicine if properly researched and regulated. 

Another user, @d_LegalEagle, pointed out that countries like China have successfully incorporated traditional medicine into their healthcare systems. 

“agbo works! If we get serious about it, it has the potential to replace Western medicine,” he wrote.

Concerns about safety and regulation of herbal concoctions 

Despite the glowing endorsements, critics raised valid concerns about the safety, regulation, and standardisation of agbo. 

A doctor, @the_beardedshina, warned about the potential risks of consuming unregulated herbal concoctions, including liver and kidney damage. 

He added that such health complications could lead to expensive treatments like dialysis or even organ replacement.

In a documentary titled agbo: Poison or Remedy? shared by @the_beardedshina, Dr. Oluwasina Ajidahun highlighted the rising health risks associated with the improper use of agbo. 

He described the situation as a “long pandemic” in Nigeria, linking agbo consumption to kidney problems.

The documentary featured the story of Abiodun Lasisi, a saxophonist for late Fuji musician Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Saheed Osupa. 

Mr Lasisi narrated how consuming agbo led to his kidney damage. 

Initially experiencing malaria and typhoid-like symptoms in 2019, Mr Lasisi was later diagnosed with kidney problems at Gbagada General Hospital. 

After a successful kidney transplant, his symptoms resurfaced in 2022 and he didn't survive. 

Tests on samples from his agbo supplier revealed high levels of harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorines, known to cause liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure.

Dr Ajidahun concluded that the future of agbo lies in proper regulation, analysis, and standardisation to ensure its safety while preserving its potential benefits.

Commercialisation and modern risks

The commercialisation of agbo has introduced new dangers. Vendors often mix it with alcohol and other drugs, marketing it for recreational use. 

Researchers suggest this trend may be contributing to the increase in kidney failure cases among Nigerians. 

A pharmacist, @subpharmacist, emphasised the dangers of poorly prepared herbal remedies, sharing a troubling anecdote about sellers mixing pharmaceutical drugs like diclofenac into their concoctions without disclosure.

User @MadukaChidera3 outlined systemic issues hindering the safe use of agbo, including dosage inconsistencies, lack of quality control, and insufficient scientific studies. 

“The issue with agbo is not that it doesn’t work; it’s that it often does more harm than good,” @ healthprefectt added. 

Striking a balance 

Several contributors called for a balanced perspective, advocating for regulation and scientific research to harness the potential of traditional medicine. 

User @teabisz summarised the debate aptly: “No one would argue agbo's efficacy, but the dosage and abuse are the real issues. All should just be minimal. Use your head!”

Others pointed out that the problem lies more with quack practitioners than with the concept of herbal medicine itself. 

As @arojinle noted, “Our people have great herbal knowledge, and casting it out blankly will do more harm than good.”

A path forward

The agbo trend has underscored the need for a structured approach to integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare. 

Experts agree that proper research, regulation, and standardisation are critical. This would ensure the safety, efficacy, and consistency of herbal remedies while also preserving the rich heritage of traditional medicine.

As user @DanielRegha concluded, “Agbo isn’t bad, but it should be taken with caution. Traditional medicine deserves its place, but not at the expense of safety.”

The agbo debate on X reflects the complexities of balancing cultural heritage with modern health standards. 

While traditional medicine offers significant potential, the lack of regulation and standardisation poses serious risks. 

For agbo to truly thrive as a remedy and not a poison, some Nigerians advise that stakeholders must invest in research, enforce regulations, and educate the public on its responsible use.

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DJ Jimmy Jatt shared the trying moment when he lost his sight and the experiences he had while trying to regain his sight. 

The iconic DJ, who hails from Lagos Island, revealed that he was eventually diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, following surgery he underwent to restore his vision.