NIGERIA. Niger State: Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL), a tertiary institution in Nigeria has started their research on an ethnobotanical cure for COVID-19.
The institution has recently concluded a pilot study on the seroprevalence of COVID-19 which was presented to Niger State and Federal Government through the National COVID-19 Research Consortium.
Workshop on the research
During a management workshop held in Lapai, Associate Professor of the Department of Biochemistry, Professor Dickson Achimugu Musa spoke about the research project. Professor Achimugu is also the principal researcher of the project.
While presenting the research design, Achimugu said, “The research is for a safe ethnobotanical remedy for respiratory diseases, viscerotropic diseases, and inflammatory disorders. It is also useful for febrile ailments and oxidative disorders that inhibit viral replication and growth.”
The workshop was based on the “Development of Ethno-botanical Remedy from Nigerian Biodiversity for the Treatment of COVID-19 and Management of Its Symptoms”. Many leading researchers were present at the workshop.
According to Achimugu, the major aim of the project is to develop an effective ethnobotanical cure for COVID-19 which will inhibit the growth of the causative agent. He also believes that it will help to manage the symptoms of the disease.
Ethnobotanical cure and COVID-19
Ethnobotany is the study of interrelations between humans and plants. It includes the study of traditional knowledge of plants. However, it is not restricted to the study of medicinal plants by indigenous cultures only. Meanwhile, research has shown that some traditional medicinal plants and food have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-viral properties.
The chief researcher, Professor Achimugu said that the effective treatment of COVID-19 must include antiviral agents. He further added that the cure should also manage the symptoms of COVID-19.
The growth of the university
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has applauded the research project. During the workshop, Adamu said, “This project will go a long way in providing humanity with a solution to the dreaded COVID-19 virus. The research activities which started on a modest note has grown a lot in the past few years.” Adamu also stated that the projects have helped the institution to achieve global recognition.
