Qualitative laboratory analysis for the detection of conventional drugs in herbal preparations supplied by healers in major towns of Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: There has always been an air of uncertainty whether or not traditional healers, especially those in the
urban areas, supplied herbal remedies adulterated with modern drugs.
Objectives: This study aims to analyze herbal preparations prescribed by healers against malaria, gonorrhea,
tuberculosis, etc. for the presence of conventional drugs, with emphasis on anti-microbial pharmaceutical ingredients.
Methods: Patient simulated convenience based survey method was employed to collect samples of remedies supplied
by healers along with other pertinent information on quality of services provided in 60 traditional health care
establishments. Presence or absence of conventional drug ingredients in the collected samples of herbal preparations
was tested using a validated analytical laboratory method.
Result: Active pharmaceutical ingredients were detected in 39 or 51% of the 76 samples of traditional remedies tested.
The average price that healers charge for herbal preparations adulterated with modern drugs was higher than the full
dose of conventional drugs sold in retail pharmacies. Even the unadulterated preparations were found to be more
expensive than the latter. Documentation of patient history, diagnostic techniques, dispensing practices of the
remedies, etc. as observed in the traditional health service delivery outlets/clinics were generally less satisfactory.
Conclusion: Supplying herbal preparations adulterated with modern drugs, particularly with anti-microbial agents
entails a number of untoward effects including increased emergence of resistant pathogenic strains. Sustained effort in
creating awareness among the communities by health workers and authorities is, therefore, crucial to curb the looming
danger to public health. While existing legal frameworks may be sufficient to consider punitive measures against
perpetrators of such inappropriate and unauthorized use of anti-microbial agents, new ones that particularly govern the
activities of traditional healers need to be put in place. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2008;22(1):55-62]