The Hippocrates’ famous statement: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” was the central theme of discussion at the 2017 African Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day, as Professor Maurice Iwu, guest speaker; Archbishop M.A Atilade, President, Alternative Medicine Association of Nigeria, Professor Cecilia Igwilo, Sir. Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director, Pharmanews Ltd, and others took turn to explain the health benefits of medicinal plants to the human system.
Prof. Iwu, who highlighted various aromatic foods and their offerings, like Okro, Bush mango, Vernonia Amygdalina, Garcinia kola, Ocimum, Tomato, Pawpaw, Ginger, Garlic, Cocoa, Ugu seed, orange peel, etc, noted that aside their benefits to the human body, the tranformation of their knowledge into wealth is key for practittioners.
He said most of these plants properties have been validated as antioxidants, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetes.He thus called for more consumption of natural foods than synthesized foods, saying they offer more wellness to the body.
Archbishop M.A Atilade, who was the chairman of the ocasion announced that the Federal Government of Nigeria, has initiated partnership with herabl practitioners, as they have finally approved the collaboration of herbal development practioners with research institutions for better engagement in herbal product development in the country.
