Expert urges integration of natural, synthetic drugs for improved healthcare
By: Mujidat Oyewole
Prof. Adeola Kola-Mustapha of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ilorin, has called on indigenous pharmaceutical companies to combine natural and synthetic medicines to improve the health outcomes of Nigerian patients.
Kola-Mustapha made the appeal during the 285th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Thursday, titled “Rooted in Nature, Refined by Science: A New Horizon in Advanced Drug Delivery.”
She emphasised that the role of the pharmacist extended beyond dispensing to include researching, preparing, and ensuring the safe and effective use of medications.
“I have devoted myself to the development of pharmaceutical formulations and enhancing their delivery to ensure optimal activity of active drug ingredients.
“A good formulation is just as important as a good active ingredient. The role of a formulation scientist goes a long way in making or breaking a drug product,” she said.
According to her, no medicine is perfect, and continuous improvement is necessary.
She stressed that advancements in pharmaceutical science should support the integration of both synthetic and natural drugs.
“Even a widely used synthetic drug like ibuprofen can be enhanced with refined, naturally derived compounds.
“The turn to natural products stems from the need to understand their limitations and explore how they can be combined with synthetic options to improve healthcare outcomes,” she explained.
Kola-Mustapha noted that natural and synthetic medicines were complementary.
By reformulating natural remedies into modern dosage forms like emulgels and suppositories, she said, they could gain wider acceptance and improved effectiveness.
“We redefine how people view traditional medicine by enhancing it with naturally occurring excipients.
“This strengthens therapeutic effects, reduces production challenges, and creates a synergistic benefit that surpasses the effects of either treatment alone,” she said.
She stressed the importance of commercialising the blended formulations for wider societal use, adding that Nigerians were eager to embrace high-quality, locally produced medicines. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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