LAGOS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria on Friday said it has successfully researched and developed six traditional herbal products for the treatment of Ebola, malaria and other diseases.
Karniyus Gamaniel, director general of National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), made this known in Abuja, the nation's capital.
He said "NIPRIBOL", a fixed dose combination drug was developed by the institute for the treatment of Ebola Virus Disease, adding that the institute had completed the Phase I study of the drug.
Gamaniel said the institute had also developed "NIPRIMAL", an anti-malaria for treatment of uncomplicated malaria, stating that the drug was also safe for use by pregnant women.
Others are "NIPRIMUNE", an immunostimulant which can also be used to manage HIV in Nigeria and "NIPRIFAN" for the treatment of fungal skin infection.
He said another product developed by the institute, "NIPRD Oil", could be used as a nasal decongestant, insect repellent, air freshener and an anti-inflammatory agent.
The expert told his audience that excessive use of this oil could cause irritation, noting that the institute has also developed "NIPRISAN" for the management of sickle cell anemia.
"We are currently concluding plans to carry out commercial production and distribution of this product," he added.
"We have developed and implemented various institutional policies for effective governance, this includes the scheme and condition of service, intellectual policy and quality management system," he said.
"We have also ensured the introduction of traditional herbal medicine into the national health system and established partnerships with local and international organizations," Gamaniel added.
