Professor Ademola Ayeleso from Biochemistry programme, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State has advocated commercialisation of Medicinal plants plantations in the country.
He made the remark while delivering the 20th inaugural lecture of the university, held recently.
According to him, it has become essential for the government to encourage research in medicinal plants so that farmers can explore the advantage of fertile land with which the country is endowed to further boost the export value of the nation in the area of medicinal plants’ commercial production.
Prof Ayeleso identifies Medicinal Plants in Nigeria
Prof. Ayeleso identified numerous medicinal plants Nigerian farmers could invest in commercially to increase their source of income locally and in the global markets.
He said research has shown that garlic, red palm oil, rooibos, Monodora tenuifolia seeds, Nauclea latifolia leaves, Taraxacum officinale leaves, Parquetina nigrescens leaves and many more could be explored for the management of various ailments, including diabetes mellitus, as they are readily available.
Speaking further in his lecture entitled; The Good Samaritan Effect: Medicinal Plants Oxidative Stress Modulators in Diabetes management, Professor Ayeleso, stated that his passion for plant -based medicine is rooted in the belief that nature holds the key to unlocking better health outcome.
He added that he had been dedicated to exploring the therapeutic potentials of medicinal plants in combating diabetes mellitus and obesity, using animal, cell line and Drosophila melanogaster models.
He noted that as he continued to explore the antidiabetic potential of medicinal plants, he also delved into the investigation of the mechanism of exercise as a non – pharmaceutical approach in the management of diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Professor Ayeleso has pledged that his research would continue to strengthen the incorporation of plants-based medicine into the health care system in Africa and around the world.
According to him, he would continue to unveil the molecular mechanisms through which medicinal plants exert their therapeutic actions, adding that he would focus on the development of health care products from plants, especially against metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Needs for regulatory framework
Ayeleso called on government at all levels, universities and research institutions in the country to establish a regulatory framework for medicinal plant use abuse. He also pleaded for the facilitation of research collaboration between indigenous people with a strong tradition of knowledge of medicinal plants and scientists.
The don in his lecture advocated provision of funds for research, fellowships and scholarships in medicinal plants. He also admonished the federal government to allow private universities to have access to TETFUND research grants
Prof Ayeleso also encouraged collaboration with healthcare professionals to integrate standardised herbal products into healthcare as well as creation of a more robust national medicinal plant database to document and conserve Nigeria ‘s plant diversity.
He concluded that there is a need for the establishment of public – private partnerships between industries and research institutions to facilitate funding, development and commercialisation of medicinal plants – based products.
