Reviews
Vol. 4 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.4081/mw.2026.60

Herbal medicine in Nigeria: a scoping review of the pathway to achieving a holistic healthcare system, health and wellness, and Sustainable Development Goals

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Published: 30 July 2026
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Herbal medicine, traditional and complementary medicine, Nigeria, holistic healthcare, SDG goals, healthcare system

Authors

Adeyemi Ogedengbe Omoge
omogeadeyemi@gmail.com
3Ps Health Initiative International, Akure, Nigeria.
Modupe Oluwatimileyin Omoge
3Ps Health Initiative International, Akure, Nigeria.
Ayorinde Ololade Arogundade
3Ps Health Initiative International, Akure; Adeleke University, Ede, Nigeria.
Oluwabunmi Bridget Erinsakin
3Ps Health Initiative International, Akure; University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Oluwafemi Olumide Oyetunji
3Ps Health Initiative International, Akure; Pacific Energy Company LTD, Olorunsogo, Nigeria.

Herbal medicine, a cornerstone of traditional medicine (TM) in Nigeria, offers a culturally congruent approach to healthcare that aligns with holistic principles encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In Nigeria, orthodox healthcare access remains limited, and herbal medicine integration into the national healthcare system faces regulatory, safety, and evidence gaps. This scoping review examined the role of herbal medicine in advancing Nigeria’s holistic healthcare, wellness, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) attainment. Objectives included mapping prevalence, patterns, integration efforts, and policy implications. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, searches across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Frontiers, BMC, and African Journals Online (2010-2025) using terms such as “herbal medicine Nigeria”, “traditional medicine integration”, and “herbal medicine SDG” identified 5 primary studies meeting inclusion criteria (English-language, Nigeria-focused empirical research on use, regulation, or integration). Data were narratively synthesized into themes, with risk of bias assessed via Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Results revealed high lifetime prevalence (66.8-85%), driven by perceived effectiveness, affordability, and cultural alignment. Key themes encompassed widespread use patterns, safety and regulatory challenges, partial policy progress (e.g., 2007 National Traditional Medicine Policy), and untapped contributions to UHC and SDG 3 through accessible, community-based care. Included studies consistently highlighted low disclosure to orthodox providers (up to 82%) and incoherent integration. In conclusion, herbal medicine represents a viable pathway to holistic healthcare in Nigeria when standardized and evidence-based. Recommendations include accelerated research into efficacy, strengthened National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control regulation, practitioner training, and digital documentation for integration. Realizing this potential could accelerate SDG progress while preserving indigenous knowledge.

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1.
Herbal medicine in Nigeria: a scoping review of the pathway to achieving a holistic healthcare system, health and wellness, and Sustainable Development Goals. Mental Wellness [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 30 [cited 2026 Jul. 30];4. Available from: https://www.mental-wellness-journal.net/mw/article/view/60
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