The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has warned Nigerians to avoid the risk of taking herbal formulations after 14 days of preparations.

Adeyeye explained that such measure was necessary for safety reasons, adding that such medicine should always be kept refrigerated.

The NAFDAC DG, in a statement by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, further said, “After 14 days, if it is liquid, it may start to develop bacteria that can make people sick.”

She also advised Nigerians to be careful in using herbal medicine to prevent avoidable death and complications.

According to her, it is advisable to avoid simultaneous use of herbal and conventional medicine.

Adeyeye’s warning was contained in a message in Abuja to mark the World Herbal Medicine Day on Monday.

She said, “Toxicity is not about the volume consumed. It is not about the amount. Something can be in a micro quantity and kill. It just depends on the type of drug or chemical.

“It is extremely important not take it as you see it. Just because you prepare it in your house doesn’t mean you can drink it like water. It may be dangerous.”

(The PUNCH)