LEVINA KATO, 19th December 2009 @ 22:00, Total Comments: 2, Hits: 800
MEDICAL doctors at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science's Institute of Traditional Medicine (MUHAS-ITM) have developed seven herbal-based medicines for treatment of various illnesses.
The formulas with the ailments they treat in brackets are Artemisia (Malaria), Tumbo mixture (Stomach ulcers), Pumu syrup (Asthmatic problems), and Morizella juice (immune stimulant), according to the ITM Director, Dr Zakaria Mbwambo.
Others are Prucan capsules (Prostate problems/impotence), Ini Mixture (Liver failure), and Aloe Vera cream (skin infections).
Comparatively, the formulas which are currently dispensed to patients are cheaper than conventional drugs. They should thus be promoted for extensive use.
Packaged in syrup, capsules, and powder forms, most of the formulas are sold between 500/- and 3,500/-, except for impotence formula which sell at 20,000/- because of its higher demand and efficacy.
The drugs, according to the researchers, have no detrimental effects to health.
However, the ITM has for over a decade failed to obtain Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) approval due to lack of research laboratory.
Dr Mbwambo said MUHAS has intervened and approved 40m/- for advancing the laboratory renovation work.
He was optimistic that the institute would have its research laboratory by early next year.
"Unless we meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), our products will not get the approval", Dr Mbwambo noted.
The Swiss Development Corporation supported the first phase of renovation work by disbursing 80m/-.
Explaining, the ITM director said the lab is essential for carrying out clinical evaluation of their findings (formulation).
Without a laboratory, it would be difficult for the products to penetrate the mainstream local or international market.
The financial constraints further detracts the institution's efforts to expand production to meet local demand.
Though his office has not carried out a study to establish the rate of traditional medicine users, he said experience shows that there is an increasing trend of traditional medicine usage worldwide.
Besides, financial constraints have also stalled the maintenance of medicinal plant farms in Kibaha, Lushoto, and Lua Maua, as well as recruitment of more research assistants.
"Marketing of traditional medicinal products is not a problem, what matters is the absence of research laboratory to authenticate the efficacy of medicines," he said.
However, the director was optimistic over the proposed joint initiatives for the incubation of Morizella juice production project, with Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) and the Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (SIDO).
The juice, he said, is the combination of Moringa leaves, rosella flowers and sugar (also available as sugar free for people with diabetes) proved to be the most successful product. A 500mil of the juice is sold at 500/- only.
ITM dispenses the seven preparations to the patients whose response to conventional drugs are negative and adverse.
The institute started to develop traditional medicines formulations in mid 1990s and ceased in 2000 due to financial constraints before resuming some three years later. In collaboration with the new partners, ITM intends to expand production with the target of developing two drugs annually.
The institute has a collection of over 2500 medicinal plant species collected from different regions of Tanzania.
The government has laid down different strategies aimed at promoting the institute and development of traditional medicine, including the enactment of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act, 2002, the formulation of guidelines as well as setting up a sub-unit at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Total Comments on the above stories (2)
Comment
The Government should take delberate steps to support MUHAS-ITM.
Comment
Hello Dear Writer
Due this hard working, which enabling our people to be able to come with a good result of result it really something which all our Tanzanian should be proud off!.
But, and it very big but when will medicines l start circulating/or getting the people who need most and very urgent?
For this very short comment of mine, I have to stop here until some other time.
Kind Regards
Nassor Issa
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