Significance of Ethnomedical Practices in Drug Discovery and Modern Medicine

Prince Joe Nna

Department of Chemistry, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Kingsley John Orie *

Department of Chemistry, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Beatrice Ihuoma Okocha

Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Many patients who are disillusioned with modern medical therapy look for alternatives because of its inherent limitations and lack of success. Despite the high cost, modern medical therapy often falls short of hopes for pain relief and the cure of chronic degenerative disorders. Throughout history, people have turned to ethno-medical multi-disciplinary system that incorporates spirituality, botanicals, and the natural environment as a means of healing. The study reports the significance of the ethanomedical properties of drug discovery and modern medicine. The findings demonstrated that ethnomedical practices serve as a valuable reservoir of natural compounds, offer advice for bioactivity screening, provide insights into mechanisms, and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. These strategies increase the effectiveness and success rate of drug discovery, while also ensuring the preservation and respect of valuable traditional knowledge. Further research found that ethnomedical practices help to preserve biodiversity and establish ethical criteria for using traditional knowledge. The integration of ethnomedical practices and modern medical knowledge will improve healthcare outcomes, promote sustainability, and honour cultural heritage.

Keywords: Drug discovery, ethnomedicine, medicine, modern


How to Cite

Nna, P. J., Orie, K. J., & Okocha, B. I. (2024). Significance of Ethnomedical Practices in Drug Discovery and Modern Medicine. Asian Basic and Applied Research Journal, 6(1), 91–100. Retrieved from https://jofresearch.com/index.php/ABAARJ/article/view/143