TheCable

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has debunked reports that it approved “Glucozil” a local herbal medicine for the treatment and cure of diabetes mellitus.

The local herbal product is also touted to be capable of treating Benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In the circulating reports, Glucozil is said to have been produced by Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo state and claimed to have been scientifically tested with safety established in both humans and animals.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, Mojisola Adeyeye, the director-general of NAFDAC, said the agency listed glucozil on November 10, 2020 for the management of high blood sugar as captured on the approved label and listing certificate issued to the applicant which was valid till 9th November 2022.

Adeyeye noted that the herbal medicine certificate has since expired.

“As specified in the Herbal Medicine & Related Products Labelling Regulations 2021, this listing was subject to the inclusion of the mandatory Disclaimer ‘These claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC’ on the product label,” the statement reads.

“This is the regular disclaimer that is used and required for other listed herbal products which have not undergone Clinical Trials that the Agency deemed satisfactory.

“Treatment, Curative and Preventive Claims for Diabetes, Benign prostatic hyperplasia and detoxification were never approved for Glucozil as claimed in the publication and hence should be disregarded by the public.

“From our records, Ambrose Alli University was neither the manufacturer nor the applicant of the said product for which the Listing is no longer valid. The University should have verified the status of the herbal medicine certificate and the approved claim.”

The NAFDAC DG said manufacturing, distribution or marketing of the product is not allowed until the renewal application has been submitted and approved by the agency.

“The importance of verifying information from credible sources before disseminating cannot be overstated. Misleading reporting can misinform those seeking medical treatment thereby jeopardizing their health,” she added.

“NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring public health and safety through stringent regulatory oversight remains steadfast. It is crucial to exercise caution when interpreting health-related claims therefore we encourage the public to refer to NAFDAC’s official communications channels for accurate updates and information.”