Herbal Medicines Effective Against Drug-Resistant Germs, Says AAUA Don
A Professor of Medical Microbiology and Public Health at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Festus Olajubu, has said that nature has a solution to all natural problems and illnesses, and declared that herb-based remedies have proven their effectiveness in combating diseases and microbes that have become resistant to synthetic drugs.
He affirmed that, “The failures of major commonly used antibiotics were obvious from various data, and the search for viable, readily available, affordable and potent alternatives to synthetic antibiotics with minimal side effects led to the investigation of many plants and plant parts.
The efficacy of most of these nature-endowed products against multidrug-resistant bacteria was proven beyond doubt.”
Prof. Olajubu stated this while delivering the 54th Inaugural Lecture of the institution on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The lecture was titled, ‘The Unwinnable War Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Nature to the Rescue’.
While calling on governments to support research in plant-based antibiotics and ease the licensing and registration of herbal products, he also urged public and private hospitals to allow herbal units to co-exist with pharmacy units, just as he advised the cultivation of ‘herbal gardens’ in individual backyards for easy access to freshly sourced plants.
He further recommended that individuals should avoid the use of leftover antibiotics, always finish the course of treatment, and avoid self-medication; while drug outlets should insist on a prescription sheet before dispensing antimicrobials.
He cautioned that veterinarians should make an accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases in animals before administering antimicrobials, just as he called for the establishment of a Department of Complementary/Alternative Medicine in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
The inaugural lecturer, who affirmed that herbal products have come to stay, however, called for stricter hygiene during the production of herbal medicines, and stressed the need for public awareness campaigns in various local languages to help people gain knowledge about antimicrobial resistance.
Prof. Olajubu defined antimicrobial resistance as a ‘situation where the antibiotics once used to treat an infection a few years ago no longer work for the same infection’. He attributed the menace to several factors including overuse and misuse of antibiotics, poor infection prevention and control, poor sanitation and hygiene, global travel and trade, genetic adaptation of bacteria, environmental contamination, inappropriate diagnostic practices, and inappropriate agricultural and veterinary antibiotic use.
On how to stem the rapid spread of drug-resistant microbes, Prof. Olajubu advocated: rational use of antimicrobial drugs and avoidance of self-medication; use of vaccines to reduce the need for future use of antimicrobials; practice of personal hygiene; hospital infection control via adequate disinfection of surfaces and equipment; and the control or total ban of the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in animals.
He also advocated proper wastewater treatment and disposal, enforcement of policies on antimicrobial use, public awareness campaigns on the risks of antimicrobial resistance, and massive support for research into novel antimicrobials and alternative therapies.
He concluded by saying, “The most effective response to antimicrobial resistance integrates human health systems, veterinary services, agricultural practices, and environmental management.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the ceremony and Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described the lecturer as an accomplished academic and researcher who has proven his mettle in the academic world.
He explained that inaugural lectures were avenues for varsity dons to share their experiences in the research arena and make recommendations that would benefit the wider society.
He urged the gathering to imbibe the lessons and recommendations of the lecture in order to safeguard their health.