NAFDAC Debunks Claims of Approving PaxHerbal as Covid-19 Treatment

The National Agency of Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDC) has denied rumours claiming that the agency has approved PaxHerbal as Covid-19 treatment. This was said in an official statement released by the agency and signed by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the agency.

The statement clarified that the rumours going round about the agency approving PaxHerbal as treatment for Covid-19 symptoms is wrong and inaccurate. The statement read that the agency only listed PaxHerbal Cugzin Capsule 290mg as safe to use after an application has been made to the agency on the grounds that the herbal treatment is an immune booster and an anti-infective.

According to the statement, “Until a clinical study is done in a scientific manner, no herbal medicine manufacturer can claim effectiveness to treat COVID-19 associated symptoms.NAFDAC is currently processing 21 herbal medicinal products for “Safe to use” or Listing status.

“Many of the applicants claim that their products are immune boosters and anti-infectives useful for relief of symptoms that could be associated with COVID-19. However, no clinical study has been done yet on any of the products to prove theIr claim of efficacy.

“Listing status involves the review of the composition of the formulation, the labelling of the product, the process of manufacture and “Safe to use” testing. Once the product is able to meet all requirements, a listing status is granted with a clear DISCLAIMER that states clearly that claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC.

“The applicant can arrange for clinical trials that will involve use of human subjects in order to prove efficacy or claim for treatment following laid down procedures and with the approval of NAFDAC. However, Listing of a herbal product is not a requirement for the conduct of Clinical Trials.

“Most of the applicants that submitted herbal medicines that are currently undergoing processing have been issued compliance directives to provide additional information or/and evidence of Good Manufacturing Practice or environment fit for production of the medicines.”

Read full statement below: