PHYTOMEDICINE FOR TUBERCULOSIS

Nigeria is among the 14 high burden countries for TB, TB/HIV and multi drug resistant TB. It is estimated that 407,000 people in Nigeria are afflicted with TB each year, while an estimated 154,000 people die of this disease. Effective treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) has been hampered by the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Micobacterium tuberculosis. One way to prevent antibiotic resistance by pathogenic micro-organisms is by using new compounds that are not based on existing synthetic antimicrobial agents. This necessitated the Council to develop a phyto-medicine that can combat the ailment.  Towards commercialization of the product, the Council has obtained a patent for the product while clinical trials are ongoing.