Tanzania continues to explore the use of traditional herbs and medicinal plants to treat various ailments. Researchers from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) conducted a study funded by the Science and Technology Commission (COSTECH) to investigate the medicinal properties of a tree known as ‘Mti maziwa’, which has been found to treat skin diseases. With an investment of 100m/- for the research, the experts at SUA discovered that ‘Mti maziwa’ has the potential to cure various skin diseases, leading to the development of products such as soap and lotion derived from its leaves and roots.
The Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health at SUA, Prof Robinson Mdegela, emphasized the importance of adding value to medicinal herbs to benefit the community economically, as well as improve health outcomes. Through their research, SUA aims to commercialize herbal medicines derived from natural trees by focusing on quality and commercialization of the products.
Traditional medicine plays a significant role in Tanzania, with over 60% of the population using herbal remedies before or after seeking modern healthcare services. The government, through COSTECH, continues to fund innovation and research projects to address challenges facing Tanzanian society. By conducting in-depth studies on the medicinal properties of herbs and medicinal plants, researchers are working towards developing effective treatments for various diseases, including those caused by fungi, non-communicable diseases, and viruses. Prof Mdegela urged the community to embrace natural products and emphasized the importance of collaboration among scientists to improve and commercialize herbal medicines in Tanzania.
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