KIU PHARMACY STUDENTS LEADING THE WAY IN HERBAL MEDICINE PRODUCTION
By Allan Okwir, January 21, 2025 | Econews
Pharmacy students at Kampala International University (KIU) are setting the stage for innovation by scaling up the production of herbal medicines. Among the products poised for development are a blackjack ointment derived from Bidens pilosa, a wound rescue remedy, and a menthol honey lozenge composed of eucalyptus oil, honey, menthol, peppermint, and flavouring agents, all offering relief from sore throat, irritation, and cough.
Traditionally, western medical education emphasises conventional treatments involving drugs, radiation, or surgery. However, KIU’s pharmacy program provides a unique opportunity to integrate the use of indigenous medicinal plants into modern healthcare practices. The widespread westernisation of medical treatments has increased dependence on imported drugs, often sidelining local medicinal knowledge. Yet, KIU pharmacy students aim to bridge this gap, merging ancestral wisdom with modern pharmaceutical science.
Decades ago, Uganda’s forefathers relied on medicinal plants as their primary source of healthcare. Knowledge of these natural remedies was passed down through generations, forming a rich traditional pharmacy. KIU is ensuring this legacy endures through its Botanical Gardens—a living archive of medicinal plants. Unlike museum exhibits, this vibrant garden allows students and traditional healers to access, interact with, and learn from an extensive collection of species still in use today.
Speaking from the gardens, Julius Nabigwa, the KIU Pharmacy Students’ Association President-Elect and the lead advocate for scaling up production, emphasized the critical role of the garden. “These frequent interactions with the botanical garden and formulations bring out the true definition of a pharmacist, rooted in the apothecary tradition,” he stated. “This hands-on experience widens our scope, helping us discover untapped niches in pharmacy. Embracing this approach early in our careers will foster a new generation of innovative and enlightened pharmacists.”
The KIU Botanical Gardens, located beside the postgraduate block at the Western Campus, are more than just a collection of plants. They serve as a hub for conservation, education, and innovation. Visitors are greeted by a meticulously curated space where plants are labeled with their local and scientific names, along with their medicinal uses. This fosters a deep connection with the species while offering invaluable learning opportunities for students, researchers, and the broader community.
The gardens are also a cornerstone of KIU’s efforts to develop pharmaceutical products for public use. With medicinal plants such as blackjack (Bidens pilosa) and bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) demonstrating analgesic and other therapeutic properties, the students are working to ensure these remedies meet quality and certification standards for widespread consumption.
Plans for the botanical garden’s expansion are ambitious. The team envisions partnerships to enhance conservation efforts, obtain product certifications, and increase the garden’s capacity. Additional initiatives include eco-tourism, advanced research, community outreach, and even digital integration for visitors.
The KIU Botanical Gardens are positioning themselves as a beacon of sustainability and innovation, ensuring that herbal medicine production is not only preserved but elevated to meet modern standards. Through their dedication, KIU pharmacy students are redefining the future of healthcare in Uganda—melding tradition with science to address both present and future health challenges.
