Elijah Mohammed¹, Adaobi C Ezike² , Ibrahim B Ahmed¹, Fisayo M Aderinola¹, Ene Daniel-Ebune¹, Dunkrah A Danladi¹

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of community pharmacists regarding the use of garlic and ginger as herbal medicines. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among community pharmacists practicing in various urban, semi-urban and rural communities in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Semi-structured questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions in electronic Google Forms® were used to assess the respondents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of garlic and ginger as herbal medicines. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel® 2016. Results: Community pharmacists stocked and dispensed garlic and ginger as herbal medicines in their pharmacy and have positive attitude/disposition towards the use and practice of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). They exhibited average knowledge of garlic and ginger as herbal medicines, though knowledge of their interactions with conventional medicines was poor. Few belonged to a networking and multi-level marketing company that specializes in herbal medicines and supplements. Conclusion: Community pharmacists demonstrate fair knowledge about garlic and ginger as herbal remedies. Though knowledge of herb-drug interactions was poor, community pharmacists need to be sufficiently knowledgeable about herbal products to better advise patients who are seeking or using alternative remedies.