The Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) together with the National Medicine Regulatory Agency (NMRA) has approved a herbal medicine Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta locally known as Nibima for clinical trials for the treatment of Covid-19.

In a statement cited by JoyNews, the FDA CEO indicated that the approval of the herbal medicine comes on the back of laboratory studies conducted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) research team which proves the efficacy of the medicine against the novel coronavirus.

Delese Mimi Darko said after a detailed assessment of the application gave the requisite regulatory authorisation for the conduct of the trial.

“In the search for the treatment for the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, researchers from the School of Public Health at the KNUST submitted a clinical trial application in September 2020 to assess the safety and efficacy of Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta as a potential treatment for covid-19.

"This follows results from the laboratory studies conducted by the KNUST research team which points in the direction of possible clinical benefits,” she noted.

Under part 8 (section 150-166) of the Public Health Act 2012(Act 851), gives the authority the legal mandate to regulate clinical trials of drugs, herbal medicinal products, cosmetics or medical devices.

She revealed that the trail will be conducted at two sites.

The Chief Director also assured the general public that it remains committed to protecting the health and safety of consumers.

It further admonished citizens to report any suspicious activities on FDA regulated products to the Authority.