Nigerian medical experts have issued a stern warning to individuals living with high blood pressure, urging them to avoid purchasing and using supplements marketed online as remedies for hypertension. The doctors expressed grave concern over the proliferation of such products, describing them as potentially lethal, with many containing harmful substances that have not been approved by regulatory authorities.
The warning was issued following growing reports of Nigerians resorting to over-the-counter or internet-sourced supplements that claim to naturally lower blood pressure. According to the experts, many of these products are not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and their efficacy remains scientifically unverified. They stressed that taking such unapproved remedies could result in fatal consequences, particularly when combined with prescribed antihypertensive medications.
Consultant Pathologist and CEO of Help Diagnostics and Checkup Services, Lagos, Dr. Michael Ajala, cautioned hypertensive patients against taking any drug or supplement that has not been prescribed by a qualified physician. He noted that the increasing availability of dubious herbal preparations on the internet, many of which carry false claims of effectiveness and fake regulatory approvals, poses a serious health risk.
“People must understand that there are many supplements being paraded online with no scientific backing. Some claim to work wonders, but they have not undergone clinical trials to prove their safety or efficacy. Worse still, they may contain substances that could interfere with prescribed blood pressure medication or cause adverse reactions,” Dr. Ajala stated.
He added that some of these supplements have addictive components or damaging side effects that can worsen the condition of those already managing hypertension. “It is dangerous to combine herbal remedies with antihypertensive drugs. The physiology of individuals differs, especially among black populations, so products tested elsewhere may not have the same effect here,” he warned.
Dr. Ajala further emphasized the dangers of self-medication, noting that many Nigerians assume that if a drug works for a friend or relative, it will work for them too. “Doctors carry out necessary tests before prescribing any medication. High blood pressure is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Taking another person’s drugs or skipping your own medication could cause irreversible damage, including impaired vision, kidney failure, or even sudden death,” he said.
Echoing these concerns, Consultant Physician and Cardiologist at Providence Multi-Specialty Hospital, Abuja, Dr. John Asekhame, called on Nigerians not to trivialize any symptoms related to their cardiovascular health. He warned that poorly managed hypertension could lead to sudden collapse or death. “People need to take their blood pressure seriously. Employers should also encourage routine checks for staff. Awareness and early detection save lives,” Dr. Asekhame advised.
The Mayo Clinic in the United States also cautions against assuming that all herbal products are safe simply because they are labeled “natural.” The health institution warns that some supplements can interfere with blood pressure medication, urging patients to always consult their doctor before taking any such product.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shares similar concerns, noting that many so-called natural products sold online are often laced with harmful chemicals or undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients. The agency also observed that individuals from ethnic communities with strong traditions of using herbal remedies—such as Africans, Asians, and Latinos—are frequently targeted by unscrupulous marketers who exploit cultural trust in natural therapies.
“Don’t be deceived by the word ‘natural’ on a product label. Many of these items are unregulated and pose serious health threats. Some weight loss and blood pressure supplements, for example, have been found to contain dangerous hidden drugs,” the FDA warned.
In light of the rising reliance on alternative treatments among Nigerians, health professionals are urging the public to stick strictly to medically approved prescriptions and to always consult their doctors before trying any new therapy—natural or otherwise. With high blood pressure being a silent but deadly condition, they stress that only professional medical guidance can guarantee safety and improve long-term health outcomes.