An expert in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Prof. Olaposi Omotuyi, has warned men against the indiscriminate use of drugs and herbal mixtures purported to boost sexual performance, noting that such substances could increase the risk of prostate-related diseases.
Prof. Omotuyi gave the warning at the maiden edition of the Professor Omotuyi Annual Lecture 2025, organised by a committee of friends. The virtual session, themed “Lessons from My Lab and the Land,” reflected insights from the scholar’s extensive research in laboratory science and drug development.
The University don who is the Director of the Institute of Drug Research and Development at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), advocated a healthy synergy between orthodox and traditional medicine in addressing diseases that have become major threats to healthy living and longevity.
“The elephant in the room is the use of sexual-enhancing drugs, herbs, and concoctions that stimulate testosterone production,” he said. “Key examples are Fadogia agrestis, Carpolobia lutea G. Don (Egbo Oshunshun), and Mondia whitei (Isirigun). So, next time someone promises you a sexual-enhancing herb, make sure follow-up questions are asked.”
The professor further cautioned against certain dietary, agricultural, and beauty practices — including the use of some hair relaxers and skin toners — which he identified as potential causative agents of breast cancer.
Expressing concern over the rising incidence of diabetes, breast cancer, and prostate disease, Omotuyi called for a dual approach combining science and cultural wisdom to tackle these public health challenges.
While acknowledging the role of genetic predisposition in diabetes, he urged Nigerians, particularly those at risk, to adopt healthier diets rich in fruits and vegetables while reducing processed foods and sedentary lifestyles.
“My research confirms that genetic predispositions exist, but the epidemic is being fueled by rapid societal change,” he explained. “Historically, diabetes was rare in pre-colonial Africa, with the first reported cases in Nigeria appearing only in the 1960s.”
He attributed the surge in diabetes and related conditions to the shift from traditional African diets—high in fiber, unprocessed grains, vegetables like cassava and bitter leaves, and lean proteins—to processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugary drinks driven by urbanization and market forces.
Prof. Omotuyi also explained the strength and limitations of orthodox medicine in tackling some of these situations.
“In the Pharmaceutical approach, efforts should be made at maintaining normoglycemia; orthodox medicines prescribed in hospitals will go a long way to help in this regard. Now, I think a quick question is required at this point. How many people here on this call diagnosed of diabetes has been taken off his/her medication? Rather, as time went by, more drugs or dosages would be added to either maintain normoglycemia or manage diabetic comorbidities.” He noted.
He therefore called for culturally relevant health interventions, urging Africans to return to traditional diets and promote indigenous functional foods that historically supported good health.
“Prevention and treatment must be cultural; we cannot fight this with generic Western health advice,” Omotuyi stated. “Our pharmacological interventions must align with our culture. The solution lies in a paradigm shift back to our traditional diets and indigenous foods that our ancestors thrived on.