Background: Counterfeit drugs have been reported as the primary cause of increased morbidity and drug resistance in developing countries. However, consumers' awareness of the prevalence of fake drugs in developing countries remains unknown.Objectives: To assess consumers' awareness and the principal contributors of counterfeit drugs, propose measures to curb this menace in developing countries.Method: Data were collected using a questionnaire with 24 questions bordering on consumer awareness and measures taken by health professionals in combating the prevalence of counterfeit drugs. All the questions were fully completed by participants and submitted online. The data were analyzed using both deductive and inductive approaches. Results: It was observed that the level of awareness of counterfeit drugs among consumers varies across different countries. A high level of awareness was reported in countries with improved technology for combating substandard drugs, comparable to countries with lesser technology. The results show that pharmacy retailers and pharmaceutical industries are the major contributors to the prevalence of counterfeit medicines in developing countries. It was observed that consumers are exploring brand awareness and the physical appearance of drugs in the fight against counterfeit drugs.Conclusion: This study assessed consumers' awareness of counterfeit drugs in selected developing countries and proposed measures that the government can implement in the fight against counterfeit drugs. These measures and findings may be appropriate in designing awareness programs and developing a framework for monitoring pharmaceutical production companies and supply chains.

There has been accumulating interest in the application of medicinal plants as alternative medicine to treat various diseases and/or to develop modern medicines. Vitex negundo is one of such medicinal plants that has been of interest to many researchers and has been of use in traditional medicine . V. negundo is found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Malaysia, India, China, The Philippines and East Africa. Therapeutic properties of V. negundo have previously been reviewed. Different parts, preparations and bioactive components of V. negundo possess potential protective and therapeutic effects against cardiovascular disease and related conditions as demonstrated in previous studies. We review the present state of scientific knowledge on the potential use of V. negundo and some of its bioactive components in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and related pathologies. Previous studies in animal and non-animal experimental models, although limited in number and vary in design, seem to support the cardioprotective effect of V. negundo and some of its active components. However, there is need for further preclinical and clinical studies to validate the use of V. negundo and its active constituents in protection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, since only a few V. negundo compounds have been evaluated, specific cardioprotective effects or mechanisms and possible side effects of other V. negundo compounds need to be extensively evaluated.

Background: Counterfeit drugs have been reported as the primary cause of increased morbidity and drug resistance in developing countries. However, consumers' awareness of the prevalence of fake drugs in developing countries remains unknown. Objectives: To assess consumers' awareness and the principal contributors to counterfeit drugs, and propose measures to curb this menace in developing countries. Method: Data were collected from participants from July 2020 to September 2020. In the questionnaire, there were three sections: (1) sociodemographic data; (2) knowledge about counterfeit medicines; and (3) ability to identify counterfeit medicines, rated on a five-point Likert scale. Sociodemographic factors and counterfeit medication identification rates were assessed using both deductive and inductive approach. Results: The study involved 365 participants. Out of which only 115 participants (29.6%, 95% CI ) reported to always confirm the authenticity of drugs they consume. It was significantly more likely that participants with older ages (p = 0.016), singles (p = 0.001), Nigerians (p = 0.001), and Ghanaians (p = 0.019) could identify counterfeit medications correctly. A significant number of participants said they would check the certification of medications (p = 0.015) and report counterfeit medications to authorities (p < 0.0001). Nigeria recorded a high level of awareness, which may be due to the high response rate by participants from Nigeria and improved technology for combating substandard drugs. Conclusion: This study assessed consumers' awareness of counterfeit drugs in selected developing countries and proposed measures that the government can implement in the fight against counterfeit drugs.

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