What you need to know: Herbal medicine is made from plants or plant parts for therapeutic purposes and is used worldwide. While herbal remedies bring relief from some symptoms, they can have side effects or interfere with other medications. In Uganda, the National Drug Authority (NDA) has approved a herbal remedy for relieving peptic ulcers, as Bill Oketch reports.
The loss of a loved one can be a profound catalyst for change. After the death of his father from stomach cancer in 2019, Peter Ogwang embarked on a journey to find a cure for this debilitating disease. His father had first suffered from chronic ulcers that later turned into cancer.
Driven by grief and a desire to help others avoid similar suffering, Ogwang, who is a student at Equator University of Science and Technology, embarked on a journey of research and discovery that would change his life and the lives of others.
Two months after his father’s passing, Ogwang began researching herbal medicine and consulting with experts in the field. He was determined to find a natural solution to the scourge of ulcers. Years of dedication and perseverance followed, with countless hours spent testing and refining his findings.
‘As an animal productionist, my expertise lies in farming. In 2021, I made a life-changing decision and joined a medical school to equip myself to develop a remedy for ulcers. For the past three years, I have dedicated myself to intensive research,’ he enthuses.
The result was a powerful, natural remedy for ulcers that was both effective and safe. The innovator named it Pylordek, a seven-day treatment that promised to revolutionise the way ulcers are treated.
This drug was approved by both the Uganda National Health Laboratory Services (UNHLS) and the National Drug Authority (NDA) under file number THA1352.
‘This herbal medicine heals ulcers within seven days when taken as prescribed. Pylordek will be available on the local and international market within a week,’ Ogwang explains.
‘A game-changer’
Pylordek has been shown to provide fast and effective relief from ulcer symptoms, promoting healing and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Caroline Amule, a resident of Adagani Village, Alyet Parish, Agali Sub-county, Lira District, was diagnosed with peptic ulcers in 2008. Over the years, she endured persistent pain and discomfort. Her condition worsened when other health issues arose, requiring surgery.
‘The ulcer was resistant to the medicines that were prescribed to me, even after I visited three hospitals. I was referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialised care, but I did not have the transport fare to Kampala City,’ she says.
Desperate for relief, Amule turned to Pylordek after being introduced to it by a friend. This decision marked a significant shift in her condition.
‘In June, I bought two bottles of Pylordek. I experienced a severe headache after taking it for three days, but I did not abandon it. On the fourth day, I took the medicine and vomited something hard. When we cut it open, there was thick blood inside it,’ she says.
As Amule continued with the herbal treatment, she noticed a significant improvement. The pain subsided, and she began to enjoy a better quality of life. The ulcer that had plagued her for years began to heal.
‘My experience has taught me the importance of exploring alternative approaches to health and wellness. Now, I have forgotten about the pain. But, I am more mindful of my diet and lifestyle to maintain my overall well-being,’ she explains.
Jackson Otim, another beneficiary of Pylordek, struggled with stomach inflammation whenever he ate beans and peas. In an attempt to seek relief, he visited a clinic near his home in Amach Town Council, Lira District. He was diagnosed with ulcers.
‘The doctor prescribed treatment, but the cost was prohibitive; Shs180,000. I turned to the herbal medicine, which cost Shs20,000 per bottle. I bought two bottles,’ he says.
The treatment worked wonders for Otim. The inflammation subsided, and he can eat without discomfort.
‘Cure-all’ medicine?
Susan Awor Ogwang of Amach Town Council, Lira District, had been battling a series of health conditions, including ulcers, for nearly 40 years.
Despite visiting numerous hospitals and seeking medical attention, the 70-year-old’s condition remained unimproved. At one hospital, the dire prognosis was that she should just wait for her time to die.
‘In despair, I decided to try herbal medicine. I bought two bottles, and I take the medicine thrice a day; morning, afternoon, and evening. The pain is gone, and I feel more energetic. I also have a good appetite,’ she explains.
Fred Ewoo, a security guard at a school in Lira City, faced a challenging situation when health issues led to his dismissal, despite his dedication to the job. The old man had been struggling with high blood pressure, which worsened over time.
Ewoo says the transition was tough for him because he had grown attached to his role and the school community.
‘I was replaced by a younger man, while I returned to my home. I was given drugs to manage the high blood pressure, but there was no major improvement. The pain was unbearable, and I used not to walk,’ he says.
He was introduced to the herbal remedy, and with consistent use, the herbal medicine worked wonders for the old man.
‘My blood pressure began to stabilise, and I started feeling more energetic and confident,’ he says.
When Daily Monitor asked Ogwang if Pylordek is a kind of panacea, a drug that cures many diseases, he says the herbal medicine is very rich, adding that when he was doing research on a complete therapeutic cure for ulcers, he stumbled upon a compound which cures peptic ulcers and other conditions.
‘There were people who told me that my herbal medicine can help in managing a lot of conditions. However, when I submitted my documentation for testing, I only indicated that the drug cures peptic ulcers,’ he explains.
Some people that this reporter talked to claim Pylordek can cure peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, haemorrhoids, and other conditions.
‘I am only supposed to market my medicine for peptic ulcers. It is the mandate of the NDA to take the medicine back to the laboratory and investigate why it is healing other conditions,’ Ogwang advises.
What NDA says
Dr Michael Mutyaba, the Director of Traditional and Contemporary Medicine at NDA, cautions the public that herbal medicine is neither used as curative nor supportive treatment.
‘Herbal medicine should always be used in combination with other medications. We have been using herbal remedies in our communities. However, when a patient takes this remedy, and afterwards they say they feel relief and no more pain, you have not cured them,’ he explains.
According to Dr Mutyaba, the herbal medicines approved by NDA are only for symptomatic relief.
‘So, any claim about treatment is misleading the public. I have a problem with that gentleman (Ogwang). He is claiming treatment, but his medicine is only for relief. That is what we approved,’ he says.
The NDA also advises patients to always first seek medical attention from conventional doctors.
‘The good thing is that herbal medicine works. It is good if the patient informs his doctor that he is also taking a herbal remedy for relief, so that the doctor can manage the condition expertly,’ Dr Mutyaba adds.
According to the Regional Cancer Spectrum in Uganda: A Population-based Cancer Survey by Sub-regions (2017-2020), published by ecancermedicalscience this year, in males, the top five cancers included prostate cancer 25.1 percent, esophagus 15.1 percent, KS 12.4 percent, liver 8.8 percent and stomach 4.8 percent, with other less common male cancers accounting for 33.8 percent.
In the Rwenzori, Kigezi and Bugishu sub-Regions, there seems to be an increased risk of developing other skin cancers in females, while stomach cancers have been reported in both males and females.
In the Kigezi and Ankole sub-regions, stomach cancer is emerging among the most common cancers in both males and females. In the Mbarara District, located in the Ankole sub-region, cases of stomach cancer are also common compared to all other districts in the region. Other than Helicobacter pylori, risk factors such as diet in the Ankole and Kigezi regions could be associated with the occurrence of this gastrointestinal malignancy in this region.
About peptic ulcers
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. A burning stomach pain is the most common symptom. Peptic ulcers happen when the acids that help digest food damage the walls of the stomach or duodenum. The most common cause is infection caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.
Another cause is the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers, but can make them worse. Peptic ulcers will get worse if not treated.