Ignore Fb posts promoting a treatment for stroke, arthritis, hypertension and different diseases
IN SHORT: A number of Fb posts declare that these “anti-stroke natural capsules” can treatment stroke and different diseases. Nonetheless, a medical practitioner advises sufferers to make use of solely trusted and examined medication.
“Reclaim your wellness with our 100% Pure Natural Treatment, designed that can assist you overcome: Stroke (Full or Partial), Excessive Blood Stress, Excessive Ldl cholesterol, Arthritis, Migraine and Hypertension,” reads a part of a publish on Fb.
The 8 January 2025 publish incorporates a video and a hyperlink the place Nigerians can supposedly order the product.
A person within the video says:
I suffered from a stroke for a few years. I went to totally different hospitals and took many drugs and even the one they stated they purchased from Israel and nothing occurred. I then encountered these anti-stroke natural capsules … Hastily, the leg and hand that I couldn’t transfer, started to maneuver.
The video has been seen over 21,000 occasions and has 59 likes.
Different posts promoting the capsules might be discovered right here, right here and right here. (Word: See extra cases listed on the finish of this report.)
However can this product be trusted? We checked.
The diseases
A stroke happens when the blood provide to the mind is interrupted, inflicting mind cells to die. The interruption might be attributable to blocked blood vessels or bleeding in your mind.
Excessive ldl cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, is when you’ve too many lipids, or fat, in your blood. This blocks blood circulation, inflicting harm to organs that do not get sufficient blood.
Arthritis is a situation that causes swelling and tenderness within the joints. In line with Mayo Clinic, a US-based nonprofit medical centre, “the primary signs of arthritis are joint ache and stiffness, which generally worsen with age”.
Typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and excessive sensitivity to mild and sound, migraine is a headache that causes extreme ache that will final for hours to days.
In line with the World Well being Group, hypertension is when the stress within the blood vessels is just too excessive. It’s also generally known as hypertension.
Purple flags
We clicked on the hyperlink connected to the publish, which led us to a web site selling the identical product. The positioning included testimonials from individuals who claimed they began seeing enhancements after two weeks of taking the capsules.
The web site didn’t point out whether or not these capsules had been clinically examined or authorized by Nigeria’s Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management, which ought to elevate suspicion.
We additionally discovered it unusual that one product might treatment so many diseases. For instance, there is no such thing as a treatment for arthritis, however some remedy, way of life modifications and surgical procedure can assist sluggish it down.
The web site requested clients to fill out a kind with their identify, telephone quantity, handle, and the kind of package deal they wish to order. Giving out this data to strangers on-line might result in id theft.
‘Promoting a single drug for various diseases is fallacious’
Odunola Olabintan, a basic well being practitioner centered on preventive well being and the founding father of Well being Metropolis, informed Africa Verify that the diseases talked about within the Fb publish had totally different causes.
“Though the primary reason for hypertension is unknown, the pathway is acknowledged and the totally different danger components are additionally acknowledged. There are additionally totally different sorts of arthritis. So, promoting a single drug for various diseases may be very fallacious.
“Posts like this, usually, trigger sufferers to depart trusted therapies and go for natural mixtures that aren’t confirmed. Sellers of natural mixtures by no means record their elements and anticipate you to belief them.”
Olabintan additionally stated that almost all natural combination corporations might be accredited if their merchandise weren’t “dangerous”, however she was not sure if the mixtures labored.
“Till these corporations begin working like pharmacies, exhibiting analysis and elements, I don’t belief them. I counsel sufferers to make use of examined, tried, and confirmed medication.”
Extra posts selling the capsules might be discovered right here, right here, right here, right here, right here and right here.
