A Commentary on Consumers' Perspectives on IMBOOST Herbal Mixture in the Ghanaian Market

Abstract

Objective: The herbal market in Ghana is flooded with many products approved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). Most of these products appeared during the COVID-19 Pandemic and have gained public confidence and acceptance, marketed as immune boosters. One notable and highly marketed herbal mixture approved as an immune booster by the FDA is the well-known IMBOOST Herbal Mixture. Aim: This paper examines anecdotal evidence of IMBOOST Herbal Mixture formulated as an immune booster in Ghana. Methods: In this paper, as researchers, promoters, and advocates of traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine in Africa, we chanced on much anecdotal evidence from the public on the effects of IMBOOST Herbal Mixture on their health. Hence, we employed a qualitative hearsay case study. Twenty hearsay videos, audio, and Facebook post were assessed; however, 11 were used for the narratives.  We were purposive in our data collection process. Inclusion criteria were hearsay evidence that explained medical conditions treated. Exclusion criteria were hearsay evidence that had no relation to medical conditions but only praised the manufacturer. The source of evidence was one distributor of the product who had the videos, audio, and Facebook post of the clients from 2020 to date. Results: Our result is a shred of hearsay evidence. We believe that hearsay evidence, though, not a standard scientific method, cannot be overlooked in the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine. Conclusion: In this paper, we present a commentary on hearsay evidence of IMBOOST Herbal Mixture as an immune booster in Ghana.