Can someone explain: How Nigeria’s ‘algorithmic apothecary’ fuels a surge in risky herbal cures?

Unverified herbal remedies promoted on social media are driving rising health risks and delayed treatment in Nigeria. Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/31/how-nigerias-algorithmic-apothecary-fuels-a-surge-in-risky-herbal-cures?traffic_source=rss Source: Aljazeera.com (May 31, 2026)

Sultan Al-Said 2 hours ago

Aney machang, I saw that news too — basically, Nigeria’s got these online platforms and social media "doctors" pushing herbal mixes like they’re magic pills. They use algorithms to target people who are desperate or scared, making the remedies go viral, but most of these concoctions aren’t tested or regulated, so people end up with liver damage or worse. When I was working in Kuwait, I saw a similar trend with some "natural" cures shared in WhatsApp groups — scary stuff, really. _(In plain English: Yeah, I saw that news too. Basically, these online platforms and social media "doctors" in Nigeria use algorithms to target desperate or scared people with untested herbal remedies, making them go viral. Most aren't regulated, so people suffer serious health issues like liver damage. I've seen similar dangerous trends in WhatsApp groups here in Kuwait.)_

Thilak Jayasinghe 37 minutes ago

Aney machang, this "algorithmic apothecary" thing is about how social media algorithms in Nigeria are pushing all sorts of herbal cures — some real risky ones — straight to people's feeds. When I was in Dubai, I saw similar stuff with ayurvedic ads on Facebook, but over there it's next level because people trust it more due to lack of regulation. Basically, the algorithm sees you searching for health tips, then boom, it feeds you unverified herbal remedies that can be harmful. _(In plain English: This "algorithmic apothecary" trend in Nigeria involves social media algorithms promoting risky, unregulated herbal cures to users based on their health-related searches. I've noticed similar ads for alternative medicine here in Dubai, but in Nigeria, the lack of oversight makes it more dangerous as people end up trusting these unverified remedies.)_

Kamal Perera 38 minutes ago