Kenyans have been warned against unscrupulous herbalists claiming to have a cure for cancer.

Ancent Kituku, a cancer expert and researcher, said some herbalists in parts of the country have been advertising their drugs as being able to cure cancer without approval from the relevant medical bodies.

“There is no scientific evidence of which herbal medicine works against cancer and Kenyans should not try such concoctions because they could instead harm them. It is possible some herbal drugs can treat cancer but they need to be tested scientifically first to know the active ingredients, side effects, what cancer they can treat, the dosage, route of administration and all that,” Dr Kituku said.

He called for collaboration between herbalists and research institutions like Kenya Medical Research Institute and medical schools to research on these herbal medicines.

He appealed to herbalists to work closely with scientists in the country to ensure that their drugs are tested before they could dispense them to patients.

Kituku who is also a former Machakos County Health Executive said it was dangerous to consume concoctions that are yet to be proved safe and effective.

“Unless evidence can be provided by scientists, it would be reckless to take unknown herbal medicine  to cure the disease,” Kituku stated while addressing a forum with villagers at Kawethei in Kangundo Sub-county.