The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased tremendously over the past three decades with not less than 80% of people worldwide relying on them for some part of primary healthcare. In contemporary Sierra Leone, the use of imported herbal mixtures namely Coco Samba, Olekoko, Jekonmo and Oga Abeg E Don Do, amongst others, has gained ascendency among the population consumed by people in all age brackets. Available not only in drug stores, but now also in food stores, supermarkets and retailed on the streets, many people have now resorted to these products for treatment of various health challenges in different settings.
Although it has been proven that these herbal products are very good, however, there are some erroneous media publications that have raised negative concerns of well renowned herbal drinks now in vogue namely Coco Samba, Olekoko, Jekonmo and Oga Abeg E Don Do, calling for them to be properly and medically checked by health authorities and regulators.
That media call for medical tests to be conducted comes against the backdrop that some of these herbal mixtures or non-alcoholic beverages are poisonous and harmful for consumption especially when their contents have not been authenticated.
Besides, it is claimed that herbal medicines can have dangerous side effects, such as causing kidney or liver damage maintaining that they are also sometimes adulterated with steroids, pesticides, antibiotics or harmful metals.
This grave concern expressed galvanized this news medium to undertake an independent investigation geared towards establishing whether such concerns are indeed true. What rather emanated was that amidst such negative rumours of the harmful effects of the aforementioned beverages, it was indisputably proven that Coco-Samba and Oga Ar Beg and the others have undergone rigorous testing, confirming their status as among the best healthy drinks fit for human consumption. The Bureau’s endorsement came after proper medical laboratory tests, solidifying their reputation as reliable and health-conscious choices.
What also evidently transpired during this medium’s fact finding mission was ascertaining and authenticating a Certificate of Distributorship, officially recognizing the Double-Up Group of Company as the certified distributor of these herbal drinks in Sierra Leone. This certification was also confirmed by the manufacturing company, Bullion Go-Neat Global Ltd, emphasizing their commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction.
It was also proven that the Double-Up Group of Company, is one that is registered under the business name “DOUBLE – UP TRADING”, which is legally recognized and holds a valid certificate of business name registration dated September, 2022 which cements their status as a trusted entity in the distribution of Coco-Samba and Oga Ar Beg plus others.
In addition, it was learnt that the company has applied for a trademark in Class 33 (International Classification) for Double Up Group of Companies geared towards ensuring legal protection for their business endeavors related to alcoholic products.
The manufacturing company was certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria which is the recognized regulatory institution of food, beverages and drugs and is a highly reputed entity.
Our investigation further led us to understand that Coco-Samba Mixture Energy stands out as a milk and chocolate-flavored drink infused with herbal extracts that provides a unique combination of indulgence and health benefits. Crafted from pure herbs, promising extra strength and vitality this non-alcoholic herbal mixture is tailored for both men and women.
Both Coco-Samba and Oga Ar Beg drinks are meticulously prepared with 100% natural herbs and spices, distinguishing themselves by being free from artificial additives, preservatives, salt, sugar, and MSG.
For Coco-Samba, in particular, it guarantees not only a delightful taste but also a positive impact on health, making it a choice that consumers, so far interviewed, say they do not regret consuming.
Although the main concern raised in the publications is genuine that some herbal products remain untested and their use are either poorly monitored or not even monitored at all, however, it must be reiterated that Coco-Samba and Oga Ar Beg plus the others have undergone laboratory tests which has ascertained, beyond all reasonable doubts, that they are indeed very good for human consumption, safe and of suitable quality.
What can be said to be true for all types of medicines, herbal or not, is the fact that moderate consumption is always advisable. On the contrary, when too much is consumed there is the tendency that users will experience some side effects.
However, for now it has never emerged that Coco-Samba and Oga Ar Beg and others manufactured by the same company have posed any danger, whether moderate or serious, to the kidney and liver of consumers. What so far is known and well established is that they do create wellness, agility and give users endurance to perform certain tasks that require enormous energy or physical strength.
If serious negative effects could have been noticed, at any given time, in users bordering on kidney and liver damage then the statutory regulatory agency for all drugs and herbal drinks in this country, the Sierra Leone Pharmacy Board, should have long raised the red flag and alerted the general public about the attendant negative consequences of consuming them.
As far as it is known for now, Coco Samba, Olekoko, Jekonmo and Oga Abeg E Don Do, stand tall as symbols of wellness and quality, potent for individuals who are keen on embracing healthier and tastier lifestyles.