Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) Covering the 7 units of the Course.

Unit 1: Introduction to African Traditional Medicine

1. Which of the following best defines African Traditional Medicine?

A. Modern Western medical practices
B. Medicine derived from plant and animal sources based on indigenous
knowledge
C. Technology-based treatment methods
D. Use of synthetic drugs

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of African Traditional Medicine?

A. Solely based on chemical formulations
B. Holistic approach involving spiritual, physical, and psychological elements
C. Exclusively practiced in hospitals
D. Focuses on emergency care only

3. The practice of African Traditional Medicine is most often based on:

A. Scientific research and clinical trials
B. Cultural beliefs, oral traditions, and practices
C. Western medical knowledge
D. Modern pharmaceutical drugs

4. Which is NOT a component of African Traditional Medicine?

A. Herbal treatments
B. Spiritual healing
C. Modern surgical procedures
D. Diagnostic methods based on pulse, tongue, and urine analysis

5. Who is credited with the introduction of herbal medicine to the African

continent?
A. Galen
B. Hippocrates
C. Indigenous healers and practitioners
D. Paracelsus

Unit 2: Historical Background of African Traditional Medicine

6. Which African country is known for having a long history of herbal

medicine practices, dating back to the dawn of civilisation?
A. Ghana
B. South Africa
C. Egypt
D. Nigeria

7. Early traditional healing practices in Africa were passed down mainly

through:
A. Written textbooks
B. Oral traditions
C. Scientific journals
 D. Universities

8. The use of bark from Cinchona trees led to the discovery of:
A. Penicillin
B. Artemisinin
C. Quinine
D. Aspirin

9. In African Traditional Medicine, healing often involves:

A. Individualized care focusing on the patient’s physical health alone
B. Holistic treatment considering mental, physical, and spiritual health
C. Only plant-based treatments
D. Exclusive use of modern surgical methods

10. African Traditional Medicine is often intertwined with:

A. Western medical practices
B. Cultural and spiritual practices
C. Pharmaceutical drug trials
D. None of the above

Unit 3: Medicinal Plants and Remedies

11. Which of the following is a key role of medicinal plants in African

Traditional Medicine?
A. To replace Western medicine entirely
B. To treat a variety of conditions such as digestive, respiratory, and skin issues
C. To create synthetic drugs
D. None of the above

12. Which plant is commonly used in African Traditional Medicine to treat

malaria?
A. Moringa
B. Artemisia
C. Aloe Vera
D. Cinnamon

13. What is the active ingredient in Artemisia used to treat malaria?

A. Alkaloids
B. Tannins
C. Artemisinin
D. Flavonoids

14. Which of the following is a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory
properties?
A. Baobab
B. Turmeric
C. Aloe Vera
D. All of the above
15. Which of these medicinal plants is used for managing digestive health in
African Traditional Medicine?
A. Ginger
B. Marula
C. Eucalyptus
D. Peppermint

Unit 4: The Practice of Medical Herbalism

16. Medical herbalism is most commonly used to treat:

A. Only mental health conditions
B. Physical health conditions, with emphasis on chronic diseases
C. Only infections
D. Genetic disorders

17. What is one of the major benefits of using herbal remedies in medical
herbalism?
A. Instant cure for all diseases
B. Minimal side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs
C. No need for scientific validation
D. Exclusively used for minor health issues

18. Which condition is commonly treated with herbal remedies in medical

herbalism?
A. Cancer
B. Malaria
C. Mental health disorders only
D. Infectious diseases only

19. The principle of herbalism emphasises:

A. Using synthetic drugs
B. Holistic health and natural remedies
C. Surgery as the primary treatment
D. Only oral medications

20. Which of the following is a core principle of medical herbalism?

A. Focusing on drug prescriptions
B. Prioritizing natural remedies to enhance health
C. Use of only chemical-based medicines
D. Ignoring individual health histories

Unit 5: Materia Medica and Medicinal Plants

21. What does the term 'Materia Medica' refer to?

A. The study of medical books
B. The study of medicinal substances and their uses
C. Only the study of plants
D. A type of medicinal drug
22. The preparation of herbal remedies involves:
A. Combining plants with synthetic drugs
B. Using only fresh herbs without any processing
C. Extracting active ingredients using methods like boiling, tincturing, and drying
D. Prescribing ready-made pharmaceutical tablets

23. Which of the following factors influences the medicinal properties of

plants?
A. The environment in which the plant grows
B. The age of the plant
C. The method of preparation
D. All of the above

24. What is an example of a medicinal plant used for treating skin conditions?
A. Aloe Vera
B. Baobab
C. Moringa
D. All of the above

Unit 6: Integration with Modern Medicine

25. The integration of traditional and modern medicine aims to:

A. Replace traditional medicine completely
B. Combine both to enhance patient care
C. Reject scientific validation
D. Limit the use of herbal remedies

26. What is a key challenge in integrating traditional and modern medicine?

A. Finding practitioners who know both fields
B. Ensuring traditional remedies are scientifically proven and standardised
C. Creating new synthetic drugs
D. Establishing global regulatory frameworks

27. Which country has shown a successful model of integrating herbal

medicine with modern medical practices?
A. India
B. China
C. South Africa
D. Egypt

28. The main benefit of integrating African traditional medicine with modern
medicine is:
A. Only reducing healthcare costs
B. Providing holistic and culturally relevant treatments
C. Ignoring cultural preferences
D. Focusing on pharmaceutical solutions

29. Which of the following is an essential step in integrating herbal medicine

into modern healthcare systems?
A. Ensuring herbal remedies are scientifically validated
 B. Relying on anecdotal evidence only
C. Discouraging research and development
D. Rejecting the use of Western medicine

Unit 7: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

30. Which organization has guidelines for regulating traditional medicine and
herbal products?
A. World Health Organization (WHO)
B. United Nations (UN)
C. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
D. World Trade Organization (WTO)

31. Regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine aim to:

A. Prevent the use of any herbal remedies
B. Ensure safety, quality, and efficacy of herbal treatments
C. Limit the sale of medicinal plants
D. Ignore the need for scientific research

32. Which of the following is true regarding the regulation of herbal medicines
in many African countries?
A. Herbal medicines are universally banned
B. There is a lack of consistent regulatory frameworks
C. Herbal medicines are all approved without testing
D. Only synthetic drugs are regulated

33. The purpose of a national policy on traditional medicine is to:

A. Only focus on Western medical practices
B. Encourage the use of synthetic drugs only
C. Ensure that traditional practices are safe, effective, and sustainable
D. Prevent the development of herbal medicine

34. Which of the following is a key benefit of creating regulatory policies for
traditional medicine?
A. Promoting the use of non-tested products
B. Protecting public health and safety
C. Reducing scientific validation
D. Limiting research and development

Others

35. Which of these plants is known for its antioxidant properties?

A. Aloe Vera
B. Marula
C. Turmeric
D. All of the above

36. Which of the following is NOT a commonly used medicinal plant in African
Traditional Medicine?
A. Peppermint
 B. Moringa
C. Lavender
D. Devil’s Claw

37. The active compound in cinnamon that aids in regulating blood sugar is:
A. Curcumin
B. Quinine
C. Cinnamaldehyde
D. Artemisinin

38. Which of the following is a benefit of using medicinal plants in African

Traditional Medicine?
A. Treating diseases with no side effects
B. Providing affordable and accessible treatments
C. Immediate results
D. No need for scientific research

39. Which of the following plants is used in African Traditional Medicine for
pain relief?
A. Aloe Vera
B. Devil’s Claw
C. Hibiscus
D. Turmeric

40. Which of the following plants is used to treat fever and malaria in African
Traditional Medicine?
A. Hibiscus
B. Baobab
C. Artemisia
D. Scented Geranium

42. Which plant is known for its role in treating digestive health problems in
African Traditional Medicine?
A. Marula
B. Moringa
C. Ginger
D. Cinnamon

43. Which of the following is considered a key challenge in the widespread use
of African Traditional Medicine in modern healthcare systems?
A. Over-reliance on synthetic drugs
B. Inadequate scientific evidence and standardisation
C. Complete rejection by modern healthcare providers
D. Excessive funding for research

44. In African Traditional Medicine, the use of plant-based remedies is often

combined with:
A. Technological advancements
B. Prayer and spiritual practices
C. Prescription drugs
 D. Surgery

45. Which of the following plants is known for its anti-diabetic properties in
African Traditional Medicine?
A. Aloe Vera
B. Baobab
C. Moringa
D. Bitter melon

46. The principle of “balance” in African Traditional Medicine refers to:

A. Focusing only on physical health
B. Ensuring a balance between spiritual, mental, and physical well-being
C. Rejecting modern medical practices
D. Focusing solely on herbal treatments

47. Which of the following organisations has a role in regulating herbal

medicine at the international level?
A. World Health Organization (WHO)
B. African Union (AU)
C. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
D. World Trade Organization (WTO)

48. Which plant is used in African Traditional Medicine to treat respiratory

disorders such as cough and asthma?
A. Eucalyptus
B. Aloe Vera
C. Ginger
D. Baobab

49. What is the primary focus of African Traditional Medicine?

A. Modern pharmaceutical approaches
B. Natural remedies based on plants, animals, and minerals
C. Genetic engineering
D. Surgical techniques

50. Which of the following is a key feature of African Traditional Medicine?

A. Western-based medical practices
B. Use of scientific equipment
C. Holistic approach incorporating physical, mental, and spiritual health
D. Focus on synthetic drugs

51. Which of the following is NOT a common method used in African Traditional
Medicine?
A. Herbal remedies
B. Spiritual healing
C. Chemotherapy
D. Bone setting

52. What does the scope of African Traditional Medicine include?

A. Only the treatment of infectious diseases
 B. Treatment of physical, mental, and spiritual illnesses
C. Surgery and advanced medical techniques
D. Exclusive focus on animal care

53. Which ancient civilization contributed to the early practices of herbal

medicine?
A. Roman Empire
B. Egyptian civilization
C. Aztec civilization
D. Greek Empire

54. What is the role of oral traditions in African Traditional Medicine?

A. They are not relevant to the practice.
B. They provide a rich source of knowledge passed down through generations.
C. They are used for scientific validation.
D. They focus on the legal aspects of healing.

55. What was one major contribution of early African healers to medicine?
A. The discovery of antibiotics
B. The use of plants for medicinal purposes
C. The development of vaccination techniques
D. The invention of surgical instruments

56. How is herbal medicine typically prepared in African Traditional Medicine?

A. By synthesising chemical compounds
B. Through boiling or infusion of plant parts
C. Through freezing
D. Using high-temperature treatments

57. Which medicinal plant is known for its high vitamin C content and immune-
boosting properties?
A. Baobab
B. Lemon Grass
C. Turmeric
D. Ginseng

58. What is the primary goal of medical herbalism?

A. To provide pharmaceutical drugs
B. To enhance health and treat diseases using plants
C. To replace all modern medical practices
D. To promote surgical techniques

59. Which concept is central to the practice of medical herbalism?

A. Instant relief of symptoms
B. A holistic view of healing
C. Use of synthetic chemicals
D. Exclusive use of surgery

60. Which sense is NOT typically used to identify medicinal plants in African
Traditional Medicine?
 A. Smell
B. Touch
C. Taste
D. Hearing

61. Which of the following is a simple method of herbal remedy preparation?

A. Freezing
B. Fermentation
C. Boiling or infusions
D. Chemical synthesis

62. Which of the following is one of the most commonly used plants in African
Traditional Medicine for digestive problems?
A. Moringa
B. Ginger
C. Marula
D. Hibiscus

63. Which of the following is a successful example of integration between

traditional and modern medicine?
A. Herbal treatments for COVID-19
B. Use of Artemisia in malaria treatment
C. Exclusion of all traditional medicine in hospitals
D. Relying solely on pharmaceuticals for cancer treatment

64. Which of the following is a key regulatory framework for integrating traditional
medicine into healthcare?
A. Developing standardised treatment protocols
B. Ignoring traditional healers
C. Banning herbal medicine completely
D. Reducing government support

65. Which of the following would improve the integration of traditional medicine
into modern health systems?
A. Ignoring indigenous knowledge
B. Developing a collaborative approach between traditional healers and healthcare
providers
C. Limiting the use of herbal medicine entirely
D. Banning herbal medicine use