Ethnobotanical study of indigenous nutri-medicinal plants used for the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments among the local communities of central Uganda

Abstract

For over 85% of Uganda's population, herbal treatments are a source of therapy. Poor health facilities and restricted access to antiretroviral medications have maintained and increased the use of traditional medicine for the treatment of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments, particularly in rural areas. Medicinal plants have proven to be effective in addressing some of the disease's problems. The study's goal was to document the herbal and nutri-medicinal plants used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses. The study was carried out in four parishes in Namayumba sub-county, Wakisodistrict of central Uganda. For the treatment of chronic cough, chronic diarrhea, anemia, vomiting, hunger and weight loss, oral candidiasis, fever, and immunological suppression, 194 nutri-medicinal plants were reported. A total of 299 persons over the age of 40 were interviewed, with farmers accounting for 70.9% of the total. There were a total of 66 plant families identified. Leaves were the most regularly used plant part (78%). The oral route was the most common method of administration. Some remedies included ingredients such as ash, clay, salt, and honey. The Informant's consensus about usage was found to be in the range of 0.42–0.83; the category for managing anemia, immune suppression, loss of appetite and weight loss ranking highest at 0.83 with Hibiscus sabdarifa Linn being the most mentioned plant. The study demonstrated that a diversity of nutri-medicinal plants are being used in Wakisodistrict to manage HIV/AIDS-related conditions that affect HIV/AIDS patients' nutritional status. It can also aid in the preservation of biodiversity and traditional indigenous knowledge. In order to assess the validity of plant remedies against scientific standards, more research into phytochemistry, medicinal application, bioefficacy, and clinical trials is recommended.