Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants claimed by traditional herbal practitioners to manage cancers in Malawi

Abstract

IntroductionThis study documented medicinal plants that are claimed by traditional herbal practitioners (THPs) to manage specific types of cancers in Mzimba and Nkhata Bay districts of the northern region of Malawi. MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire and purposive sampling technique were used in the survey to obtain data regarding the THPs and the herbal plants that are used to manage different types of cancers. Data was analysed using descriptive statistical methods. ResultsTwenty-five THPs were identified and sixty-three plant species from 37 families were used by THPs to treat various cancers in the studied areas. Forty-one percent of the cited plants were used in wound healing, 17%, 16%, 11%, 9%, 3%, 2% and were used to treat prostate, oesophageal, cervical and stomach cancers, ulcers, tumours, and internal wounds, respectively. Roots (47%) were the mostly used plant parts followed by stems (27.7%), leaves (9.2%), fruits (4.6%) and the remaining 10.8% included climbers, shrubs and whole plants. Most prepared recipes were uncarbonised powders (45%) followed by aqueous decoctions (32%), and the remaining 23% were distributed amongst maceration, carbonised powders and infusions. Topical (48%) was the most frequently used mode of administration followed by oral (39%), through porridge (10%) while incisions and bandaging were 2% and 1%, respectively. Some recipes were polyherbal mixtures which utilised the synergy amongst phytochemicals. ConclusionThe study has provided indigenous knowledge of herbal plants available in Mzimba and Nkhata Bay districts which can serve as a baseline for the identification and isolation of bioactive compounds with subsequent use of herbal medicines in clinical trials.