Ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of medicinal plants against enterocyte bacteria-linked infections and diarrhoea in some African countries: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Background There is a dearth of relevant bioactive translational progress and post-scientific evidence on the ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of plants with anti-diarrheal potential in Africa. This study synthesized scientific evidence on commonly used African folkloric medicinal plants in the management/control of diarrhoea and antibiotic-resistant enterocyte-infecting bacteria in some African countries. Main body Published articles from different databases on folk medicinal plants used in the treatment/management of bacteria-linked enterocyte infections and diarrhoea were reviewed systematically. The ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of 75 folkloric plant species belonging to 67 families and 58 genera, including Asteraceae (10.45%), Myrtaceae (7.46%), (Anacardiaceae, Celastraceae, Fabaceae and Hydnoraceae) (5.97%) are the most used anti-diarrheal folkloric plants in the region. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.018 mg/ml–8.45 mg/ml) or (39 μg/ml–2000 μg/ml) and 14.35 g/kg–8317.64 mg/kg LD50 on enterocyte bacteria strains. A solo author reported MIC of the pure component 6.25 μg/ml. Tree (38%) and tuber (3%) were the highest and least life forms of the folkloric plants used. Leaves (41%) were the most frequently used for folk preparations, while aerial, fruits, seeds and combination of shoots + leaves (1.45%) were the least used. Fourteen authors’ studies revealed the phytochemical profile, while six further elucidated the bioactive components of the folkloric plants used to manage diarrhoea. Conclusion Our findings revealed the antibacterial potency of folkloric plants against diarrhoea and multiple antibiotic-resistant organisms. It suggests a gap in the appropriate documentation, application of such medicinal/folkloric plants, and low post-research advancement of effectively tested plant types or bioactive agents, calling for well-organized future research engagements.