Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the indigenous plant-derived medicine used to treat symptoms related to four of the most common symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data presented in this study form part of a medical ethnobotanical study conducted in Limpopo Province, South Africa between 2012 and 2019. The study recorded 89 plant species identified as sources of medicine. Of these plants, 13 species belonging to 9 botanical families were used as sources of medicine to cure influenza, cough, sore throat and fever, while 5 species belonging to 5 botanical families were sources of preventive medicine. The treatment of the four symptoms is accomplished through the administration of oral decoctions, steaming and infusions, while preventive medicine is in the form of infusion, decoction, chew or charm, which is used to prevent susceptibility to infectious diseases such as influenza and cough. Knowledge of these medicines rests with ordinary community members who offer treatment after observations of the symptoms on their family members. The indigenous plant-derived medicines identified in this study may be tested for their safety and efficacy to discover new local, affordable and culture-specific drugs that could be used in the modern phytotherapy for conditions such as COVID-19.
Highlights
Indigenous health care practices play an essential role in the provision of affordable, readily available and culture-specific primary health care
2.1 Study area The study presents indigenous plant species identified as sources of medicine to treat four health conditions associated with COVID-19 symptoms
3.1 Indigenous plant-derived medicine administered for COVID-19 related symptoms A total of 18 indigenous medicinal plants belonging to 15 botanical families (Table 1) were identified and recorded as sources of medicine to treat influenza, fever, cough and throat infection
Summary
Indigenous health care practices play an essential role in the provision of affordable, readily available and culture-specific primary health care. The global spread of COVID-19 and its impacts on human health and livelihood challenged local communities and scientists to attempt the use of indigenous health practices to address the pandemic, especially its common symptoms such as influenza, cough, sore throat and fever. The World Health Organization warned that without records of Artemisia clinical trials, none of its materials can be recommended for the cure or prevention of COVID-19 (WHO, 2020). This observation stimulated debates about the need for the identification of plant materials with similar medicinal uses as Artemisia to subject them to clinical efficacy and safety. There is increased acknowledgement of the use of ISSN: 2668-7798 www.techniumscience.com medicinal plants for primary health care offered at households by family members or relatives (Chukwuma & Chukwuma, 2019)
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