South African Traditional Medicine Research Articles

In Vitro Pharmacological Activity, and Comparison GC-ToF-MS Profiling of Extracts from Cissus cornifolia (Baker) Planch.

Cissus cornifolia (Baker) Planch is traditionally used in South African traditional medicine (SATM) to treat a variety of human infections. The antimicrobial activity of extracts from C. cornifolia was investigated in vitro against a plethora of pathogenic microorganisms using the microdilution assay. The acetone extract exhibited a notable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.10 mg/mL against Mycoplasma hominis and a further MIC of 0.20 mg/mL against Candida parapsilosis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. In the antiproliferative assays, both the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited a potent inhibition of the MCF-7-21 cell line. In the anti-inflammatory assays, both the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited IC50 values of 15.59 and 15.78 µg/mL against Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively. Methanol extract further exhibited potent dual inhibition of both COX-2 and 15-LOX enzymes, hence, recommended to curb both related cancers, particularly breast cancer and inflammation-borne diseases. In the comparative gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOF-MS), the acetone, ethyl acetate, and methanol extract contained significantly prevalent amounts of compound 2-(2',4',4',6',6',8',8'-Heptamethyltetrasiloxan-2'-yloxy)-2,4,4,6,6,8,8,10,10-nonamethylcyclopentasiloxane with % area ranging from 15.714 to 39.225. The findings in the current work validates the use of the plant species in SATM in the treatment of cancer-like infections, opportunistic infections associated with HIV-AIDS. Furthermore, the in vivo studies and the mechanisms of action still need to be explored.

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Extracts from Early, Mature, and Germinated Somatic Embryos of Cotyledon orbiculata L.

Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae)-round-leafed navelwort-is used worldwide as a potted ornamental plant, and it is also used in South African traditional medicine. The current work aims to assess the influence of plant growth regulators (PGR) on somatic embryogenesis (SE) in C. orbiculata; compare the metabolite profile in early, mature, and germinated somatic embryos (SoEs) by utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS); and determine the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potentials of SoEs. A maximum SoE induction rate of 97.2% and a mean number of SoEs per C. orbiculata leaf explant of 35.8 were achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 25 µM 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.2 µM 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3,-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea. The globular SoEs were found to mature and germinate best on MS medium with gibberellic acid (4 µM). The germinated SoE extract had the highest amounts of both total phenolics (32.90 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and flavonoids (1.45 mg rutin equivalent/g extract). Phytochemical evaluation of SoE extracts by UHPLC-MS/MS reveals the presence of three new compounds in mature and germinated SoEs. Among the SoE extracts tested, germinated SoE extract exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity, followed by early and mature somatic embryos. The mature SoE extract showed the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The SE protocol established for C. orbiculata can be used for the production of biologically active compounds, mass multiplication, and conservation of this important species.

Whose Knowledge? Examining the Relationship between the Traditional Medicine Sector and Environmental Conservation Using a Stakeholder Analysis: Perceptions on Warwick Herb Market Durban South Africa.

The South African traditional medicine sector is estimated to accommodate millions of citizens, despite it being informal. The existence of such a healthcare system embodies the dual system of both primary and traditional healthcare, with some preferring one and others utilising both systems. The gathering, harvesting, and selling of medicinal plant and animal species have inevitable environmental effects. The paradox between biodiversity conservation and livelihood sustenance is eminent in South Africa’s contemporary environmental legislation. The purpose of the study was to highlight and examine the dynamics between prominent stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation and the traditional medicine sector. The stakeholder analysis and political ecology approach were adopted and applied respectively to guide the study. The study was conducted in 2020 and a questionnaire was used to capture the realities and experiences of prominent stakeholders in the biodiversity sector. Common legal mandates such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004; Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) regulations; and the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance 15 of 1974 are used to control and enforce legislation by biodiversity stakeholders. The main findings of the study are as follows: (a) Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) do not have adequate training and knowledge on the environmental and legal aspects of their system; (b) Biodiversity stakeholders are treated with violence and hostility when they attempt to enforce legal mandates at the Warwick Herb Market; (c) There is a significant gap in communication and co-operation between municipal officials and biodiversity stakeholders. There is evidently, a need for environmental educational initiatives and improved methods of enforcement and communication between biodiversity stakeholders, municipal officials and THPs.

In vitro profiling and functional assessments of the anti-diabetic capacity of phenolic-rich extracts of Bulbine natalensis and Bulbine frutescens.

Bulbine natalensis (BN) and Bulbine frutescens (BF) are recommended in South African traditional medicine to treat diabetes, but their modes of action are unknown. This study assessed the phenolic acid profiles, mineral composition and in vitro functional effects of BN and BF to better understand their glucose-lowering capabilities. Phenolic acid and mineral composition of BN and BF methanolic extracts were determined by HPLC and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy respectively. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by potassium ferricyanide reducing power and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays, and inhibition of alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase and DPP4 was evaluated by standard enzyme assays. The effects of BN and BF extracts on insulin secretion were investigated using static incubations of isolated mouse islets and molecular docking analysis was used to identify interactions of BN and BF with partners that could mediate stimulatory effects on insulin secretion. Methanolic extracts of BN and BF contained high concentrations of protocatechuic and gallic acids, and high levels of Zn, Mn and Cr. The extracts inhibited alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, pancreatic lipase and DPP4 activities, and they also inhibited free radical generation. Both extracts significantly potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion without significantly affecting basal insulin secretion or islet cell viability. Protocatechuic acid, the most abundant phenolic acid in the extracts, showed high affinity for PKA, PKC, DPP4 and CaMK II in the docking analysis. BN and BF have multiple beneficial effects on glucoregulatory pathways and they, or their derivatives, could be developed to treat type 2 diabetes.

Chromatographic Analysis and In Vitro Cytotoxic Properties of Different Root Extracts of Hermannia geniculata Eckl. & Zeyh on Vero, HepG2 And RAW 264.7 Macrophage

Hermannia geniculata is widely used in the management of several illnesses in South African traditional medicine. Chromatographic analysis, in vitro cytotoxicity, and biological activities of secondary metabolites present in Hermannia geniculata root extracts were investigated. Vero monkey kidney cells, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines were used to determine the cytotoxicity of the extracts using MTT assay. The capabilities of the plant extracts to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase enzyme activities, the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) following lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages by the ethanol extract was evaluated. Results showed selective toxicity of the extracts with LC50 values of Vero cells ranging from (0.40-0.57 mg/mL) while the LC50 value of HepG2 cells varies between (0.016-0.136 mg/mL). The selectivity indexes (SI) were recorded (31.87, 18.87, 33.33, and 13.52) for ethanol, hydro-ethanol, decoction, and aqueous extracts respectively. The ethanol extract inhibited NO production in a concentration-dependent manner showing a decrease of 82% at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. Its LC50 value (3.64 mg/mL) is lower and significantly different (p<0.05) compared to quercetin (standard) with an LC50 (8.28 mg/mL). Similarly, the ethanol extract is a potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase enzyme with the lowest IC50 value of 0.14 mg/mL which is significantly different (p<0.05) from other extracts and indomethacin (standard). The GC-MS chromatograms of the ethanol extract revealed five principal compounds that have been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. This result indicated that Hermannia geniculata root extracts is not toxic to Vero and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines and toxic to HepG2 cell lines used in this experiment, it may also possesses antiiflammatory and antiploriferative activities which could be exploited in the development of new, safer, and efficacious drugs. 
 Keywords: Cytotoxicity; Nitric oxide; 5-lipoxygenase; Hermannia geniculata, Antioxidant GCMS.

Review of the Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Rhoicissus Species (Vitaceae).

Species within the genus Rhoicissus (Vitaceae) are commonly used in South African traditional medicine. The current review discusses the occurrence, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Rhoicissus species covering the period 1981–2020. The data reported were systematically collected, read, and analysed from scientific electronic databases including Scopus, Scifinder, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. Reported evidence indicates that species in this genus are used for the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and infertility, as well as to tone the uterus during pregnancy and to facilitate delivery. Pharmacological studies have further shown that members of the Rhoicissus genus display antidiabetic, uterotonic, ascaricidal, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are linked to the presence of bioactive compounds isolated from the genus. Hence, Rhoicissus species can potentially be an alternative therapeutic strategy to treat diseases and develop safer and more potent drugs to combat diseases. Plant species of this genus have valuable medicinal benefits due to their significant pharmacological potential. However, scientific investigation and information of the therapeutic potential of Rhoicissus remain limited as most of the species in the genus have not been fully exploited. Therefore, there is a need for further investigations to exploit the therapeutic potential of the genus Rhoicissus. Future studies should evaluate the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological activities, as well as the mode of action, of Rhoicissus crude extracts and secondary compounds isolated from the species.

HPTLC fingerprinting analysis and in vitro pharmacological activities of Hermannia geniculata roots phenols

Abstract Hermannia geniculata is a herb that plays an important role in the treatment of an array of diseases including diabetes, ulcer, and colitis in the South African traditional medicine. The bioactive constituent and medicinal properties in phenols of Hermannia geniculata (PoHG) roots were investigated using high pressure thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The α-amylase inhibitory potentials of PoHG was determined by reacting different concentration of the plant extract with 1% starch solution containing α-amylase. The inhibitory effect of the extract on α-glucosidase was evaluated by pre-incubating α-glucosidase with varying extract concentrations followed by the addition of ρ -nitrophenylglucopyranoside.. The reactive oxygen and free radical scavenging potentials of the extract were also analyzed. The result showed the presence of phenolic compounds in the extract with retention factor (Rf) values ranging from 0.14 to 095. The extract scavenged DPPH, ABTS+, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals. The extract was able to chelate metallic ions with a lower IC50 value which differs significantly (p≤0.05) from silymarin. Moreover, PoHG extract inhibited the key enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) involved in carbohydrate catabolism with IC50 values of 1.76 ±0.14 and 7.52 ±0.23 mg/mL respectively while IC50 value reported for acarbose were 7.62 ±0.12 and 4.38 ±0.25 mg/mL for glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. The α-glucosidase exhibited non-competitive inhibition by PoHG extract while α-amylase showed uncompetitive inhibition. This study confirmed the presence of phenol in PoHG extract and also showed an appreciable antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in vitro. Therefore, PoHG extract may be of nutraceutical importance.

The historical relationship between African indigenous healing practices and Western-orientated biomedicine in South Africa: A challenge to collaboration

South African traditional medicine is based on centuries-old cultural heritage, yet it remains popular today, used by a significant percentage of the population. It has adapted to changing times, endured persecution by unfriendly governments and now enjoys a new status with the government’s adoption of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 35 of 2004. The adoption of this act was an important first step by the national government towards the integration of traditional and Western health systems in official health services. However, many challenges still need to be addressed. Competition between traditional healers in Keiskammahoek has resulted in low participation in local traditional healers’ councils, posing a significant challenge to future cooperative efforts between traditional healers and biomedical practitioners. Although biomedical practitioners have expressed mixed views on collaboration with traditional healers, exposure to traditional healers on a professional level, together with an understanding of traditional medicine theory, helps to foster an understanding and willingness to work with traditional healers. This article discusses the ways in which political consciousness and social dialogues have strongly influenced the relationships between different healthcare systems in South Africa, as well as the continuing challenges of healthcare delivery in the Eastern Cape. Contribution: This article hopes to expand the long-debated call to integrate African indigenous medicine into the mainstream medical practice that continues to favour biomedicine to the detriment of local practices of medicine and healthcare.

Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors from South African medicinal plant extracts using molecular modelling approaches

The coronavirus is a group of viruses found in animals as well as humans and have been detected since the 1960s. However, a newly identified form, SARS-CoV-2, has triggered a recent pandemic of respiratory disease now called COVID-19. There is currently no specific antiviral drug for the treatment of this pandemic, with most treatment strategies focused on symptomatic management and supportive therapy. As such, several drug discovery efforts are ongoing for potent treatment agents, with medicinal plants gradually gaining prominence. Approximately 80% of the South African population use traditional medicines to meet their primary health care needs. The current study aimed to identify potential COVID-19 therapeutic agents from a list of 29 bioactive compounds isolated from commonly used South African medicinal plants using molecular docking and molecular dynamics. Molecular docking identified arabic acid from Acacia senegal and L-canavanine found in Sutherlandia frutescens as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like main protease. Similarly, hypoxoside isolated from Hypoxis hemerocallidea and uzarin from Xysmalobium undulatum, were identified as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain and SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent polymerase. These four bioactive compounds exhibited favourable binding orientations characterized by strong molecular interactions within respective inhibitors binding pockets of the target enzymes. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the binding of the identified inhibitors are characterized by structural perturbations which favour the inhibitory potency of these bioactive compounds. Additionally, in silico pharmacokinetic assessment of the compounds demonstrated favourable anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties. Although not conclusive, further experimental exploration of these compounds could serve as a starting point for the discovery of novel SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic.

Anti-Cholinesterase Potential of Standardized Extract of PHELA a Traditional South African Medicine Formulation

PHELA is a South African traditional medicine formulation. The decoction and infusion with water is consumed orally by persons with compromised immune systems. The present investigation is based on different approaches of exploitation and exploration of PHELA for cholinesterase inhibition activity based on its biomarker profiling. The extract was subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening (total flavonoids and phenolic contents) spectrophotometrically. The extract was standardized for the presence of emodin as standard phytomarker through HPTLC analysis (Mukherjee, 2019). The in vitro cholinesterase inhibition potential of the extract was performed using a 96-well micro plate assaybased on Ellman’s method using galanthamine as standard inhibitor. The results of the cholinesterase enzyme inhibition assay were expressed as IC50 values. Estimated contents of total phenolics and flavonoids in the extract were found to be 16.92 ± 0.13 mg of GA/g and 13.71 ± 0.11 mg of RU/g respectively. For PHELA extract the IC50 values were found to be 105.89 μg/ml for DPPH assay and 107.99 μg/ml for hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. The IC50values for standard ascorbic acid were found to be 93.21 μg/ml and 98.73 μg/ml. The amount of standard ursolic acid and emodin were quantitatively determined through HPTLC analysis and were found to be 0.53%w/w and 1.53%w/w respectively. The IC50 values for inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme were 257.94 ± 1.37 μg/mL for PHELA and 20.15 ± 0.16 μg/mL for galantamine.The South African traditional formulation was investigated for its beneficial effects on neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. All the findings together showed that it may serve as a useful source for phytochemicals against disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Phytochemical Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Grasses Used in South African Traditional Medicine.

Grasses are a valuable group of monocotyledonous plants, used as nourishing foods and as remedies against diseases for both humans and livestock. Phytochemical profiles of 13 medicinal grasses were quantified, using spectrophotometric methods and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS), while the antioxidant activity was done using DPPH and ferric-reducing-power assays. The phytochemical analysis included the total soluble phenolic content, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, iridoids and phenolic acids. Among the 13 grasses, the root methanolic extracts of Cymbopogon spp., Cymbopogon nardus and Cenchrus ciliaris contained the highest concentrations of total soluble phenolics (27–31 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (4–13 mg CE/g DW). Condensed tannins and total iridoid content were highest (2.3 mg CCE/g DW and 3.2 mg HE/g DW, respectively) in Cymbopogon nardus. The most common phenolic compounds in the grass species included ρ-coumaric, ferulic, salicylic and vanillic acids. In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the EC50 values ranged from 0.02 to 0.11 mg/mL for the different grasses. The best EC50 activity (lowest) was exhibited by Cymbopogon nardus roots (0.02 mg/mL) and inflorescences (0.04 mg/mL), Cymbopogon spp. roots (0.04 mg/mL) and Vetiveria zizanioides leaves (0.06 mg/mL). The highest ferric-reducing power was detected in the whole plant extract of Cynodon dactylon (0.085 ± 0.45; r2 = 0.898). The observed antioxidant activity in the various parts of the grasses may be due to their rich pool of phytochemicals. Thus, some of these grasses provide a source of natural antioxidants and phytochemicals that can be explored for their therapeutic purposes.

Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants used in South African Traditional Medicine

Five plants were investigated for their antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities, namely: Lantana rugosa, Lippia javanica, Lippia wilmsii, Hilliardiella elaeagnoides and Withania somnifera. Four organisms and liver cells were used to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of the extracts from these plants. All the extracts showed antibacterial activity with the MIC ranging from 0.04 ± 0.04 mg/mL to 11.46 ± 9.66 mg/mL. The acetonic extract of L. javanica exhibited the highest antibacterial activity with MIC value of 0.04 ± 0.04 mg/mL against P. aeruginosa and 0.28 ± 0.35 mg/mL against S. aureus. Aqueous and acetonic extracts of L. wilmsii (LC50 > 1000 μg/mL) and the hexane extract of L. javanica (LC50 > 1000 μg/mL) were the least cytotoxic. While acetonic extract of L. javanica (0.01 ± 0.64 μg/mL) and hexane extract of L. wilmsii (0.03 ± 0.31 μg/mL) were the most cytotoxic.

In vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims and Hypoxis colchicifolia Baker used traditionally against cancer in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death both in developed and developing countries and was responsible for the loss of 9.6 million lives in 2018 alone. Development of drug resistant strains of cancer has hampered cancer therapy. Worldwide, plants have been reported to play a major role in the traditional treatment of cancer. Irinotecan, paclitaxel, and vincristine are some of the examples of plant derived compounds that are used as anticancer agents. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims and Hypoxis colchicifolia Baker, two plants used in South African traditional medicine for treating cancer. Acetone, ethanol, and water (hot and cold) extracts were screened against four human cancer lines (breast MCF-7, colorectal Caco-2, lung A549 and cervical Hela) for anticancer potential. Two normal cells; Vero monkey kidney and bovine dermis were used to test for cytotoxicity, and Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 were used to determine genotoxicity of the samples. The acetone extract of P. viridiflorum had significant cytotoxicity against the cancer cells (MCF7, Caco-2, A549 and Hela) with LC50 values ranging from 3.16–26.87 μg/ml. The same extract had noteworthy anti-inflammatory activity against 15-lipoxygenase with IC50 value = 5.01 μg/ml and was not toxic against Vero and bovine dermis cells nor was it genotoxic. This warrants further extensive study to determine the mechanism of action of anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities as well as to identify specific compounds responsible for the observed activities.

A Review of Plants Used in South African Traditional Medicine for the Management and Treatment of Hypertension

South Africa contains 9% of the world's higher plants, and despite its rich biodiversity, it has one of the highest prevalence of hypertension in Africa. This review provides information on medicinal plants embraced in South Africa for hypertension management, with the aim of reporting pharmacological information on the indigenous use of these plants as antihypertensives. This review not only focuses on the activity of antihypertensive medicinal plants but also reports some of its phytochemical constituents and other ethnopharmacological and therapeutic properties. Information obtained from scientific and or unpublished databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, SciFinder, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and various books revealed 117 documented antihypertensive plant species from 50 families. Interestingly, Asteraceae topped the list with 16 species, followed by Fabaceae with 8species; however, only 25% of all plant species have demonstrated antihypertensive effects originating from both in vitro and in vivo studies, lending credence to their folkloric use. Only 11 plant species reportedly possess antihypertensive properties in animal models, with very few species subjected to analytical processes to reveal the identity of their bioactive antihypertensive compounds. In this review, we hope to encourage researchers and global research institutions (universities, agricultural research councils, and medical research councils), particularly those showing an interest in natural products, for the need for concerted efforts to undertake more studies aimed at revealing the untapped potential of these plants. These studies are very important for the development of new pharmaceuticals of natural origin useful for the management of hypertension.

Biological activities, safety evaluation and phytochemical analysis of grasses used in South African traditional medicine

Biological activities, safety evaluation and phytochemical analysis of grasses used in South African traditional medicine

Ethnobotanical survey and antibacterial screening of medicinal grasses in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken from May 2015 to May 2016 to identify grasses used in traditional medicine in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Indigenous knowledge was obtained from sixty traditional healers through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Thereafter, the different grass species were collected and identified at the herbarium at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Voucher specimens were also kept for preservation and future material reference. The survey revealed that 13 grass species are used for medicinal purposes; these grasses are mostly used as mixtures with other medicinal plants. The documented grass species are mostly used to cure skin diseases, body pains, urinary tract infections, teething troubles, body cleansing, skin diseases, bleeding and eye infections. In this study, the most commonly and frequently mentioned grass species were the Cymbopogon species which are used for skin disease and body cleansing. The 13 grass species identified were evaluated for antibacterial activity against six bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, drug resistant S. aureus, drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis). Coix lacryma-jobi root and leaf hexane extracts, Setaria megaphylla root dichloromethane extract and Cynodon dactylon whole plant hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts had the highest antibacterial activity (0.6 mg/ml) against S. aureus. Cymbopogon species root (dichloromethane) extract had moderate activity (1.3 mg/ml) against three bacterial strains (S. aureus, multi-drug-resistant E. coli and E. faecalis). Overall, these findings partially validate the use of grasses in South African traditional medicine and highlight their potential as remedies against bacterial-related infections.

Acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of the tuber of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn in Wistar rats.

Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn (Cucurbitaceae) is used in South African traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia as an emetic, purgative and diuretic, and it is used against dropsy in the management of obesity. Aim of the study In this study, acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of K. africanatuber was evaluated in male and female Wistar rats in order to assess its safety profile. Materials and methods In acute toxicity, the effects of a single oral dose (2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg) of aqueous extract was determined in both sexes. General behavior, adverse effects and mortality were determined for 3 h and then periodically for 14 days. The subchronic toxicity test was performed in rats. The effects of the extract in daily single oral administration at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg for 28 days were determined. Food and water intakes were monitored daily while body weight was monitored on a weekly bases. Hematological, biochemical and organ parameters were determined at the end of the 28-day administration. Results In the acute study, a single administration of the aqueous extract at the doses of 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg did not induce mortality. Thus, the LD50 of the aqueous extract of K. africana (AEKA) has been estimated to be higher than 5,000 mg/kg. In the subchronic study, daily oral administration of the AEKA did not result in death of the rats or significant changes in hematological or biochemical parameters at the highest dose of 600 mg/kg. No alteration was observed in body weight, food and water intake. Liver, kidney and heart histopathology did not reveal morphological alteration. Conclusions The results showed that the aqueous tuber extract of K. africana did not cause any death, nor did it cause abnormalities in necropsy and histopathology findings. There were no acute or subchronic toxicity observed, and this indicates that the plant extract could be considered safe for oral medication.

Possible roles of <i>Eucomis autumnalis</i> in bone and cartilage regeneration: A review

In response to the recent alarming prevalence of cancer, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders, the study of anti-inflammatory and anticancer crude medicinal plant extracts has gained considerable attention. Eucomis autumnalis is a native flora of South Africa with medicinal value. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor/cancer, anti-oxidative and antihistaminic characteristics and produces bulb that have therapeutic value in South African traditional medicine. Despite the widely acclaimed therapeutic values of Eucomis autumnalis, its proper identification and proper knowledge, morphogenetic factors are yet to be efficiently evaluated. Similar to other plants with the same characteristics, E. autumnalis extract may stimulate bone formation and cartilage regeneration by virtue of its anti-inflammatory properties. This review provides data presented in the literature and tries to evaluate the three subspecies of E. autumnalis, highlighting their geographical location in South African provinces, their toxicity effects, as well as their phytochemistry and anti-inflammatory properties. Biologically active components, pharmacological importance and some environmental factors that can affect E. autumnalis are presented. The review also discussed the novel potential roles of E. autumnalis in regenerative medicine. Proper knowledge of the E. autumnalis plant and its possible role in bone and cartilage regeneration will help in addressing and clarifying its use in the production of drugs and for other therapeutic purposes, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Keywords : Medicinal plants, inflammatory diseases, toxicity, phytochemicals, bone regeneration

Ethnopharmacological use of potassium permanganate in South African traditional medicine.

Potassium permanganate (KMnO4), which is widely available, is often used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) in South Africa (SA) without taking its potentially harmful properties into account. The crystalline KMnO4 salt is sold at traditional medicine markets and shops throughout SA. However, to date, traditional uses of KMnO4 remain undocumented. To describe KMnO4 use by THPs in KwaZulu-Natal, SA. This sub-study is part of a larger study investigating substances used in SA traditional medicine that are collectively known as imikhando in isiZulu - literally translated as 'ore'. THPs (N=201) were interviewed in the local language (isiZulu) by trained interviewers. Information on the reasons for using/not using KMnO4, the source of information on its use and modes of administration were collected. KMnO4 was used as a constituent of traditional medicine by 158 (79%) THPs. Their knowledge of KMnO4 use was acquired predominantly from fellow THPs (n=134; 85%). Reasons for use included skin rash or wounds (n=99, 63%) and to treat aches, pains and swelling (n=74; 47%). The main modes of administration were in the bath (n=94; 60%), orally (n=67; 42%) and in herbal compresses (n=66; 42%). The principal reason of the 43 THPs for not administering KMnO4 was not knowing how to use it (n=29; 71%). This study has identified traditional medicine users at risk of manganese toxicity owing to commonly used sociocultural practices. In particular, reports of oral ingestion and use in enemas are cause for concern. This public health issue needs regulatory measures and education programmes to enlighten the population against possible harm caused by KMnO4 exposure.

Ethnopharmacological use of potassium permanganate in South African traditional medicine

Ethnopharmacological use of potassium permanganate in South African traditional medicine