Traditional Medical Practitioners Research Articles

The Practice and Modalities of African Traditional Medicine in Tuberculosis Treatment - A Traditional Medical Practitioners’ Perspective

Aims: This study sought to explore the role of the traditional medical practitioner (TMP) and document the modalities of tuberculosis (TB) treatment in traditional medicine (TM) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Study design: An ethnographic research survey of TMPs in Harare urban. Place and Duration of Study: Harare’s southern suburbs of Warren Park, Mufakose, Budiriro, Belvedere, Mbare (Mupedzanhamo) and Harare central business district, between April and June 2021. Methodology: Fourteen (14) experienced TB practitioners, registered with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) were recruited for the study. These included exclusive herbalists (36%), spiritualists (14%) and those who used a combination of spiritualism and herbalism (50%) in their practice. Data was collected through semi-structured in-person interviews. The practices and treatment modalities in the traditional treatment of TB were documented; and any linkages with the conventional medical system were identified. Results: Forty-six (46) plant species from 28 families were prescribed in various polyherbal combinations for a maximum of 6 months in difficult cases. TMPs were found to be relevant and knowledgeable in the treatment of TB. In addition to offering alternative or complementary treatment options to patients, TMPs were also agents of health education promotion, and collaborated to some extent with allopathic healthcare providers across the service delivery system from diagnosis to treatment of patients. Conclusion: If formalized, TMPs have the potential to make considerable contributions to TB treatment strategies and help improve treatment outcome in TB patients.

Experiences of traditional health practitioners in the management of female infertility in Harare urban areas: A qualitative study.

Female infertility is a health and social problem that traditional health practitioners (THPs) have been managing in African communities. This study explored the experiences of THPs in the management of female infertility, specifically focusing on their understanding, diagnosis, and treatment methods for female infertility. This was a qualitative study targeting six THPs in Harare urban areas registered with the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) in Zimbabwe. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were followed in the description of the study design, analysis and presentation of findings. The findings revealed that the etiology of female infertility was attributed to biomedical, lifestyle, spiritual, and male factors. Management of infertility depended on the type of THP. Spirit mediums relied on divination and dreams to diagnose and treat female infertility. Herbalists focused on the physical evidence provided by the client through history taking. THPs had a client referral system within their TMPC network. All THPs ultimately used medicinal plants for treating female infertility. THPs play an important role in the management of female infertility. Understanding their contributions to the management of female infertility provides an opportunity to obtain insight into their practices, thus identifying areas that responsible Ministries can use to strengthen traditional health care systems and ultimately improve reproductive health care for women in African communities.

Preliminary Survey on Ethnomedicinal Value of Spontaneous Urban Plants

One of the major global trends of the twenty-first century that has a big impact on our lives is urbanization. By 2050, two-thirds of the world's population, who currently make up half of the population are expected to reside in urban regions. The demands of urban environments can lead to greater poverty and environmental degradation such as poor air and water quality, shortages in water supply, waste-disposal issues, and excessive energy consumption will become worse. Additionally, urbanization encourages the invasion of non-native species by reducing the diversity of plant species, making it difficult to plant growth. Some species, however, exhibit signs of resilience to these challenges and are adaptable to the urban environment. Spontaneous Urban Plants (SUP), also known as "weeds" are frequently found in abandoned urban landscapes. They are neglected as unwelcome, unwieldy, and unkempt, but they thrive in environments where most plants cannot grow. They can grow out of cracks in the sidewalks, in the wall of a garbage ditches, or even in a tiny space inside the walls of houses. This research aims to identify the SUP species with ethnomedicinal values in urban environment. This roadside surveys were conducted to identify SUP species with ethnomedicinal values in 10 urban areas in the Galle district between January and July 2020. Open-ended and semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a total of 37 people including Ayurveda and traditional medical practitioners, community elders and people experts in plants. The acquired data were verified using the Ayurveda authentic books and reputed journals. A total of 50 plant species of 27 families were identified as SUP. Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae and Fabaceae were reported as the most represented families. The most plant species are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, followed by respiratory disorders and dermatological conditions. However, ethnomedicinal values of these SUP are yet to be revealed. 
 Keywords: Ethnomedicinal, Spontaneous urban plants, Urbanization, Weed

Review of epilepsy care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Epilepsy imposes a substantial burden on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These challenges encompass the lack of comprehensive disease surveillance, an unresolved understanding of its pathophysiology, economic barriers limiting access to essential care, the absence of epilepsy surgical capabilities, and deeply ingrained societal stigmas. Notably, the national prevalence of epilepsy remains undetermined, with research primarily concentrating on infectious factors like Onchocerca volvulus, leaving other potential causes underexplored. Most patients lack insurance, incurring out-of-pocket expenses that often lead them to opt for traditional medicine rather than clinical care. Social stigma, perpetuated by common misconceptions, intensifies the social isolation experienced by individuals living with epilepsy. Additionally, surgical interventions are unavailable, and the accessibility of anti-seizure medications and healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate. Effectively tackling these interrelated challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including conducting research into region-specific factors contributing to epilepsy, increasing healthcare funding, subsidizing the costs of treatment, deploying mobile tools for extensive screening, launching awareness campaigns to dispel myths and reduce stigma, and promoting collaborations between traditional healers and medical practitioners to enhance local understanding and epilepsy management. Despite the difficulties, significant progress can be achieved through sustained and compassionate efforts to understand and eliminate the barriers faced by epilepsy patients in the region. This review outlines essential steps for alleviating the epilepsy burden in the DRC. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: There are not enough resources to treat epilepsy in the DRC. PWEs struggle with stigma and the lack of money. Many of them still use traditional medicine for treatment and hold wrong beliefs about epilepsy. That is why there is a need for more resources to make the lives of PWEs better in the DRC.

Immunisation services in North-Eastern Nigeria: Perspectives of critical stakeholders to improve uptake and service delivery.

We investigated the perspectives of parents, health workers (HWs) and traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) on immunisation advocacy, knowledge, attitudes and immunisation practice and ways of improving immunisation uptake in Borno State, North-eastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study analysing quantitative data from the three stakeholders' categories. It was conducted across 18 local government areas of Borno State. A representative sample of 4288 stakeholders (n=1763 parents, n=1707 TMPs, and n=818 HWs aged 20 to 59years, had complete data. The sample has more males: 57.8% (Parents); 71.8% (TMPs) and 57.3% (HWs). The awareness of immunisation schedule among the stakeholders ranged from 87.2 to 93.4%. The study showed that 67.9% of the parent and 57.1% of the health workers had participated in immunisation except the TMPs (27.8%). Across the stakeholders' categories, between 61.9 and 72.6% have children who had Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI). The most common AEFI was fever. Safety concerns, preference for herbs and charm, culture and religions, and vaccination perception as a western culture were the major barriers to immunisation uptake. While 63.6 to 95.7% of respondents indicated that community leaders, religious and spiritual leaders and TMPs should be involved in immunisation advocacy, 56.9-70.4% of them reported that community leaders should be involved in immunisation policy. Upscaling the critical stakeholders' involvement in advocacy, policy development and implementation of immunization activities may improve acceptance, create demand and engender ownership in vulnerable communities of Borno State, Nigeria. AEFI could be detrimental to immunisation access and utilization. Consequently, health education by health workers needs strengthening to minimise vaccine hesitancy.

Navigating neurological disorders: harnessing the power of natural compounds for innovative therapeutic breakthroughs.

Novel treatments are needed as neurological issues become more frequent worldwide. According to the report, plants, oceans, microorganisms, and animals contain interesting drug discovery compounds. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke reviews emphasize neurological disorders' complexity and natural substances' safety. Learn about marine-derived and herbal substances' neuroprotective characteristics and applications. Molecular pathways show these substances' neurological healing effects. This article discusses clinical usage of Bryostatin-1, Fucoidan, Icariin, Salvianolic acid, Curcumin, Resveratrol, etc. Their potential benefits for asthma and Alzheimer's disease are complex. Although limited, the study promotes rigorous scientific research and collaboration between traditional and alternative medical practitioners. Unexplored natural compounds, quality control, well-structured clinical trials, and interdisciplinary collaboration should guide future study. Developing and employing natural chemicals to treat neurological illnesses requires ethical sourcing, sustainability, and public awareness. This detailed analysis covers natural chemicals' current state, challenges, and opportunities in neurological disorder treatment. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Chitosan Porphyrin Composite (CPC) as Photosensitizer in Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy for the Management of Chronic Wounds

Handling wound-related infections represent major challenges among traditional and modern medical practitioners since bacteria can easily invade the tissues and proliferate, hampering the regeneration process. Hence highly efficient photosensitizers (PS) for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) that are able to prevent infection and promote wound healing have been extensively explored in this regard. Chitosan -porphyrin composite (CPC) as a new PS for APDT were synthesis by immobilized porphyrins with different functional groups on chitosan. The structural characterization of the newly obtained PS confirmed the success of the porphyrin immobilization on the solid supports. Their photodynamic efficacy were evaluated and the results indicated that silver meso-tetra (4-methoxylphenyl) porphyrin-chitosan composite (C-AgTMPP) and silver meso-tetra (4-hydroxylphenyl) porphyrin-chitosan composite (C-AgTHPP) have the most favourable antibacterial activity against all bacterial isolates however, majority of the composites demonstrate no significant antimicrobial activity at low concentration.

Predictors of and healthcare utilisation of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in Thailand: a national cross-sectional community-based study in 2015

ObjectiveThe prevalence of depressive symptoms and healthcare utilisation among the ageing population in Thailand is unclear. The study assessed the predictors of and healthcare utilisation of depressive symptoms among an...

Challenges Associated With the Documentation and Digital Preservation of Traditional Medicine by Traditional Health Practitioners in Katsina State, Nigeria

Paper sought to explore challenges associated with the documentation and digital preservation of traditional medicine by the Traditional Medical Practitioners in Katsina State of Nigeria. Traditional Medicine is the indigenous and culturally developed response to the health problems that threaten man’s existence. Traditional medical practices are still shrouded with much secrecy, with few reports or documentations on the profession and on the other hand the adverse reactions of the medicine. In conclusion, documenting and digital preservation of traditional medical knowledge was considered the most important factor that would encourage patronisers to use the medicine and the ascendants’ of the traditional medical practitioners to continue with the practice.

Exploration for analysis of medicinal foods used to manage dyslipidaemia in Sri Lankan traditional medicine

The medicinal foods used to manage non-communicable diseases in Sri Lankan traditional medicine are slowly but steadily disappearing from the country due to many reasons. This study is the first stage of the research project aimed to explore and analyze the medicinal foods used to manage dyslipidaemia in traditional medical practices of Sri Lanka. A qualitative study covering the whole island was conducted cross-sectionally, supplemented by a document review including ancient textbooks and talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera) leaf manuscripts. The study included all the registered traditional medical practitioners of the country, more than 55 years of age. Practitioners with poor memory and feeble health and those who were not in current practice were excluded. The first participant was selected purposively and the rest by using the snowball sampling technique. The investigator administered, validated, open-ended, semistructured questionnaire was the tool used, and the interviews were conducted face to face or using either telephone, zoom, or WhatsApp technology. The saturation was achieved by the 25th participant and data were analysed using the framework analysis technique. Nine medicinal foods including three herbal congees, one herbal beverage, one green leaf salad, and four curry preparations with antidyslipidaemic effects were explored. Sri Lankan native medicine possesses many medicinal foods with antidyslipidaemic effects and they should be explored, scientifically studied, and used as evidence-based management for the smooth control of diabetes mellitus.

A prospective observational study of optimal acupoint selection on patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), which include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD), are common gastrointestinal (GI) diseases that have a large financial impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). Traditional Korean medicine has a particular diagnostic pattern for treating FGIDs. However, FGIDs have not been thoroughly explored because of their complexity. In this proposed study, we will investigate the acupoint selection pattern for FGID patients with various disease patterns, and further determine the best acupoints for treating FGID patients using a machine-learning algorithm. We will collect clinical data from 15 multi-center Korean medical clinics that treat FGID as part of an observational study registry. Patients who meet the criteria will be added to the registry after screening. They will receive a maximum 4-week treatment, and they will respond 3 times to a series of questions. We will investigate how doctors of FGID patients with diverse disease patterns choose the acupoints, and we will use a machine learning technique to identify the best acupoints for treating FGID patients. This will be the first multi-center observational registry study to assess how traditional Korean medical practitioners diagnose and treat patients in the real world. The findings will shed light on how traditional Korean medicine treats FGIDs and demonstrate the rationale for the diagnostic and acupuncture treatment flow.

Ethnobiological Investigation of Plant Utilization for the Purpose of Arthritis Management in Nyamira North Sub-County of Nyamira County, Kenya

Traditional medical practices are common among many Kenyan communities, with herbal remedies consistently employed for arthritis treatment, despite the increased availability of conventional medicines. Therefore, it is of paramount significance to document these plants as a means of preserving the cultural knowledge of traditional medicines. Aim of the Study: The study aimed to identify and document medicinal plants utilized by traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) in Nyamira North Sub- County, Nyamira County. Materials and Methods: A field study was conducted in Nyamira North Sub- County. Thirty-six TMPs were selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Information regarding the plants used was collected and documented. Frequency tables and data triangulation were employed to present the collected data. Results: A total of 48 species of medicinal plants belonging to 30 families and covering 38 genera were identified for use in managing arthritis. Thirty plant species were found to have reports of similar use in the literature, while 18 species were being reported for the first time regarding their use in arthritis. The most encountered families were Asteraceae (16.67%), Solanaceae (8.33%), and Fabaceae (6.25%). Most of the growth forms used were shrubs (46%), followed by herbs (31%), trees (15%), and climbers (8%). The most frequently used plant parts were the root/root backs (56%), followed by the leaves (20%), stem bark (14%), and the whole plant (8%). Conclusion: The present study identified and documented, for the first time, medicinal plants used to treat arthritis in the study area. It also revealed that eighteen (37.5%) of the traditional herbal remedies used to treat arthritis in the study area have not been reported in the literature. However, thirty (62.5%) are reported in the literature for similar use in other communities.

The Effects of Traditional Medical Practices on Health Care Delivery System in Nigeria. Quantitative Case Study of Ibiaku Issiet Community of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This research investigates the factors influencing the persistent use of traditional medicine and its implications for the acceptance and utilization of modern healthcare in the urban local government area of Ibiaku Issiet, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Sociologists and medical sociologists have expressed concerns about the continued reliance on traditional healers, which often disregards modern scientific methods and facilities. A sample of 150 respondents was randomly selected, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The study reveals that the high cost of modern healthcare is a significant challenge rural dwellers face, leading them to seek more affordable traditional medicine. Traditional remedies have effectively catered to the sociocultural preferences and aspirations associated with modern medical care. Nigeria's socio-economic and sociocultural context, characterized by beliefs in witchcraft, spirits, and gods as causes of diseases, make eradicating this deeply rooted cultural heritage futile. Consequently, individuals are more likely to prefer modern medicine to traditional treatment methods. Based on the findings, it is recommended that traditional medicine be granted legal recognition and co-recognition as an official healthcare system in Nigeria. There is a pressing need to enhance the status, funding, and facilities of traditional medical clinics and practitioners and develop comprehensive training programs.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Some Medicinal Plants used in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Traditional use of plants for medicine has been an agelong practice among different ethnicities of the globe before the advent of modern medicine. A study was conducted among the people of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, to find out the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the traditional medical practitioners in the area for the purpose of documenting the available information relating to medicinal plants. Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area comprise of 73 communities, out of which 32 (44%) communities were selected using stratified random sampling. Ethnobotanical data was collected using closed-end questionnaire, group discussion and guided field walk. A total of 500 questionnaire were administered to 37 local herb sellers, 144 traditional medical practitioner and 318 other local informants. Questionnaires used for the interview was divided into Part A & B; A containing demographic information of respondent and part B contained information on medicinal plant such as plant local name, life form, part of plant used, ailments treated, method of preparation, mode of administration, dosage etc. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical method. The investigation revealed that 111 plant species belonging to 53 families are used for the prevention and treatment of 80 ailments. 22.64% of the plant species use for medicinal purpose belong to the ‘’Fabaceae’’ family. The most common of traditional medicinal preparation and administration methods were decoction and oral administration among others. The study revealed that the most of the traditional medicine knowledge in the area is still strictly held in secrecy, with the older generation being the major practitioners. This greatly puts the knowledge of the medicine plants at risk of being eroded in the near future and therefore requires an urgent need for more documentations.

조선종두령(1923)의 시행과 식민지 조선의 두창 통제

This paper examines changes made to the smallpox vaccination policy implemented by the Japanese Government-General of Korea to control the smallpox epidemic in colonial Korea, and analyzes the operation and effectiveness of the policy. To this end, I look into the background of the enactment of the smallpox vaccination regulation promulgated in 1923 and what the Japanese Government-General of Korea recognized as essential in revising the regulation.
 In 1923, the Japanese Government-General of Korea enacted a regulation called Joseon Jongduryeong to emphasize the necessity of smallpox vaccination and to actively implement vaccination by presenting scientific grounds. It was a revision of the existing regulation and based on the Japanese rule (Shutorei) enacted in 1909. The revision changed the period, subject, and number of doses for vaccination. It reflected the analysis of vaccination results and immunity conducted in Japan, and the geographical conditions of colonial Korea. In addition, due to the shortage of doctors and traditional medical practitioners, Vaccination Practitioners (Jongdusisulsaeng) played a significant role in implementing public smallpox vaccination. This inherited a part of the previous system (Jongduinheowon).
 Vaccination Practitioners were the main agents to implement temporary and special smallpox vaccinations, as well as regular ones. However, their vaccination techniques were difficult to trust because becoming a vaccination practitioner did not require any special skills, and they were trained only for a short time in learning to vaccinate for smallpox. As the smallpox epidemic re-emerged in the 1930s and 1940s, their role expanded inevitably. Therefore, it might be possible that management after smallpox vaccination was not strictly carried out.
 The Japanese Government-General of Korea was aware that vaccination practitioners were not ideal agents to implement smallpox vaccination, but had no choice but to use them amid a lack of medical personnel. However, it trusted the effectiveness of smallpox vaccines developed in Japan. Therefore, rather than focusing on securing a positive reaction (善感), it aimed to prevent the spread of the epidemic by vaccinating more people, more often.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Commonly Used by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Sindhudurg Region, India

The traditional healers in Sindhudurg region practice plantbased therapy to manage various health conditions. The present investigation aims to represent the ethnobotanical knowledge of different Traditional practitioners. Sindhudurg is rich in flora and fauna. Traditional practitioners have wide and in-depth knowledge of plants and their medicinal use. They use these plants to treat various ailments. The Present paper provides information on the traditional uses of medicinal plants found in Sindhudurg District.An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to record information on medicinal plants from traditional medical practitioners in Sindhudurg.Traditional Medical Practitioners,the primary informants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and open-ended conversations. The survey identified and recorded 100 plant species along with their medicinal uses.

Phytotherapy for Sexually Transmitted Infections In ThabaNchu, Free State Province, South Africa

Medicinal plants have been prescribed by traditional healers for the treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) for years. This study documents therapeutic plants used against STI’s in Thaba ‘Nchu, South Africa. Information was gathered through semi-structured interviews with traditional medical practitioners between March and December 2017. Information on medicinal plants, their local names, and their uses against STI’s was gathered. The use value (UV) of the plant species, frequency of citation (FC) and the informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated for the plants and STIs included in the study. Plants were used to treat infections such Herpes zoster (ICF=0.4) as gonorrhoea (ICF=0.11), vaginosis (ICF=0.2), symptoms of HIV/AIDS (ICF=0.1) and pubic lice (ICF=0.1). A total of 35 plant species were identified for the treatment of STIs. Most medicinal plants in the study area came from the families Asteraceae (21%), Fabaceae (17%), Solanaceae (13%) and Hyacinthaceae (13%). Bulbinenarcissifolia, Pentanisiaprunelloides, Hypoxishemerocallidea, Scabiosa columbaria, Xysmalobiumundulatum Rumex lanceolatus, Eucomisautumnalis, Dicomaanomalaand Salvia runcinatawere frequently used. The preferred method for preparation of remedies were decoctions made from the roots (72%), whole plant (17%), leaves (7%), fruits (2%) and bark (2%) which were consumed orally.This study contributes to the documentation of plants used for STIs to conserve the information for future generations. A selection from the most frequently mentioned plants for treatment of STI’s may be used for further phytopharmacological investigations and subsequently be used for the development of new antimicrobial agents for global use and for the socioeconomic development of local communities.

Tuberculosis management and referral practices among traditional medicine practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria.

Despite the potential role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Traditional Healers (THs), little is known about their knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) management and referral practices in Nigeria. To determine knowledge and self-reported practices of traditional birth attendants and traditional healers in managing TB in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 120 THs and TBAs in three high TB burden Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected between April 2018 to September 2018 through interviewer-administered questionnaires. We used Statistical Package for Social Sciences software for data analyses. Independent predictors of being TBA or TH were determined using logistic regression at the statistical significance of P<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. TB knowledge increased from 52.7% pre-test to 61.7% post-test and did not differ between TBAs and THs. Of the 120 Traditional Medical Practitioners studied, 70% (84) never treated TB; 57.3 % (69) ever referred chronic cough patients to a health facility; 90% (108) were willing to collaborate with National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), 85% (102) attached monetary and token incentive as a condition for the collaboration. THs had decreased odds of ever referring TB patient to the hospital (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI:0.14-0.64, P=0.002); currently referring TB patients (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI:0.02-0.17, P<0.0001) and consulting <40 patients in a year (AOR: 0.22,95% CI:0.09-0.53, P<0.0001). Majority of the THs and TBAs were willing to collaborate with NTBLCP in the identification and referral of Presumptive TB patients. We suggest that NTBLCP empowers the TBAs and THs to help with an early referral of TB patients.

ETHNO MEDICINAL SURVEY AND EVALUATION OF TWO RECIPES USED IN MANAGING SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN ILE-IFE COMMUNITY OF OSUN-STATE, NIGERIA.

Background: Ethno-medicinal survey of herbal recipes used in managing sickle cell disease in Ile-Ife, Osun-State, Nigeria was carried out and two recipes selected for antisickling studies. Materials and Methods: Information was obtained using semi-structured questionnaires and open interview from respondents consisting of herb sellers, traditional medical practitioners, artisans and traders in two local government areas of Ife. Two recipes from the survey were selected for antisickling studies. Aqueous extract of each recipe was obtained by boiling the constituents in water for 1 h while the hydro ethanolic extracts were obtained by maceration in 70% ethanol for 72 h. Inhibitory and reversal antisickling properties were assessed using sodium metabisulphite as deoxygenating agent, vanillic acid (inhibitory agent), para-hydroxybenzoic (reversal agent) acid as positive controls while phosphate buffered saline was employed as negative control. Results: Fifty four recipes comprising forty six plants were obtained from the ethno-medicinal survey. The respondents comprised of 44% men and 56% women. The most frequently and commonly used plants belong to family Fabaceae. The inhibitory and reversal activities of the aqueous extract of recipe 1 (81.37± 1.09%, 88.56 ±1.38% respectively) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher than recipe 2 (78.51 ± 0.78% inhibition and 79.8 ± 2.16% reversal) at same concentration. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of recipes 1 and 2 gave highest inhibitory activities at 0.5 mg/mL (69.25 ±1.30% and 68.28 ±2.78% respectively). Conclusion: This study documented the medicinal plants and recipes used in Ile-Ife for managing sickle cell disease, and validated the ethno-medicinal claim of two recipes.

Ethnobotanical Survey, Physiochemical Composition and Preliminary Cytotoxic Evaluation of some Medicinal Plants with Anticancer Potential from Certain Areas in South-West Nigeria

Aims: Medicinal plants used by traditional medical practitioners (TMP) to treat cancers are considered safe when used alone or combined with conventional therapy to ensure their effectiveness and eliminate the toxic effects of orthodox medicines. Using cytotoxic and antioxidant studies, the study attempted to assess some of the commonly used medicinal plants used to cure cancer among Yoruba people in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Lagos (South-West, Nigeria).&#x0D; Study Design: Samples of commonly utilized anticancer plants obtained from the chosen areas using physical and virtual oral seminars were studied for physiochemical composition and a possible antioxidant and cytotoxic potential to validate the basis for the use of the selected anticancer plants.&#x0D; Methodology: Online academic literature searches were done on the cited plants to identify the already-exploited anticancer plants. The ethanolic extracts of the plant were examined for the presence of bioactive components and their total flavonoid content, with focusing on quercetin detection using thin layer bioautography (TLB) and brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) for cytotoxicity. In comparison to quercetin and ascorbic acid, the scavenging of superoxide radical (SOR), hydrogen peroxide, and 2, 2-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical activity by a model (most biologically active) of the anticancer plant was also evaluated.&#x0D; Results: There were only twelve anticancer species that were not used in related studies: Lannea egregia, Ficus exasperate, Croton zambesicus, Tetrapleurai tetraptera, Terminalia catappa, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Plumbago zelanica, Hilleria latifolia, Bryophyllum pinntum, Chromolena odorata, Brysocarpus coccineus and Spondias mombin. The anticancer plants contained bioactive and mineral substances like saponins, protein, lipids, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and a decreased Na/K concentration. The plants had a fair amount of flavonoids and variable levels of cytotoxicity. L. egeregia was regarded as the prototype of the anticancer species due to its profound flavonoid concentration (85.40 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity (9.46 µg/mL) compared to other extracts. The TLB also demonstrated the presence of quercetin, with a dose-dependent antioxidant property. The anticancer model's overall antioxidant activity (34.72 µg/mL) was slightly lower than quercetin (30.44 µg/mL) but higher than ascorbic acid (41.68 µg/mL).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results support the traditional use of anticancer species as nutritional and dietary supplements, whose bioactive compounds are relevant in managing cancer patients. The plant’s bioactive principles need to be characterized in future research.