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Background: Poisonous snake envenomation is a complex neglected health problem implicated for the mortality, disability, psychological morbidity and socio-economic losses recorded worldwide. Antivenin sera, the only medically recommended treatment for snakebites has several drawbacks such as hypersensitivity, inability to prevent local tissue damag...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... herbal remedies are primarily from roots (47.4%) and leaves (27.7%) (Figure 2) of herbs (117 species, 33%), trees (114 species, 32%) and shrubs (102 species, 29%) ( Figure 3). In contrast, generative parts such as fruits, seeds, buds, bulbs and flowers which are known for accumulating phytochemicals are not often used and this is in congruence with reports from other countries [105,106]. ...
Citations
... Despite this, there is still an important gap in the literature regarding these herbal remedies' phytochemical composition and safety evaluations (Mokua et al., 2021). Moreover, producing and using plant-based antivenoms is challenging without empirical validation (Omara et al., 2021). ...
Snakebites are a severe medical and social issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries with minimal medical facilities, where the most dangerous snakes are found. Worldwide, most rural areas use medicinal plants alone or in combination as antidotes for snakebite treatment. Local knowledge of medicinal plants for snakebite treatment plays a more critical role in primary healthcare services in rural areas. As a result of this review, it is revealed that 39% of herbs, 38% of shrubs, 18% of trees, 2% of climbers, 2% of bulbs, and 1% of ferns have snake antivenom potential, which is indicative of the presence of numerous phytochemicals such as alkaloids, coumarins, curcuminoids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, and cinnamic acid in particular plants. According to the availability of information, the data focus on the plants, their families, and their parts from various literature sources. In the future, the valuable plants reported here and their phytoconstituents may be potential sources for developing effective natural drugs for snake bite treatments. Therefore, this review is a comprehensive study of the snake antivenom potential of various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds.
... This is the first report on M. bengalensis, a species previously limited to Manipur and Meghalaya with scarce data. In India, 16 taxa of the Maesa genus are documented, with Maesa indica known for its edible fruits and Maesa lanceolata used in treating snake bites 4 . Motivated by traditional knowledge, this study scientifically evaluates M. bengalensis for its nutritional, anti-nutritional, antioxidant, and toxicity properties. ...
... Nevertheless, the literature still lacks a thorough examination of the phytochemical composition and safety assessments of these herbal treatments, which is a notable deficiency [44,45]. Furthermore, the use of traditional knowledge without empirical confirmation and the lack of regulated extraction procedures and doses make the creation of plant-based antivenoms more challenging [46,47]. The need for regional cooperation in addressing these difficulties is clear, as is the requirement for a strong and customized pharmaceutical research and development process for snakebite envenomation therapies [48,49]. ...
Snakebite envenomation is a critical public health issue, especially in tropical regions like India, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. This review explores the potential of ethnomedicinal herbs as adjunct therapies to conventional antivenoms, addressing challenges such as the high cost, limited availability, and side effects of traditional antivenoms. The study emphasizes regional and species-specific variations in snake venom that complicate antivenom development and highlights the pharmacological potential of certain medicinal plants in mitigating venom effects. These plants offer an affordable, accessible alternative, though their efficacy can vary due to regional venom differences. Additionally, the review discusses the role of bioinformatics in advancing antivenom research, aiming to combine traditional knowledge with modern science to develop effective and accessible snakebite treatments in resource-limited settings.
... Although not reported as medicinal plants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), three of the fourteen taxa; Indigofera capitata, Baccharoides adoensis, and Erigeron bonariensis, are reported as medicinal plants in other African regions. In Nigeria [144] and, in Uganda [145], powder from Indigofera capitata is employed as a remedy for snakebites, while in the Republic of Congo, the dried infrutescences of this plant are utilized for their hallucinogenic properties [146]. In Zimbabwe, Baccharoides adoensis is traditionally employed for the treatment of fever, upper respiratory tract infections, and currently for tuberculosis [147]. ...
Background
A variety of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the management of hemorrhoidal diseases. However, no investigation has been conducted to gather the knowledge required for this type of management in the region. The present study was conducted to inventory the plants used in Lubumbashi to treat hemorrhoidal diseases and to relate their ethnomedical characteristics.
Methods
This study was conducted between March 2022 and February 2023 by interviews using semi-structured questionnaire with households (n = 1520), herbalists (n = 25), and traditional healers: THs (n = 59).
Results
The 1,604 respondents (sex ratio M/F = 0.9; mean age: 56 ± 3 years; experience: 12 ± 3 years) provided information on 100 taxa, 84 of which are used against internal hemorrhoids, Phyllanthus amarus being the most cited (Citation Index, CI: 0.76). Most of them are trees (38%) or shrubs (32%), belonging to 90 genera and 45 families dominated by the Fabaceae (10%) and Asteraceae (9%). They are indicated in 76 other pathologies, dominated by gastrointestinal disorders (GID), wounds and sexually transmitted infections (CI > 0.57). From these 100 taxa, 117 anti-hemorrhoidal formulations were derived, 11 of which combined more than one plant. In all these recipes, the leaf is the most commonly used part (> 60%) and the liniment (> 45%) is the most popular form of application. For the first time, this study reports 14 taxa as plants used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Among these taxa, Ficus stuhlmannii, Ficus laurifolia, and Ocimum centraliafricanum are listed as medicinal plants for the first time. Khaya nyasica, and Syzygium cordatum, each with 11 uses, have the highest traditional medicinal value.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that a significant number of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the treatment of hemorrhoidal diseases. Some of these plants are endemic to the biodiversity area, while others are shared with other cultures and regions. A series of pharmacological studies is currently underway with the objective of validating the anti-hemorrhoidal properties of these plants and in order to identify phytochemical compounds responsible of this activity.
Graphical Abstract
... Of the 14 taxa initially reported by this study as plants with anti-hemorrhoidal uses in Katanga, a literature search revealed that only eight taxa, namely Acmella caulirhiza [135] [141] and, in Uganda [142], powder from Indigofera capitata is employed as a remedy for snakebites, while in the Republic of Congo, the dried infrutescences of this plant are utilized for their hallucinogenic properties [143]. In Zimbabwe, Baccharoides adoensis is traditionally employed for the treatment of fever, upper respiratory tract infections, and currently for tuberculosis [144]. ...
Background
A variety of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the management of hemorrhoidal diseases. However, no investigation has been conducted to gather the knowledge required for this type of management in the region. The present study was conducted to inventory the plants used in Lubumbashi to treat hemorrhoidal diseases and to relate their ethnomedical characteristics.
Methods
This study was conducted between March 2022 and February 2023 using semi-structured interviews with households (n = 1520), herbalists (n = 25), and traditional healers : THs (n = 59).
Results
The 1,604 respondents (sex ratio M/F = 0.9; mean age: 56 ± 3 years; experience: 12 ± 3 years) provided information on 100 taxa, 84 of which are used against internal hemorrhoids, Phyllanthus amarus being the most cited (Citation Index, CI: 0.76). Most of them are trees (38%) or shrubs (32%), belonging to 90 genera and 45 families dominated by the Fabaceae (10%) and Asteraceae (9%). They are indicated in 76 other pathologies, dominated by gastrointestinal disorders (GID), wounds and sexually transmitted infections (CI > 0.57). From these 100 taxa, 117 anti-hemorrhoidal formulations were derived, 11 of which combined more than one plant. In all these recipes, the leaf is the most commonly used part (> 60%) and the liniment (> 45%) is the most popular form of application. For the first time, this study reports 14 taxa as plants used in the treatment of hemorrhoids for which some evidence of hemorrhoidal activity has been reported. Among these taxa, Ficus stuhlmannii, Ficus laurifolia, and Ocimum centraliafricanum are listed as medicinal plants for the first time. Khaya nyasica, and Syzygium cordatum, each with 11 uses, have the highest traditional medicinal value.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that a significant number of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the treatment of hemorrhoidal diseases. Some of these plants are endemic to the biodiversity area, while others are shared with other cultures and regions. A series of pharmacological studies is currently underway with the objective of validating the anti-hemorrhoidal properties of these plants and in order to identify phytochemical compounds responsible of this activity.
... In the majority of cases, the informants have accumulated over 11 years of experience in the use of medicinal plants (Table 6). Nigeria [142] and, in Uganda [143], powder from Indigofera capitata is employed as a remedy for snakebites, while in the Republic of Congo, the dried infrutescences of this plant are utilized for their hallucinogenic properties [144]. In Zimbabwe, Baccharoides adoensis is traditionally employed for the treatment of fever, upper respiratory tract infections, and currently for tuberculosis [145]. ...
Background: A variety of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the management of hemorrhoidal diseases. However, no investigation has been conducted to gather the knowledge required for this type of management in the region. The present study was conducted to inventory the plants used in Lubumbashi to treat hemorrhoidal diseases and to relate their ethnomedical characteristics.
Methods: This study was conducted between March 2022 and February 2023 using semi-structured interviews with households (n=1520), herbalists (n=25), and traditional healers : THs (n=59).
Results: The 1,604 respondents (sex ratio M/F = 0.9; mean age: 56 ± 3 years; experience: 12 ± 3 years) provided information on 100 taxa, 84 of which are used against internal hemorrhoids, Phyllanthus amarus being the most cited (Citation Index, CI: 0.76). Most of them are trees (38%) or shrubs (32%), belonging to 90 genera and 45 families dominated by the Fabaceae (10%) and Asteraceae (9%). They are indicated in 76 other pathologies, dominated by gastrointestinal disorders (GID), wounds and sexually transmitted infections (CI > 0.57). From these 100 taxa, 117 anti-hemorrhoidal formulations were derived, 11 of which combined more than one plant. In all these recipes, the leaf is the most commonly used part (>60%) and the liniment (>45%) is the most popular form of application. For the first time, this study reports 14 taxa as plants used in the treatment of hemorrhoids for which some evidence of hemorrhoidal activity has been reported. Among these taxa, Ficus stuhlmannii, Ficus laurifolia, and Ocimum centraliafricanum are listed as medicinal plants for the first time. Khaya nyasica, and Syzygium cordatum, each with 11 uses, have the highest traditional medicinal value.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that a significant number of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the treatment of hemorrhoidal diseases. Some of these plants are endemic to the biodiversity area, while others are shared with other cultures and regions. A series of pharmacological studies is currently underway with the objective of validating the anti-hemorrhoidal properties of these plants and in order to identify phytochemical compounds responsible of this activity.
... Experts have been looking at the flavonoids in the plant A. tetracantha to see the possibility that they may be used as a treatment for snake bites. The flavonoids luteolin, luteolin-7-diglucuronide ( Figure 28), luteolin-7-glucoside, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid, and amentoflavone are the most often found compounds in this plant 145 147 . The root of this plant contains an alkaloid substance called aconitine, which is thought to be the plant's most effective anti-venom. ...
Snakebite is a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in regions where venomous snakes are prevalent. Snakebites can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the species of snake, the amount of venom injected, and the location of the bite. Globally, an estimated 5 million people are affected by snake bites each year, according to recent statistics. Since ancient times, traditional medicinal plants have been used to cure a wide range of illnesses, including snake bites. Secondary metabolites contained in plants were efficient in reducing the effects of snake venom. Snake venom is a potent toxin that can cause severe damage to the human body, affecting the nervous system, cardiovascular system, or both. Symptoms can range from mild swelling to life-threatening paralysis, respiratory failure, and hemorrhage. Enzyme activity is inhibited by flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which additionally hinder blood from clotting and lessen inflammation. Treatments for snake bites that are more beneficial and less hazardous could result from the isolation and synthesis of natural drugs. With the use of cutting-edge scientific methods, we can maximize their potential and use their secondary metabolites to develop novel medications and therapies. The study of these plants and their potential uses in contemporary medicine requires more funding and investigation. This will advance our knowledge of these plants and help us create cures for some of the most lethal diseases.
... Approximately 100,000 victims die among 2.7 million snakebite victims each year. According to WHO's report, around 80% of the population throughout the world depend on traditional medicine to get rid of numerous ailments [14]. Fortunately, WHO took an initiative to lessen the snakebiteinduced mortality and disabilities worldwide to 50% by 2030 [15]. ...
Bangladesh is abundant in medicinal plants. The bioactive compounds in medicinal plants provide novel therapeutic opportunity of improving human health. But the benefit-risk balance is usually less considered during formulation of traditional medicine. However, the plants included in this study were not studied before regarding their hemolytic and anti-venom properties. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate and compare the hemolytic activity, antioxidant activity, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme neutralization efficacy of aqueous and methanolic extracts of eight known medicinal plants including Asparagus racemosus (root), Withania somnifera (root), Syzygium cumini (leaf), Psidium guajava (leaf), Basella alba (leaf and seed), Morus indica (leaf), M. laevigata (leaf), and M. latifolia (leaf). The results of the hemolytic activity test suggested that the methanolic extracts of S. cumini, P. guajava, B. alba (leaf and seed), M. indica, M. laevigata, and M. latifolia showed significantly higher hemolytic activity compared to their aqueous extracts. The methanolic extracts of A. racemosus, W. somnifera, P. guajava, M. laevigata, and M. latifolia showed remarkable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the results of the PLA2 enzyme neutralization activity test revealed that both aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. guajava, S. cumini, and B. alba (leaf) have significant PLA2 neutralization capacity. Altogether, the aqueous extracts of all plants, except A. racemosus root, have ignorable hemolytic effect. Both of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of M. latifolia showed the maximum antioxidant activity. Additionally, P. guajava and S. cumini leaf aqueous extracts have promising PLA2 inhibitory effect which may become the potential source of bioactive compounds for anti-venom drug development.
... Other maladies and conditions for which fewer use reports were obtained and species cited are nonetheless highly significant in terms of their mortality or morbidity, notably including snakebite-responsible for an estimated 32,000 annual deaths across sub-Saharan Africa (a quarter of the global total), leaving as many as 100,000 survivors with permanent physical disabilities [117]. The health burden on survivors of snakebite may involve hemorrhage, tetanus, contractures (debilitating stiffening of muscle or connective tissue), myonecrosis (life-threatening muscle infection), scarring, and tissue inflammation that result from the bites [118], resulting in 5000-15,000 amputations annually [119]. ...
... Horse-derived antivenin sera comprise the sole medical treatment for snakebite-but these are highly perishable, are unable to prevent local tissue damage, can induce adverse reactions including anaphylactic shock, and are scarce and unaffordable in the rural areas where nearly all envenomation occurs [118]. A 2018 study decried a compound global "crisis" of poor antivenom quality, availability and reliability of supply [120], and other authors have questioned the clinical effectiveness of available products within the Africa region in particular, as many such antivenin products were developed specifically to treat envenomation by Asian snake species [117]. ...
Background
This paper presents a comparative inventory of medicinal plant taxa and their uses by smallholder farming communities of four cultures in the Aswa River catchment of northern Uganda, situated in the eastern Sudanian savanna parkland ecotype of sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of the study was to document the ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants by the Lango, Acholi, Teso (Atesot) and Ethur (jo Abwor), in an historical moment before civil conflict and mass displacement of the respondent communities disrupted the inter-generational transmission of traditional technical knowledge within the study area.
Methods
Following community consultations in four districts of northern Uganda during 1999–2000, interviews were conducted with holders of specialist knowledge on plants used as medicine on basis of a plant specimen allocated a voucher number and identified by the national herbarium. Use reports reflecting specific medicinal applications were compiled in aggregate to obtain a Relative Importance Index ranking. The commonality of medicinal taxa cited between each cultural interface was assessed by the Jaccard Index of Similarity, and the similarity of specific medicinal usage by taxon using Rahman’s Similarity Index.
Results
The data collected from 112 respondents comprise 280 medicinal use reports describing 263 applications for 62 medical conditions, citing 108 taxa from 44 botanical families of which Fabaceae comprised 20% of all use reports. No earlier mention could be found to corroborate 72 use reports (27% of the total), representing medicinal indications as yet undocumented, and potentially worthy of investigation. The RI values ranged between 15 and 94%, with 13 taxa having RI values above 50%. The JI ratios indicate the highest degree of similarity in the plant taxa used as medicine (21%) between the Lango and Teso cultures who share a common origin; however, Rahman’s Similarity Index indicates the highest similarity of specific medicinal usage by taxon between the Lango and Acholi, who share a common language group through cultural assimilation over time.
Conclusions
As a comparative study, the results imply that cultural exchange and assimilation may be a greater driver of inter-cultural similarity of ethnopharmacological use of a given taxon, as compared to shared historical origins.
... However, some of the plants such as Abrus precatorius (roots, leaves, and seeds) cited in the EAC are known to contain highly poisonous compounds (abrine, precatorine, and hypaphorine) [139]. It could be positioned that the preparation of remedies with more than one plant and plant part or with the addition of adjuvants may be a way of masking the toxicity of the medicinal plants [36,93]. ...
Sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED), sterility, and sexual inappetence represent some of the complex reproductive challenges that require addressing the underlying causes. The aim of this paper was to systematically synthesize literature on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and safety of plants used as remedies for managing sexual dysfunction and infertility, and improving fertility and virility in the EAC. Through an extensive review conducted in multidisciplinary electronic databases, 171 plant species were identified to have been reported for the management of sexual inappetence (i.e., used as aphrodisiacs, 39.4%), ED (35.9%), infertility (18.7%), and increasing fertility (6.0%). The most used plants are Mondia whitei, Acalypha villicaulis, Combretum illairii, Erythrina abyssinica, Pappea capensis, Rhus vulgaris, and Warburgia ugandensis while roots (44.9%), leaves (21.8%), stem and root barks (16.7%) of shrubs (35%), trees (31%), herbs (26%), and climbers (8%) are the preferred organs for making decoctions (69%). The research strides to date indicate that Citropsis articulata, Cola acuminata, Ekebergia capensis, Plumbago zeylanica, Tarenna graveolens, Urtica massaica, and Zingiber officinale have been assessed for their bioactivity. The majority (71.4%) of the plants either increased testosterone levels and mounting frequency or elicited prosexual stimulatory effects in male rats. More studies investigating the relevant pharmacological activities (aphrodisiac, fertility, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitory activities), safety aspects, responsible compounds, and clinical studies are warranted to establish the pharmacological potential of the unstudied species and elucidate the mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds.
