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An ethnobotanical survey of southern African Menispermaceae
Abstract
The family Menispermaceae is highly specialized in its rich diversification of biologically active bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Because of this richness the family is used worldwide in traditional medicines to treat a wide variety of ailments. An ethnobotanical survey focusing specifically on the seven genera and 13 species of this family indigenous to South Africa has yielded 64 valuable anecdotes, of which 38 are new records. Cissampelos capensis [dawidjies (wortel)] is the best known and most used medicinal plant, especially by Khoisan and other rural people in the western region of South Africa. The survey had confirmed the known medicinal uses and added several additional anecdotes for this species. Although poorly recorded and hardly ever sold on traditional medicine markets, Albertisia delagoensis and Cissampelos hirta turned out to be very important in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal for treating a range of different ailments. Medicinal uses for Tiliacora funifera, Tinospora caffra and Tinospora tenera are recorded for the first time. A summary of all published and unpublished ethnobotanical information for southern African Menispermaceae is presented.
... Most of the genera are tropical, but a few, including Menispermum and Cocculus, are found in the temperate climates in eastern North America and eastern Asia (De Wet et al., 2004). Menispermaceae species are rich in alkaloids, such as benzyl tetrahydroisoquinoline and aporphine derivatives, which are popular globally for their medicinal uses (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008;Barbosa-Filho et al., 2000;De Wet, 2005). Various parts of the plants are widely used in African traditional medicine (Bouquet and Debray, 1974;Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962;Oliver-Bever, 1986). ...
... The species grows in deciduous bushland, coastal woodlands, and cultivated land (De Wet, 2005). The roots and leaves are used to treat coughs (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000;De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008), tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases (Aska and Kubmarawa, 2016). The leaves are used to treat scrofula associated with M. tuberculosis infection of the lymph nodes (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962). ...
... This species can reestablish itself when its growth is interrupted by forming an aerial root 10 m or higher above the ground and re-rooting itself (Alicia and Gillian, 2017;De Wet et al., 2016). T. fragosa is used to prevent cough and anthrax in ethnomedicine (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008;Shai et al., 2010). Previous reports revealed cytotoxic and antidiabetic effects (De Wet et al., 2009;Shai et al., 2011). ...
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a worldwide disease affecting millions of people. The rise of resistant strains, coupled with toxicity of current chemotherapy, requires effective alternatives against mycobacterial infections. Some plants from the Menispermaceae family have been used to treat tuberculosis and cough related symptoms. In this study, acetone, methanol:water (4:1), dichloromethane:methanol (1:1) and hot water extracts of different plant parts of Cissampelos owariensis, Cissampelos mucronata and Tinospora fragosa were tested against M. aurum, M. bovis, M. fortuitum, M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis using a two-fold serial microdilution assay. Cytotoxicity of the active extracts was determined against Vero and HepG2 cells. The hepatoprotective effect of the active extracts was evaluated using rifampicin and acetaminophen as toxic drugs against HepG2 cells. The hot water leaf extracts were most active with promising minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 20 and 40 µg/mL against M. smegmatis and M. fortuitum respectively. The acetone extracts of C. owariensis, C. mucronata and T. fragosa had the lowest MIC values (0.03 – 1.67 mg/mL). The root extract of C. owariensis was not toxic to Vero cells while the leaf extract was more toxic. The acetone extract of C. mucronata leaves was toxic to Vero cells but the other extracts had low toxicity. The active leaf and root extracts had protective effects on rifampicin-induced toxicity on HepG2 cells. The root extract also had a protective effect on acetaminophen-induced toxicity on HepG2 cells but the leaf extract had no protective effect. The hot water extracts of C. owariensis, C. mucronata and T. fragosa had a more protective effect on the toxin-induced cells than the acetone extracts. These results support further investigation on the bioactive compounds in these plant extracts.
... Eswatini, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania [13,18,19,21,29] Gastro-intestinal problems (diarrhoea, digestive problems, dysentery, indigestion and stomachache) ...
... Benin, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe [12][13][14][18][19][20][21]23,[30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42] Haemorrhoids ...
... Leaves and roots Angola and Benin [8,25] Headache Roots Angola, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda [13,19,21,28,43,44] Hernia Roots Tanzania [13] Heart problems Roots Ethiopia [45] Jaundice Leaves Ethiopia and Nigeria [17,18] Kidney problems Roots Ethiopia [45] Liver Ethnoveterinary medicine (amoebiasis, expel placenta, heartwater, helminthosis and rabies) ...
Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich. is a perennial climber widely used as traditional medicine in tropical Africa. This study is aimed at providing a critical review of medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. mucronata. Documented information on medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. mucronata was collected from several online sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as book chapters, books, journal articles and scientific publications obtained from the University library. The articles published between 1962 and 2020 were used in this study. This study revealed that leaves, rhizome, roots and stems, and whole plant parts of C. mucronata are mainly used as traditional medicines for sexually transmitted infections, fever, swellings, headache, respiratory problems, snakebite, malaria, pregnancy problems and gastro-intestinal problems. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycerine, glycosides, phenolics, reducing sugars, resin, saponins, steroids, tannins and triterpenes. Pharmacological research revealed that C. mucronata extracts and alkaloids isolated from the species have antibacterial, anti-mycobacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal, anti-ulcer, anti-androgenic, anti-steroidogenic, enzyme tyrosine kinase p56 inhibitory, hypoglycemic, larvicidal, molluscicidal, sedative, tocolytic, uterine relaxant and cytotoxicity activities. There is need for extensive toxicological evaluations of crude extracts and compounds isolated from the species since C. mucronata contains potentially toxic compounds
... Genus Tinospora is of the family Menispermaceae. Plants of this family are twinning and woody climbing herbs and in some rare cases, they are erect upright shrubs or small trees or lianas [6]. The leaves of the plants are petiolate, alternate spiral and the flowers are small and dioecious [6]. ...
... Plants of this family are twinning and woody climbing herbs and in some rare cases, they are erect upright shrubs or small trees or lianas [6]. The leaves of the plants are petiolate, alternate spiral and the flowers are small and dioecious [6]. The genus Tinospora comprises of 35 species: 7 found in tropical Africa, 3 in southern Africa, 2 in Madagascar and 23 in the Australia, Asia and Pacific region [6]. ...
... The leaves of the plants are petiolate, alternate spiral and the flowers are small and dioecious [6]. The genus Tinospora comprises of 35 species: 7 found in tropical Africa, 3 in southern Africa, 2 in Madagascar and 23 in the Australia, Asia and Pacific region [6]. The current review was based on the hypothesis that the Tinospora family bears a significant amount of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, phenolic substances and related compounds that possess properties such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and mitogenic agent [7]. ...
Genus Tinospora has been used in traditional medicine throughout various parts of Asia, particularly in India, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. Its ethnomedicinal uses include treatment for fever, cold, oral ulcer, headaches, diarrhoea, diabetes, digestive disorder and rheumatoid arthritis. Some of its ethnomedicinal uses have been justified via scientific studies, include antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Recently, several studies have been initiated to investigate the role of Tinospora species in wound healing. This comprehensive review used updated information obtained from systematic literature search using PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar, to assess the wound healing properties of eleven major Tinospora species namely, T. cordifolia, T. crispa, T. sagittata, T. sinensis, T. bakis, T. craveniana, T. tuberculata, T. capillipes, T. rumphii, T. smilacina, and T. baenzigeri. The information obtained revealed that only T. cordifolia and T. crispa have been reported on its wound-healing abilities. Studies demonstrated that T. cordifolia is associated with early re-epithelisation, enhanced tensile strength, increased granulation tissues and increased collagen contents. Whereas T. crispa is reported with wound healing activity through the elevated antioxidant enzymes and inflammation phase. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on phytochemical constituents from plant extracts that contribute to the wound healing process and their underlying mechanisms. This review deduced the potential gaps for future research aiming to study the genus Tinospora as a potential wound healing agent.
... Kuntze and Pentzia globosa Less. As traditional medicine for erysipelas (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962;Wet and Wyk, 2008). ...
... Some of these phytochemical compounds identi ied from the species may be responsible for the biological activities exhibited by C. capensis. (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962;Wet and Wyk, 2008) Fever ...
... Leaves and roots (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962;Wet and Wyk, 2008) Glandular and gravel swelling Roots Wyk and Gericke, 2018) Headache Rhizome Hulley and Wyk, 2019) Heart problems Roots (Semwal et al., 2014;Alves et al., ...
Cissampelos capensis L.f. is a perennial climber widely used as a traditional medicine in South Africa. This study was aimed at providing a critical review of medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. capensis. Documented information on the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry and medicinal uses of C. capensis was collected from several online sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as book chapters, books, journal articles and scientific publications obtained from the university library. This study revealed that leaf, rhizome and root infusions and decoctions of C. capensis are mainly used as a blood purifier, and traditional medicines for respiratory problems, ulcers, sores and wounds, skin and stomach cancers, snakebite, sexually transmitted infections, skin diseases, diabetes and gastrointestinal problems. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and tannins. Pharmacological research revealed that C. capensis extracts and compounds isolated from the species have anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antimalarial, hepatotoxicity, spermatozoa and cytotoxicity activities. Documentation of the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of C. capensis is vital as this information provides baseline data required for future research and development of health-promoting and pharmaceutical products. There is a need for extensive toxicological evaluations of crude extracts and compounds isolated from the species since C. capensis contains potentially toxic compounds.
... & Troupin) are endemic to the region (Glen, 2003;Klopper et al., 2006). The family is used in traditional medicine by various cultures in southern Africa (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008) and Albertisia delagoensis (N.E.Br.) Forman is consumed as a leafy vegetable in the northern KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa (Ntuli et al., 2012). ...
... In South Africa, the roots of T. funifera are mixed with other plants and drunk by women to increase fertility and boiled leaves are used to steam the face to treat facial problems (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008). In other parts of Africa the stems are debarked and used as binding material (e.g. ...
... The leaves of Tinospora caffra are mixed with those of other plants and sprinkled in the bedroom to relieve sleeping problems; the steam of boiling leaves is inhaled to sooth body aches (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008). Juices from pounded leaves are applied as an antiseptic to wounds (Oyen, 2008). ...
A review of the genera Tiliacora and Tinospora in southern Africa is presented. One species of Tiliacora (Tiliacora funifera) and three species of Tinospora (Tinospora caffra, Tinospora fragosa and Tinospora tenera) occur in this region. Synonymies, formal descriptions, distribution data and notes on the ecology and known traditional uses of the species in southern Africa are provided as well as a key to distinguish the species of Tinospora. Tiliacora funifera is a liana with dark green, ovate leaves and ellipsoidal drupes, whereas the Tinospora species are lianas with cordate leaves on slender petioles and roundish, fleshy drupes. The three Tinospora species in southern Africa differ especially in the shape of the leaf base and the coalescence of the filaments.
... It has been named monkey rope on herbarium specimens [Smith 2474 and Polwier 88 (PRE)]. In the Tsonga culture it is known as 'risotse' or 'xootso', while in Botswana the names 'lexhi' (Seyei) and 'motsoketsane' (Thimbukushu) have been recorded (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008;Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000). In India it is called the broom creeper (Satish et al., 2010). ...
... In Ngamiland (Northern Botswana) the stems are used to form the central core or coil of overstitched Hambukushu baskets (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000). The purple berries are used for dying the basket material and are eaten by the Shangaan people (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008). In Botswana, a plant extract is given to babies to cure unspecified diseases (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008). ...
... The purple berries are used for dying the basket material and are eaten by the Shangaan people (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008). In Botswana, a plant extract is given to babies to cure unspecified diseases (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008). The leaves are an important herb in the diet of Tsonga people (Liengme, 1981). ...
A review of the genus Stephania in southern Africa is presented. Stephania is represented by one species (Stephania abyssinica) and two infraspecific taxa in this region. A key to the infraspecific taxa, the complete synonymy and the formal descriptions are given. Taxon accounts are supplemented with geographical distribution records, notes on the ecology and known traditional uses. The two varieties of S. abyssinica can easily be distinguished as the stems and leaves of S. abyssinica var. abyssinica are glabrous while those of S. abyssinica var. tomentella are pubescent. The correct author citation of the varietal name (var. tomentella) is also provided.
... The leaves and roots of C. mucronata are sold as traditional medicines in informal herbal medicine markets in Benin, Malawi and Mozambique, and it is commonly planted in home gardens as a medicinal plant in some countries in tropical Africa (Maroyi, 2019;Muzila, 2008). In South Africa, the roots are used to treat ailments such as fever, headache and backache (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000) as well as stomach problems (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008) and parasitic infections including bilharzia (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000). The leaves are used to treat scrofula, a condition in which infection with tuberculosis bacteria causes symptoms outside the lungs, commonly associated with inflammation (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962;Bryant, 1966). ...
... The leaves are used to treat scrofula, a condition in which infection with tuberculosis bacteria causes symptoms outside the lungs, commonly associated with inflammation (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962;Bryant, 1966). Leaves are also used to treat stomach problems (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008). C. mucronata and related species are used in Nigerian traditional medicine to treat worm infections (Aska and Kubmarawa, 2016;Aska et al., 2019;Audu, 1995). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich., a perennial climber belonging to the family Menispermaceae, has been used traditionally to treat parasites and tuberculosis-related symptoms. Co-infection of helminth parasites and tuberculosis-causing pathogens heightens the risk of developing active tuberculosis. Aim of the study: The aim was to isolate and characterize antimycobacterial compounds from Cissampelos mucronata and to investigate their antibiofilm and anthelmintic efficacy as well as cytotoxicity.
Materials and methods: The acetone extract of C. mucronata leaves and stems was fractionated by vacuum liquid chromatography using hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol:chloroform (3:7). Separation of the active ethyl acetate fraction by column and preparative thin layer chromatography led to the isolation and identifi- cation of five compounds using NMR and LC-MS, as well as GC-MS for non-polar compounds. The anthelmintic, antimycobacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as cytotoxicity of the fractions and compounds were determined.
Results: The ethyl acetate fraction had the best antimycobacterial activity (MIC = 0.015–0.08 mg/ml). The fractions were relatively non-toxic to Vero cells (0.03–0.79 mg/ml) and had good anti-inflammatory and anti- biofilm effects. Five compounds were identified as stigmasterol, hentriacontane, simiarenol, nonacosene and carbonic acid. Nonacosene had moderate anthelmintic effects but poor antimycobacterial activity (MIC = 0.375 mg/ml). Nonacosene and hentriacontane had good biofilm inhibitory effect (90–100%).
Conclusions: This study reveals that C. mucronata is a potential source of promising compounds with a range of useful bioactivities that support its use in traditional medicine. Development of plant-based remedies may assist in reducing the impact of co-infections with helminth parasites and tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria.
... Detailed information about their botany, distribution, medicinal uses, plant parts used, dosage, administration, phytochemical constituents, biological activities and toxicological properties are documented in the monograph entitled "plant resources of tropical Africa 11: medicinal plants 1" (de Ruijter 2008a-c). Some members of the Menispermaceae family are used as traditional medicines against diseases and ailments such as gastro-intestinal problems, ear, eye, blood circulatory problems, musculoskeletal, neurological, psychological, respiratory infections, skin problems, urology and reproductive health problems (De Wet & Van Wyk 2008, Jahan et al. 2010, Kumar et al. 2010, Meenu & Radhakrishnan 2020. Moreover, some species are characterized by many types of alkaloids, particularly the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids which are derived from the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline skeleton (Menachery 1996, Otshudi et al. 2005, Meenu & Radhakrishnan 2020. ...
... The species name "delagoensis" is derived from Delagoa Bay, a historic name for southern Mozambique, the locality where the type specimen was collected (Glen 2004). The vernacular names of A. delagoensis include cudodo, cumbato, ihubeshana, mlomo mnandi, umgandanganda, umqhumane and ungandingandi (Pooley 1998, De Wet & Van Wyk 2008. The synonyms of A. delagoensis include Anisocycla triplinervia (Pax) Diels, Epinetrum delagoense (N.E.Br.) ...
Background: Albertisia delagoensis is a small shrub or liana which naturally occurs in open wooded grasslands in southern Africa. A critical appraisal of the phytochemical, pharmacological and socio-economic properties of A. delagoensis are provided. Methods: Research articles focusing on the phytochemical, pharmacological and socio-economic properties of A. delagoensis were mined from online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO and SpringerLink. No time limit was set for the search and all research outputs that aligned with the scope of the review were included. Results: Albertisia delagoensis has diverse uses as a food plant and also medicinal uses such as anthelmintic, improve sexual performance in men, and traditional medicine for back pain, body pains, chest pains, diarrhoea, hypertension, influenza, menstrual pain, sores and vomiting. Albertisia delagoensis exert biological activities such as antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity, and several phytochemical compounds such as cocsoline, cocsuline, cycleanine, dicentrine, O-methylcocsoline, roemrefidine, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, allantoic acid, nicotinic acid, phthalic acid and proto-quercitol have been isolated from the species. Conclusion: Many applications of A. delagoensis as source of food and herbal medicines as well as its phytochemistry and pharmarcological properties need further investigations. Keywords: Albertisia delagoensis, ethnomedicinal uses, indigenous knowledge, Menispermaceae, moonseed family
... The leaves and roots of C. mucronata are sold as traditional medicines in informal herbal medicine markets in Benin, Malawi and Mozambique, and it is commonly planted in home gardens as a medicinal plant in some countries in tropical Africa (Maroyi, 2019;Muzila, 2008). In South Africa, the roots are used to treat ailments such as fever, headache and backache (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000) as well as stomach problems (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008) and parasitic infections including bilharzia (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000). The leaves are used to treat scrofula, a condition in which infection with tuberculosis bacteria causes symptoms outside the lungs, commonly associated with inflammation (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962;Bryant, 1966). ...
... The leaves are used to treat scrofula, a condition in which infection with tuberculosis bacteria causes symptoms outside the lungs, commonly associated with inflammation (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962;Bryant, 1966). Leaves are also used to treat stomach problems (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008). C. mucronata and related species are used in Nigerian traditional medicine to treat worm infections (Aska and Kubmarawa, 2016;Aska et al., 2019;Audu, 1995). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich., a perennial climber belonging to the family Menispermaceae, has been used traditionally to treat parasites and tuberculosis-related symptoms. Co-infection of helminth parasites and tuberculosis-causing pathogens heightens the risk of developing active tuberculosis.
Aim of the study
The aim was to isolate and characterize antimycobacterial compounds from Cissampelos mucronata and to investigate their antibiofilm and anthelmintic efficacy as well as cytotoxicity.
Materials and methods
The acetone extract of C. mucronata leaves and stems was fractionated by vacuum liquid chromatography using hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol:chloroform (3:7). Separation of the active ethyl acetate fraction by column and preparative thin layer chromatography led to the isolation and identification of five compounds using NMR and LC-MS, as well as GC-MS for non-polar compounds. The anthelmintic, antimycobacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as cytotoxicity of the fractions and compounds were determined.
Results
The ethyl acetate fraction had the best antimycobacterial activity (MIC = 0.015–0.08 mg/ml). The fractions were relatively non-toxic to Vero cells (0.03–0.79 mg/ml) and had good anti-inflammatory and antibiofilm effects. Five compounds were identified as stigmasterol, hentriacontane, simiarenol, nonacosene and carbonic acid. Nonacosene had moderate anthelmintic effects but poor antimycobacterial activity (MIC = 0.375 mg/ml). Nonacosene and hentriacontane had good biofilm inhibitory effect (90–100%).
Conclusions
This study reveals that C. mucronata is a potential source of promising compounds with a range of useful bioactivities that support its use in traditional medicine. Development of plant-based remedies may assist in reducing the impact of co-infections with helminth parasites and tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria.
... The popularity of C. mucronata as a wound-healing plant has also been reported in South Africa by De Wet and Van Wyk (2008). Cissampelos mucronata is the second most commonly used medicinal plant in southern Africa after C. capensis and is also widely used in the rest of Africa (De Wet 2006). ...
... Cissampelos mucronata is the second most commonly used medicinal plant in southern Africa after C. capensis and is also widely used in the rest of Africa (De Wet 2006). The roots and leaves are widely used for treating genitourinary system disorders, wounds, infections, digestive system disorders, fever, infertility, and as a sexual stimulant (De Wet and Van Wyk 2007, De Wet and Van Wyk 2008, Von Koenen, 2001. Nwafor and Okoye (2008) showed the methanolic leaf extracts of C. mucronata to have antiulcer activity against indomethacin-induced ulcers that was comparable to the drug cimetidine. ...
Background: Plants have long been used in traditional medicine and in cultural practices such as circumcision. Circumcision is one of the oldest and most widely performed procedures globally. Although male circumcision among the Bagishu in Eastern Uganda has been widely studied, these studies have focused on social and cultural aspects of the ritual. No study has ever investigated the medicinal plant species used during the process despite their widespread use and importance. Methods: An ethnobotanical study was conducted in Sironko district, in Eastern Uganda, to document the medicinal plants used by the Bagishu during the male circumcision ritual. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Fifteen traditional practitioners were identified using the snowball technique and interviewed. Results: Four medicinal plant were used in male circumcision, namely: Cissampelos mucronata A.Rich, Conyza sumatrensis (S.F.Blake) Pruski & G.Sancho, Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl, and Urtica massaica Mildbr. These herbs are either administered orally or applied topically on wounds. C. mucronata was the most frequently used plant for wound healing. It is also believed to give courage and embolden young men before circumcision. Conclusion: The Bagishu use medicinal plants during circumcision rituals mainly for treating wounds and stopping bleeding. This knowledge is on the verge of being lost despite its potential economic and health benefits in terms of wound healing. Key words: Traditional practitioners, male circumcision, medicinal plants, Uganda
... It is the best known and most frequently used species in its family (Menispermacea). In Khoisan ethnomedicine, Cissampelos capensis is of special significance because of its variety in treatment applications [16]- [18]. The rhizomes are widely used as a blood purifier and a diuretic medicine; it is also applied to treat ailments such as fever, diabetes, stomach and skin cancer, cholera, syphilis, colic, bladder problems, snakebite, tuberculosis, menstrual problems, prevention of miscarriage and expelling the placenta [19]- [21]. ...
... Amongst these different usages, it is also said that the rhizome extract can be used to treat male fertility problems. In general, it is assumed that the medicinal therapeutic activity of the rhizomes is due to alkaloids such as the alkaloid bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline which is known to have anti-inflammatory effects, muscle relaxant and anticarcinogenic activity [16]- [18]. However, only one study [22] reporting the effect of C. capensis rhizome crude extract on male reproduction functions is available. ...
Cissampelos capensis Rhizome Extract Induces
Intracellular ROS Production, Capacitation and DNA
Fragmentation in Human Spermatozoa
... It is the best known and most frequently used species in its family (Menispermacea). In Khoisan ethnomedicine, Cissampelos capensis is of special significance because of its variety in treatment applications [17]- [19]. The rhizomes are widely used as a blood purifier and a diuretic medicine; it is also applied to treat ailments such as fever, diabetes, stomach and skin cancer, cholera, syphilis, colic, bladder problems, snakebite, tuberculosis, menstrual problems, prevention of miscarriage and expelling the placenta [20]- [22]. ...
... Amongst these different usages, it is also said that the rhizome extract can be used to treat male fertility problems. In general, it is assumed that the medicinal therapeutic activity of the rhizomes is due to alkaloids such as the alkaloid bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline which is known to have anti-inflammatory effects, muscle relaxant and anticarcinogenic activity [17]- [19].However, only one study [23] reporting the effect of C. capensis rhizome crude extract on male reproduction functions is available. Therefore, this study aimed at obtaining a more detailed insight in the nature of the bioactive compounds after fractionation of C. capensis crude extract and the effects of these fractions on human sperm functions. ...
More than 3000 plants of notable phyto-therapeutic value grow in South Africa; these include Cissampelos capensis, commonly known in Afrikaans as dawidjie or dawidjiewortel. C. capensis is the most significant and popular medicinal plant used by the Khoisan as well as other rural groups in the Western region of South Africa. Its rhizomes are traditionally used to treat male fertility problems. Yet, no studies have investigated the effects of this plant or its extracts on human spermatozoa. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of C. capensis rhizome extract (CRE) fractions on ejaculated human spermatozoa in vitro. Spermatozoa from a total of 77 semen samples were washed with human tubular fluid medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA) and incubated for 2 hourswith 20 µg/ml progesterone (P4) followed by incubation with different concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 50, 200 µg/ml) of fractionated CRE (F1=0% MeOH, F2=30% MeOH, F3=60% MeOH and F4=100% MeOH) for 1.5 hours at 37°C. A sample without addition of CRE fractions served as control. Samples were analysed for sperm motility, reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA-fragmentation, acrosome reaction and capacitation. Results showed that F1 resulted in significantly higher values for ROS, capacitation and hyper-activation compared to F2, F3, and F4 with P4-stimulated samples generally having higher values. No significant effect was found for the other parameters. In conclusion, alkaloids present in F1 of CRE appear to have triggered sperm intrinsic ROS production leading to sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction induced by P4.
... Considering the number of identified species, Menispermaceae were the most represented plant family, with a total of 5 species used as antimalarial medicine in Papua Island, as shown in Figure 2. This [29], Stephania in Asia and Cambodia, Triclisia in Tanzania [30], and Albertisia and Cissampelos in South Africa [31]. The data of RISTOJA in Papua Island support the potential use of Menispermaceae family in the development of antimalarial. ...
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The residents of the Eastern part of Indonesia, specifically, Papua and West Papua provinces, are dependent on traditional medicines with the use of plants, which includes treating malaria. However, there are limited information on the diversity of medicinal plants in Papua Island. Hence, the Indonesian Ministry of Health put together a database of all the natural plant-based raw materials in Indonesia, to address part of the issues encountered as a result of the limited information on the diversity of plants. Based on this background, the aim of the research was to analyze the information on medicinal plants used by the traditional healers in Papua Island based on the results of research on medicinal plants and Jamu (RISTOJA), especially in treating malaria. Data were obtained through ethnomedicine research conducted in 2012 and 2017 involving 54 ethnicities in Papua. Based on the results, 72 species of medicinal plants from 67 genera and 40 families were used traditionally in treating malaria on Papua Island. The most common medicinal plants used as traditional antimalarial concoction are Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., Carica papaya L., Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees, and Physalis minima L. Similar to other ethnobotany research, the leaves were the most used plant parts in preparing the various traditional concoctions.
... In South America it is used for uterine bleeding, menstrual cramps, prenatal and postnatal pain and prevention of abortion (Singh et al. 2010); C. owariensis and C. mucronata rhizomes are also used in the preparation of poisonous arrows in various regions of South America and Africa (Schmelzer 2008). In Brazil, its applications involve the treatment of chronic allergies, urinary infections and inflammations (Porto et al. 2008); it is also used as a snake venom antidote in Mexico (Orantes-García et al. 2018); in the prevention of abortion and pregnancyrelated problems, in addition to renal, gastric and cardiovascular disorders, in several African countries (Adjanohoun et al. 1989;De Wet and Van Wyk 2008;Oliver 1969). ...
Species of Cissampelos (Menispermaceae) are widely used in folk medicine in various cultures, for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. Several ethnobotanical studies have reported the use of these species, which, among other benefits, instigated further researches on several pharmacological properties and biologically active compounds present in species of the genus. The objective of this review is to compile and update information about the ethnobotanical, phytochemical and biological studies of species of the Cissampelos genus. Among the officially accepted species, C. pareira, C. mucronata and C. sympodialis were the most reported in all aspects of the research. Their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiallergic and antimicrobial properties have already been established. Evidently, a considerable part of these bioactivities is due to the presence of alkaloids, the main constituents of Cissampelos species. Other natural products such as essential oils, fixed oils, pectins, alcamides, polysaccharides and flavonoids have also been reported. Future investigations on Cissampelos species are necessary, especially regarding pharmacological properties, isolation of substances, mechanism of action and bioavailability in order to provide subsidies for the development of new drugs.
... Tiliacora funifera, cited for treatment of helminthiases and diarrhea, has anti-plasmodium activity due to alkaloids [33]. Ethnobotanical studies report that T. funifera root contributes to women's fertility and the leaves are used for treatment of facial skin problems [34]. The sap of the leaves is used in herbal remedies to prevent insanity in Congo, while in Ghana it is used to treat gastric fever, hernia and menstrual disorders [35]. ...
Background:
In Mozambique, bacterial and parasitic diseases contribute to a high burden of mortality and morbidity. These infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics, antihelmintic or antiparasitic drugs. However, misuse of these has been affecting the potential to treat ailments. It has been reported that many people from Maputo city and province apart from the existing contemporary medicine, still use medicinal plants for treatment of diseases due to traditional heritage and beliefs. It is, therefore, important to register this knowledge in order to use it for future pharmacological studies. This study aimed to identify the medicinal plants sold in Xipamanine, Xiquelene and Mazambane markets for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases.
Methods:
An ethnobotanical survey, using interviews, was conducted to the main vendors of the markets. Data about the plant name, part used, mode of preparation and administration route were collected.
Results:
A total of 64 medicinal plants belonging to 32 families were listed as sold for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases in the three markets. Terminalia sericea, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Tiliacora funifera and Hypoxis hemerocallidea were the most cited plants. Roots were the most often sold suggesting it is the most used part. We also found out that medicinal plants trade is still common in Maputo markets. This suggests that people still use plant-based herbal medicines for their basic health care.
Conclusions:
Several medicinal plants were sold in Maputo city's markets for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases, with more emphasis on diarrhea and helminthiases. These plants were commonly bought by local residents and play an important role in the subsistence of vendors. Pharmacological studies are needed in order to isolate the plants active principles and understand their mechanism of action, so that new drugs can be developed.
... Leaf and root paste are used as antidote for snake bite; leaf juice is used to treat cut in folk medicine; it also exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal and cytotoxic effects (Chopra et al., 1956;Joseph Selvaraj et al., 2009;Madhu and Ravindra Naik, 2009;Sandhya Sri and Seetharami Reddi, 2011;Simon et al., 2016). Leaves are used for genitourinary system disorders (Wet and Wyk, 2008). Flowers of T. acuminata showed high larvicidal activity against Cx. ...
The present study was aimed to check the mosquitocidal activity of tiliamosine isolated from Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thom against immature stages of Culex quinquefasciatus. Eggs and larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations of tiliamosine - 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ppm - prepared using DMSO. The compound tiliamosine showed good larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values of 1.13 and 2.85 ppm respectively, against third-instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus at 24 h. In control, the larvae exhibited normal movement. Tiliamosine exhibited 91% ovicidal activity at 2.0 ppm concentration after 120 h post-treatment. Lowest concentration of tiliamosine (0.5 ppm) showed 19% egg mortality. Histopathology study of the compound-treated larvae showed serious damage on the larval midgut cells. The treated larvae showed restless movement which was different from that of the control larvae. The larvae exhibited malformation in development. The compound tiliamosine was harmless to non-target organisms P. reticulata and Dragon fly nymph at tested concentrations. The compound was highly active and inhibited AChE in a concentration-dependent manner. Computational analysis of the tiliamosine had strong interaction with AChE1 of Cx. quinquefasciatus. This report clearly suggests that the isolated compound can be used as an insecticide to control mosquito population and thus prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases.
... Most Menispermaceae plants are rich in various types of alkaloids (Barbosa-Filho & al., 2000;Aniszewski, 2007), and the family is perhaps best known as a source of curare, the South American arrow poison (Krukoff & Smith, 1937;Krukoff & Moldenke, 1938), after which the genus Curarea Barneby & Krukoff was named (Barneby & Krukoff, 1971). The family also includes many species with diverse, documented ethnobotanical uses in different regions of the World (e.g., Phillips, 1991 and references therein;De Wet & Van Wyk, 2008). ...
The Menispermaceae, a largely tropical family of dioecious and predominantly climbing plants, have been the subject of various molecular studies that confirmed its monophyly and the para- and polyphyly of most of the currently recognized tribes. The newly recognized assemblages have been variously named informally in different studies. Here we present a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis of the Menispermaceae based on the analyses of three molecular markers ( matK, trnL-F, ndhF) and 41 morphological characters for the most extensive taxonomic and geographic sampling of the family as compared to earlier studies. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian approaches. Our results of the combined molecular and total-evidence datasets corroborate earlier findings, with an improved support for major clade contents. A new tribal classification of the Menispermaceae is proposed, in which nine clades are grouped within the subfamilies Chasmantheroideae and Menispermoideae, forming themselves two well-supported clades. Within the Chasmantheroideae, the two clades recovered are here recognized as tribes Burasaieae and Coscinieae; within the Menispermoideae the seven identified clades are recognized as tribes Anomospermeae, Cissampelideae, Limacieae, Menispermeae, Pachygoneae, Spirospermeae, and Tiliacoreae. Of these, Spirospermeae is newly described, while the names, if not the circumscriptions, of the remaining tribes are adopted from earlier treatments. The subfamilies and most tribes here identified are further diagnosed by unique combinations of morphological characters. A few genera not sampled for the molecular analysis are provisionally assigned to the recognized tribes based on their floral, fruit, endocarp, and seed features.
... countries of the world, in recent years, the plants -used traditionally for curative purposes -have attracted attention of the researchers (Yesilada et al., 1999;Tuzlaci and Tolon, 2000;Simsek et al., 2004;Kargioglu et al., 2008;Ozgen et al, 2004;Everest and Ozturk, 2005;Satil et al., 2008;Ugurlu and Secmen, 2008;Uzun et al., 2004). Questionnaire method is commonly used in these kinds of researches (Dafni et al., 1984;Giron et al., 1991;Ignacimuthu et al., 1998;Jouad et al., 2001;Macia et al., 2005;Diallo et al., 1999;Aburjai et al., 2007;De Wet and Van Wyk, 2008;Pattanaik et al., 2008;Van Wyk et al., 2008;Reddy, et al., 2009;Focho et al., 2009). ...
This study, conducted between 2008 - 2009, analyzed the medicinal plant species traditionally used in Yazi{dotless}konak and Yurtbaşi{dotless} districts of Elazi{dotless}ǧ province, Turkey and the local names of these plants. Within the scope of the study, the plant species were collected; herbarium materials were prepared; and the specimens were nomenclatured. A total of 41 medical plants belonging to 17 families were identified in the region. The most common medicinal plant families were Asteraceae (>29% of use reports), Rosaceae (>15%), Lamiaceae (>12%); the most common preparations were infusion and decoction. The plant species Thymus haussknechtii Velen, Anthemis wiedemanniana Fisch. and Mey. are endemic to the study area, and are used for treating various diseases. Since they are also used in other parts of the world for treating similar diseases, they can be considered as pharmacologically effective. This type of ethno-botanic study enables proper transfer of knowledge of plant - based treatments (our natural inheritance) to future generations.
... Scientific recognition of many plant species have revealed the presence of phytochemical constituents with important pharmacological activities (Jahan et al., 2010). Menispermaceae species have extensive use in traditional medicine, with twenty-nine of its genera reported to find use for medicinal purposes to treat a variety of diseases all over the world (Barbosa-Filho et al., 2000;De Wet & Van Wyk, 2008). ...
The paper is a review of the literature on the ethnobotanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of the species Cissampelos sympodialis Eichler, Menispermaceae, in order to assess its potential for the treatment of asthma. The aqueous infusion from the leaves of this Brazilian plant is used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory conditions, including colds, bronchitis and asthma. A multidisciplinary approach has led to the elucidation of the main chemical biomarkers and of the mechanism of action of the extract and its isolated constituents in animal models of inflammation and asthma. A comprehensive review of the literature on the species and its related chemical constituents was conducted using Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Lilacs, SciFinder, as well as conference proceedings. Retrieved literature data demonstrates that the aqueous fraction of the ethanolic extract from the leaves exerts an immunomodulatory activity in different animal models of asthma. This include an increase in the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, a decrease in the production of antigen-specific immunoglobulin, a decrease in mucus production and deposition in the airways, and a direct bronchodilator activity. These preclinical results clearly demonstrate the potential of this species for the treatment of asthma and points to the need for well-designed clinical trials to finally validate the traditional use of this herbal medicine.
... In Khoisan ethnomedicine, C. capensis is of special significance (van Wyk & Gericke, 2000;van Wyk et al., 2002;de Wet & van Wyk, 2008) as the rhizomes are used as a blood purifier to treat ailments such as fever, diabetes, stomach and skin cancer, cholera, and syphilis (van Wyk & Gericke, 2000;Von Koenen, 2001). In general, it is assumed that the medicinal therapeutic activity of the rhizomes is due to alkaloid content of the bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline group with cissacapine, 12-O-methylcurine and cycleanine as main alkaloids (de Wet et al., 2011). ...
Cissampelos capensis is commonly known by the Afrikaans name ‘dawidjies’ or ‘dawidjieswortel’. C. capensis is the most important and best-known medicinal plant of the family Menispermaceae used by the Khoisan and other rural people in the western regions of South Africa. Among numerous other ailments, it is traditionally taken to treat male fertility problems. Yet, no studies have investigated the effects of this plant or its extracts on human spermatozoa. The aim of study was to investigate the effects of C. capensis extracts on sperm function. A total of 77 semen samples were collected. Spermatozoa were washed with HTF-BSA medium and incubated with different concentrations of C. capensis (0, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 50, 200 μg ml−1) for 1 h at 37 °C. Sperm motility, vitality, acrosome reaction, reactive oxygen species (ROS), capacitation, Annexin V binding, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were determined. While viability, Annexin V positivity and Δψm were not affected, the percentages of ROS-positive, TUNEL-positive, capacitated and hyperactivated spermatozoa increased significantly and dose-dependently. It is concluded that the alkaloids present in the extract of C. capansis rhizomes triggered sperm intrinsic superoxide production leading to sperm capacitation and DNA fragmentation.
... For example, decoction from the root of Cissampelos capensis has been used topically for the management of glandular swelling, gall stones, menstrual problems, prevention of miscarriage and difficult labour, headache, pains, diabetes, tuberculosis, purgative, stomach and skin cancers. [20][21][22] The traditional uses of Curtisia dentata include the treatment of stomach ailments, diarrhoea, as a blood strengthener and as an aphrodisiac. [23] Other uses of the plant include the treatment of heartwater in cattle in the Eastern Cape [24] and the treatment of pimples. ...
Introduction Obesity is one of the world's leading preventable causes of death, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In South Africa, the number of people suffering from excess body weight is believed to be rising steadily. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for body weight reduction was carried out in the Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.Method Structured questionnaire was administered to the informants.Results A total of 20 plants belonging to 18 families were identified for the management of obesity in the area.Dicussion/Conclusion Three medicinal plants namely, Cissaempelos capensis, Curtisia dentata and Schotia latifolia were repeatedly mentioned by the traditional healers and the local dwellers to have weight-reducing properties. Roots, leaves, whole plant and barks are the common parts of the plants used while decoctions and infusions are the main methods of preparation. There was a general belief on the efficacy of the prepared extracts; though there is still the need for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to validate the uses of the plants for the treatment of obesity.
... A. delagoensis is medicinally used as an anthelmintic, antimicrobial and antipyretic plant. It is also used to treat dysmennorhoea, various stomach, back and chest problems and to enhance sexual performance in men (De Wet and Van Wyk, 2007). ...
A review of the taxonomy of the genus Albertisia in South Africa and Mozambique is presented. The genus is represented in this region by a single endemic species, A. delagoensis. Nomenclature, generic and species description, geographic distribution and habitat information of A. delagoensis are provided, accompanied by photographic images of vegetative and reproductive characters. A key to the 13 African species is presented, showing that a combination of leaf morphological characters (rather than single diagnostic characters) is required to identify the species. These include the petiole length and venation pattern, lamina shape (including the base and apex), lamina dimensions and pubescence.
This study explores the therapeutic potential of three proaporphine alkaloids—cissamaline, cissamanine, and cissamdine, which were recently isolated from Cissampelos capensis L.f., against Parkinson's disease (PD). Using computational techniques, we investigated their efficacy as inhibitors of a key protein in PD. ADMET analysis demonstrated that these alkaloids conform to the Lipinski, Pfizer, Golden Triangle, and GSK rules, indicating favorable safety, oral bioavailability, and a high probability of passing the human intestinal and blood‐brain barriers. They were neither substrates nor inhibitors of any CYP enzymes tested, indicating minimal metabolic interference and an enhanced safety profile. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding energies with MAO‐B, PD's target. MD simulations supported these findings, showing stable interactions with MAO‐B, while Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations highlighted the electrophilic nature of cissamanine, enhancing its potential as an effective inhibitor. These results advocate further in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate their potential as PD therapeutics.
Evidently proven medicinal benefits of Tinospora cordifolia and the growing demand of functional foods have created scientific interest in the functional beverage. Therefore, an attempt was made to prepare probiotic Lactiplantibacillus pentosus GSSK2 supplemented herbal wine having the benefits of both phytochemical and probiotic. Experimentally, fermentation of Tinospora cordifolia stem was found to be the most effective with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, isoleucine, and thiamine that yielded maximum ethanol (6.8 to 10%), total phenol (419 to 791.5 µg/ml), and antioxidants capacity (98.2 to 160.4 µmol/ml) after optimizing physical parameters, i.e., 20° Brix total soluble solid, pH 4.5, temperature 30 °C, and 10% (v/v) inoculum. Further, prepared herbal wine was supplemented separately with seven different probiotic strains and among these Lactiplantibacillus pentosus GSSK2 had the highest 88.6% survival rate compared with other probiotics and was safe showing 100% survivability of HEK-293 and THP-1 cells. Both herbal- and probiotic-supplemented herbal wine showed the antimicrobial potential against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as probiotic-supplemented herbal wine had 19-21 mm inhibition zone compared with 18-19 mm with herbal wine. LC-MS analysis of the probiotic-supplemented herbal wine revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactone, glycoside, steroids having anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. This is the first ever such study to demonstrate the antibacterial, antioxidant potential and safety of probiotic supplemented herbal wine in vitro.
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Multiple plant species are used traditionally in southern Africa to treat fever. This review summarises the traditional use, highlights promising plant species and focuses on validation studies to highlight future areas of research.
Aim of the study
This study aimed to critically review the use of southern African plants to alleviate fever. Additionally, an examination of research into those plants was undertaken to highlight gaps in the literature with the aim of stimulating further research in this field.
Materials and methods
Ethnobotanical books, reviews and primary research studies were searched to identify plant species traditionally used to treat fever in southern Africa and to summarise the current knowledge and identify areas requiring further research. This study was non-biased and did not have any taxonomic preferences, nor did it favour any southern African healing systems over the others.
Results
The traditional therapeutic uses of 203 southern African plant species to alleviate fever were recorded. Leaves and roots/bulbs/rhizomes were the most commonly used plant part, and they were most commonly prepared as decoctions or infusions and consumed orally. Notably, only twenty-two species (∼11% of the identified species) have been scientifically evaluated for antipyretic properties, with substantially fewer mechanistic studies evident.
Conclusions
Despite the availability of ethnobotanical records, the antipyretic properties of southern African medicinal plants are poorly reported. Indeed, the efficacy of most plants is yet to be verified and very few mechanistic studies are available.
Ethnopharmacological relevance
African traditional medicine is one of the oldest and most diverse practices for treating ailments and numerous natural products have been recommended for gastric ulcer treatment. Helicobacter pylori is the main causative organism implicated in several diseases, most notably in causing inflammation and the onset of gastric ulcers. Current H. pylori treatment methods are losing efficacy as H. pylori rapidly gains resistance to antibiotics. Hence, a search into natural products and their historical traditional efficacy for the treatment of gastric ulcers is of interest.
Aim of the study
This review aimed to summarise the African use of natural products, including medicinal plants noted in ethnobotanical reviews, used traditionally to treat gastric ulcers, and highlights the investigations into the anti-H. pylori activity of medicinal plants and bee products found in Africa.
Methodology
A systematic review was carried out to identify natural products, including those used traditionally in Africa to treat gastric ulcers, and to correlate this with scientific investigations into the anti-H. pylori activity of natural products used in Africa.
Results
A total of 107 literature sources describing the traditional use of medicinal plants in gastric ulcer treatment were found from which 360 medicinal plants were identified. Of the plants used traditionally for gastric ulcer treatment, 11% were investigated either in vitro or in vivo for anti-ulcer and anti-H. pylori activity. Of the 122 medicinal plants eliciting antimicrobial or anti-ulcer activity, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx extract and Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr. root extract were found to have the most noteworthy antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.01 mg/mL and 0.03 mg/mL respectively. The essential oils of Piper longum L. and Pachira aquatica Aubl. displayed the most notable in vitro anti-H. pylori activity (MIC of 0.01 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL). Several in vivo studies found medicinal plant extracts effective in reducing the H. pylori load along the gastric mucosa. The South African honey variants, Pure Honey and Champagne Royal Train (common names given by supplier) were the most antimicrobially effective (MIC of 0.01–10.0%, 0.63–10.00% v/v) in inhibiting H. pylori when assessed in vitro.
Conclusion
These results highlight the potential of natural products for inhibiting H. pylori growth and serve as a possible stepping-stone in understanding the management of ulcers. Furthermore, effective natural product treatment or prophylactic use for preventing H. pylori growth may provide a more affordable option for African populations.
Ophthalmic infections are common and can cause substantial loss of eyesight. It is estimated that nearly 45% of the South African population has suffered from partial or total loss of eyesight with a substantial portion of this being due to infections. However, in approximately 80% of cases, this loss of eyesight could have been easily prevented or even treated. Multiple plant species are used in traditional South African medicine to treat eye infections, yet the therapeutic properties of most of these plants have been poorly studied. An extensive literature review of the ethnobotanical literature was undertaken to document the plant species used in southern African traditional medicine to treat eye disorders. A search was subsequently undertaken to identify and summarise studies that have provided some scientific evidence to support traditional use against these eye disorders. A total of 137 plant species belonging to 53 plant families are recorded to treat eye disorders in traditional southern African medicine. The use of many plants was credited with vague indications such as “eye problems” and “eye conditions”. Only 42 of the identified species have been evaluated for inhibitory activity against any eye-related pathogens. Whilst bacterial Staphylococcal pathogens were the most extensively tested, many other pathogens associated with eye infections have been neglected. Additionally, several fungal and most viral pathogens have been completely neglected to date. Furthermore, few studies have tested the toxicity of the plant extracts and mechanistic studies are lacking. Whilst this review identifies and highlights plant species used in traditional southern African medicine to treat eye infections, substantially more research is required to completely validate their traditional use and to evaluate the potential of the plant preparations as drug leads.
Ethnopharmacological relevance
In African traditional medicine, there are several plant species that are used in combination with either plant species or other non-plant derived combinations such as sugar and honey, salt and vinegar, milk, fat etc. This review examines the role of these combinations and postulates the scientific and therapeutic validation of such combinations.
Aim of the study
This study reviewed the ethnopharmacological literature, document the use of southern African plant combinations, find a scientific rationale for such combinations, and provide recommendations for future studies.
Materials and methods
Ethnobotanical books and online databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Google Scholar were used to find ethnobotanical studies within the southern African context that focus on the combinations of plants with other plants or various additional ingredients. The scientific literature was examined to determine if evidence was available to substantiate such combinations.
Results
One hundred and eighty-seven medicinal plant (plant-to-plant) combinations that are used in the southern African traditional healing system were recorded. These plant combinations were used against infections of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and skin as well other non-infectious diseases such as reproductive and psychiatric disorders. Respiratory infections were the most documented infections to be treated using plant combinations. The plant that was documented to be most commonly used in combination with other plants was Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd. While plant-plant combinations have drawn a marked interest, comparatively, plant-adjuvant (e.g. milk, sugar, honey, salt, vinegar, fats) combinations have attracted less research interest. Milk was reported as the most used additional ingredient in combination with medicinal plants. The combination of animal urine and dung with medicinal plants has been reported as a treatment for treat prostate infections, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and abdominal pains. Other ingredients such as clay and flour were also documented, and these are often mixed with medicinal plants to treat fever, stomach ailments, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and skin conditions. Although combination therapy has been frequently reported in ethnobotanical records, over 90% of the combinations reviewed still need to be scientifically validated.
Conclusion
Scientific reports on the antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological effects of these combinations may offer an understanding of traditional combination therapy. In addition, investigation into the mechanisms of action of these combinations are also recommended to supplement the findings. Nonetheless, the use of plant combinations is still an untapped research area in southern Africa and there is a need to validate the use of those documented combinations to obtain a better understanding of traditional medicinal plant use.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are amongst the most common bacterial infections globally, with ∼11% of the world’s population contracting at least one infection annually. Several South African plants are used in traditional healing systems to treat UTIs, yet the therapeutic potential of these plants against bacteria that cause UTI remains poorly explored. This study documents southern African plant species used traditionally to treat UTIs. An extensive literature review was undertaken to document the southern African plant species that are used in traditional South African medicine to treat UTIs, thereby highlighting gaps in the current research that require further study. One hundred and fifty-three southern African plant species that are used to treat UTIs were identified. Eighty-five southern African plants were identified as having noteworthy inhibitory activity against the major UTI-causing bacteria. Few of those studies screened against all of the bacterial causes of UTIs, and none of those studies examined the mechanism of action of the plant preparations. Furthermore, many of those studies did not test the toxicity of the plant extracts, so an evaluation of the safety for therapeutic usage was lacking. Substantial further research is to determine their potential for therapeutic use.
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Human dermatophyte infections are one of the most common classes of infection globally, with an estimated 1.7 billion people contracting at least one infection annually. Southern African ethnic groups used multiple plants to treat dermatophytosis and to alleviate the symptoms, yet the anti-dermatophyte properties of most species remain poorly explored.
Aim of the study:
Our study aimed to critically review the literature to document southern African plant species used to treat one or more dermatophytic infections, and to summarise scientific evaluations of these and other plant species. Our study aims to stimulate and focus future studies in this field.
Materials and methods:
A thorough review of the ethnobotanical books, reviews and primary scientific studies were undertaken to identify southern African plants used traditionally to treat dermatophytosis, thereby identifying gaps in the research requiring further study.
Results:
Eighty-nine southern African plant species are recorded as traditional therapies for dermatophytosis. Scientific evaluations of 140 plant species were identified, although most of the species in those studies were selected for reasons apart from their traditional uses. None of those studies examined the mechanism of action of the plant species, and only a single study screened the extracts for toxicity.
Conclusions:
Despite southern Africa having some of the longest continuous human civilisations globally, as well as unique and diverse flora, and good ethnobotanical records, the anti-dermatophyte properties of southern African medicinal plants remains relatively poorly explored. The efficacy of the majority of plants used traditionally to treat fungal skin disease are yet to be verified and substantial further research is required in this field.
Cette étude avait pour objectifs : 1) d’identifier et de caractériser les acteurs impliqués dans la filière des produits à usage médicinal tirés de Cordyla pinnata, Detarium microcarpum et Detarium senegalense au Sénégal; 2) d’analyser l’organisation de cette filière et l’importance des parties utilisées ; 3) d’analyser la commercialisation de ces produits ; 4) d’identifier les forces, faiblesses, opportunités et menaces de la filière. L’échantillonnage en boule de neige a été utilisé et a permis d’interroger, à l’aide de guides d’entretien 13 tradipraticiens locaux, 3 récolteurs et 17 herboristes. Les résultats ont révélé que les acteurs de cette filière, majoritairement des hommes, entretenaient des relations de coopération et qu’ils bénéficiaient de l’appui de la société civile en termes de formation et d’organisation. Les racines et les écorces de Cordyla pinnata et Detarium microcarpum étaient plus utilisées tandis que celles de Detarium senegalense étaient peu commercialisées. Les écorces, les racines et les feuilles étaient vendues entre 0,11 et 0,29Euro/100g. Une partie des écorces était transformée en poudre avant d’être commercialisée chez les herboristes entre 1,05 Euro/100g (pour Cordyla pinnata) et 1,52 Euro/100g (Detarium microcarpum). Les prix étaient plus élevés à Dakar. Les parties tirées de Cordyla pinnata étaient essentiellement utilisés contre les parasitoses intestinales tandis que celles de Detarium microcarpum et dans une moindre mesure celles de Detarium senegalense servaient à soigner les dermatoses. Les faiblesses de cette filière concernaient essentiellement l’exploitation anarchique de la ressource et la raréfaction saisonnière de certains produits tandis que l’éloignement des sites d’approvisionnement menaçait son bon fonctionnement. Mots clés : produits à usage médicinal, Cordyla pinnata, Detarium microcarpum, Detarium senegalense, filière, Sénégal.
The present review covers the literature on bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from 1999 through early 2018. About 500 natural products belong to this large alkaloid class, of which 65 were characterized for the first time in the period covered by this chapter. The review comprises a classification of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids and gives an overview of the principal biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, a list of the novel natural products as well as their available analytical data are included in this chapter. Special emphasis is given to the progress in the total synthesis of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. To accommodate the drastically increased number of publications concerning the biological and pharmacological evaluation, an overview on the most important biological findings is provided.
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Studies on the effects of natural immunomodulators to heal various diseases related to the immune system have been a growing interest in recent years. Amongst the medicinal plants, Tinospora species (family; Menispermaceae) have been one of the widely investigated plants for their modulating effects on the immune system due to their wide use in ethnomedicine to treat various ailments related to immune-related diseases. However, their ethnopharmacological uses are mainly with limited or without scientific basis.
Aim of this review:
In this article, we have reviewed the literature on the phytochemicals of several Tinospora species, which have shown strong immunomodulatory effects and critically analyzed the reports to provide perspectives and instructions for future research for the plants as a potential source of new immunomodulators for use as medicinal agents or dietary supplements.
Materials and methods:
Electronic search on worldwide accepted scientific databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, ACS Publications Today) was performed to compile the relevant information. Some information was obtained from books, database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda, MSc dissertations and herbal classics books written in various languages.
Results:
T. cordifolia, T. crispa, T. sinensis, T. smilacina, T. bakis, and T. sagittata have been reported to possess significant immunomodulatory effects. For a few decades, initiatives in molecular research on the effects of these species on the immune system have been carried out. However, most of the biological and pharmacological studies were carried out using the crude extracts of plants. The bioactive compounds contributing to the bioactivities have not been properly identified, and mechanistic studies to understand the immunomodulatory effects of the plants are limited by many considerations with regard to design, conduct, and interpretation.
Conclusion:
The plant extracts and their active constituents should be subjected to more detail mechanistic studies, in vivo investigations in various animal models including pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies, and elaborate toxicity study before submission to clinical trials.
Tinospora fragosa is a succulent stemmed winter deciduous twiner from the dry savannah region of southern Africa. As found in most other Tinospora species when the plant becomes detached from the soil, it has the ability to grow a survival root (life line) during the growing season, re-establishing the plant. One of three South African species, it is at once distinguished by distinctly succulent branches up to 3-5cm in diameter with shortened lateral branches from which the abbreviated inflorescences appears. The others, T. caffra (Miers) Troupin and T. tenera Miers have much thinner stems, knobbly in T. caffra and striate in T. tenera. Both these species are confined to higher rainfall regions in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
A review of the genus Stephania in southern Africa is presented. Stephania is represented by one species (Stephania abyssinica) and two infraspecific taxa in this region. A key to the infraspecific taxa, the complete synonymy and the formal descriptions are given. Taxon accounts are supplemented with geographical distribution records, notes on the ecology and known traditional uses. The two varieties of S. abyssinica can easily be distinguished as the stems and leaves of S. abyssinica var. abyssinica are glabrous while those of S. abyssinica var. tomentella are pubescent. The correct author citation of the varietal name (var. tomentella) is also provided.
A new species, Stephania novenanthera Heng-Chang Wang (Menispermaceae), from Xia-shi, Ping-xiang County, Guangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to the sympatric species S. kuinanensis H. S. Lo & M. Yang, S. kwangsiensis H. S. Lo, and S. micrantha H. S. Lo & M. Yang by several characters, such as the tuberous root, the deltoid to rounded leaves, and the compound, umbelliform cymes. Stephania novenanthera differs from all species in Stephania Lour. in China by its nine anthers.
This paper presents results of an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the management of candidiasis and related fungal infections in the Venda area, South Africa.
Ethnobotanical data about the uses of plants were gathered from eleven rural traditional healers using semi-structured interviews.
A total of 45 species belonging to 24 different families were identified, of which the dominant family was the Fabaceae with 13 species (28.9%) followed by the Asteraceae and Solanaceae with 3 species each (6.7 %). A total of 28 of these plant species (62.2%) have been shown to have anticandidal activity and 14 species (31%) have been recorded for antifungal uses in the literature. Amongst the 45 species recorded, 51% were trees, 33% were shrubs, and 16% were herbs. The most widely used plant species were Acacia caffra, Clerodendrum glabrum, Croton gratissimus, Elaeodendron transvaalense, Faurea saligna, Hippocratea longipetiolata, Osyris lanceolata, Richardia brasiliensis, Schkuhria pinnata, Schotia brachypetala, Spilanthes acmella, Strychnos potatorum, Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta and Withania somnifera. The plant parts mostly used in the therapeutic preparations were roots (27.7%), bark (23.2%), and a combination of roots, bark (18.7%) and leaves (14.3%). Decoctions (44.4%), infusions (20%), macerations (17.7%), burning (11.4%) and paste (6.5%) were used. Most of the herbal remedies were administered orally. The main factors threatening the conservation status of these plants are unsustainable methods of harvesting, logging for firewood, building materials and crafts.
The Venda area is rich in plant diversity and local indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants can play an important role as a model for low cost primary health care. Further studies are in progress to validate the indigenous plants recorded as traditional remedies in this area.
Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
There is a growing need to find the most appropriate and effective treatment options for a variety of painful syndromes, including conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, for treating both veterinary and human patients. The most successful regimen may come through integrated therapies including combining current and novel western drugs with acupuncture and botanical therapies or their derivatives. There is an extensive history and use of plants in African traditional medicine. In this review, we have highlighted botanical remedies used for treatment of pain, diarrheas and inflammation in traditional veterinary and human health care in Africa. These preparations are promising sources of new compounds comprised of flavonoids, bioflavanones, xanthones, terpenoids, sterols and glycosides as well as compound formulas and supplements for future use in multimodal treatment approaches to chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation. The advancement of plant therapies and their derivative compounds will require the identification and validation of compounds having specific anti-nociceptive neuromodulatory and/or anti-inflammatory effects. In particular, there is need for the identification of the presence of compounds that affect purinergic, GABA, glutamate, TRP, opioid and cannabinoid receptors, serotonergic and chloride channel systems through bioactivity-guided, high-throughput screening and biotesting. This will create new frontiers for obtaining novel compounds and herbal supplements to relieve pain and gastrointestinal disorders, and suppress inflammation.
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Cissampelos species have a rich history of traditional use, being used for both therapeutic and toxic properties. It is traditionally applied therapeutically in a diverse range of conditions and diseases including asthma, cough, fever, arthritis, obesity, dysentery, snakebite, jaundice and heart, blood pressure and skin-related problems. Conversely, it was traditionally included in preparations of curare applied as arrow poison during hunting to cause death of animals by asphyxiation. This review unites the ethnobotanical knowledge on Cissampelos with the phytochemistry and pharmacological activity which has been explored thus far. In addition, it identifies knowledge gaps and suggests further research opportunities.
Methods:
The available electronic literature on the genus Cissampelos was collected using database searches including Scopus, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Web of Science, etc. The searches were limited to peer-reviewed English journals with the exception of books and a few articles in foreign languages which were included.
Results:
The literature revealed that pharmacological activity including analgesic and antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, bronchodilator, immunomodulatory, memory-enhancing, antidepressant, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antiparasitic, anti-ulcer, anticancer, anti-oxidant, cardiovascular, muscle-relaxant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antifertility, and antivenom activity have been confirmed in vitro and/or in vivo for various Cissampelos species. Cissampelos pareira L. and Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. are the most explored species of this genus and the smallest number of studies have been conducted on Cissampelos laxiflora Moldenke and Cissampelos tenuipes Engl. Many alkaloids isolated from Cissampelos such as warifteine, methylwarifteine, berberine, hayatin and hayatidin showed promising anti-allergic, immunosuppressive, antidepressant, anticancer, vasodilatory and muscle-relaxant activities.
Conclusion:
The plants of this genus are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. These plants are a rich source of bioactive bisbenzylisoquinoline and aporphine alkaloids together with other minor constituents. Although these plants are reputable and revered in various traditional medicine systems, many have not yet been screened chemically or pharmacologically and so there is a vast amount of research still to be conducted to validate their traditional use.
Ethnobotanical field studies in the Graaff-Reinet and Murraysburg regions (southeastern Karoo) have revealed a wealth of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants and their uses amongst elderly people of Khoi-San and Cape Dutch decent. The materia medica includes at least 86 species, most of which appear to be still in everyday use. The use of exotic plants (12 species) and similarities with the Xhosa healing culture show that the traditional system is dynamic and adaptive. Medicines to treat problems of the stomach, back, kidneys, bladder, as well as colds and other minor ailments have a high frequency. Mixtures of different plants are often used. An overview of the most important plants and their uses is presented, which shows several interesting records that have hitherto remained undocumented. These include new uses, new vernacular names and new medicinal plants (Abutilon sonneriatum, Aloe striata, Eberlanzia spinosa, Helichrysum pumilio, Osteospermum herbaceum, Pachypodium succulentum, Peliostomum cf. origanoides, Pentzia punctata, Rhigozum obovatum and Stapelia olivaea). New records of plants that are locally commonly used (e.g. H. pumilio and O. herbaceum) confirm that the medical ethnobotany of the Karoo is incompletely recorded.
Menispermaceae, a dioecious, largely pantropical family of vines and lianas, consists of approximately 70 genera. In this paper, we present phylogenies (derived using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) based on chloroplast atpB and rbcL sequence data for 42 Menispermaceae genera (60 species) and 15 outgroup genera representing all families in the Ranunculales. Results of this work confirm that a clade consisting of Berberidaceae and Ranunculaceae is sister to the Menispermaceae and that Menispermaceae is highly supported as monophyletic. Within Menispermaceae, Menispermum and Sinomenium, two genera with distributions in the Northern Hemisphere, are weakly to moderately supported as sister to all remaining Menispermaceae. Many of the tribes as described by previous workers are not monophyletic. To expand both the data and sampling, we combined our atpB and rbcL data with previously published ndhF data for two additional analyses: 1) for matching species and 2) for all genera available, including those with either atpB/rbcL or ndhF missing (22% missing data). All trees produced from our three analyses were highly congruent, especially where branch support was high. Four major clades were recovered from all analyses and are informally named. Superimposing our geographical distributions on our atpB/rbcL phylogeny indicates that many well supported clades have distributions on multiple continents, probably due to both vicariance and dispersal. Several previous hypotheses regarding trends in character evolution are tested; our phylogenies suggest that the following are all derived character states within the family: arborescent habit; acrodromous, peltate, compound, or lobed leaves; absence of condyle and endosperm; smooth endosperm; fused stamens; and tricolpate pollen.
A study was undertaken in part of the Tsonga homeland, Gazankulu, to identify plants used by these people. A list of Tsonga plant names was extracted from a Tsonga-English dictionary and this was used as a basis for the study. The uses of almost 200 plants were recorded, including medicine, food, building materials, firewood, household utensils, implements, implement handles and toys. This information is presented in the form of an annotated list of the plants. This is followed by a discussion of some of the more important uses. Some of the aspects of Tsonga taxonomy are briefly discussed and illustrated with examples.
"Prepared for the International Working Group on Taxonomic Databases for Plant Sciences (TDWG)". Published by Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens, 146pp.
The main alkaloids of Antizoma miersiana and one of two species of the southern African endemic genus Antizoma (Menispermaceae), have been studied for the first time. Eight isoquinoline alkaloids could be positively identified (structural type in brackets): crotsparine (proaporphine); bulbocapnine and dicentrine (aporphine); cissacapine, cycleaneonine, cycleanine, insulanoline and insularine (bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline). Crotsparine and bulbocapnine were the main alkaloids in the leaves, while bulbocapnine, dicentrine, insulanoline and an unidentified alkaloid are the major compounds in stems. The rhizome contains small amounts of all except crotsparine. There are clear differences, not only between various plant parts, but also between the two species of Antizoma. Bulbocapnine, for example, was previously found to be absent from the leaves and stems of Antizoma angustifolia. Dicentrine is absent from the latter and therefore appears to be of further diagnostic value to distinguish between the two species. The rich variety and yield of alkaloids in A. miersiana provide a rationale for its value as a medicinal plant.
The main alkaloids in leaves, stems and rhizomes of Antizoma angustifolia, a traditional medicinal plant of the family Menispermaceae, were isolated and identified. The main compound in leaves is almost invariably crotsparine, while stems and rhizomes have several other alkaloids (glaziovine, pronuciferine, bulbocapnine, salutaridine, cissacapine, insularine) in lower yields. These results do not agree with a previous study, where salutaridine was identified as the main alkaloid. Salutaridine was detected as a minor constituent of the rhizomes of only one of the samples. Alkaloids appear to be quite variable within different plant parts and different provenances of A. angustifolia, a fact that may explain the apparent absence of salutaridine in our samples.
In this paper, a continuous projection method is designed and analyzed. The continuous projection method consists of a set of partial differential equations which can be regarded as an approximation of the Navier–Stokes (N–S) equations in each time interval of a given time discretization. The local truncation error (LTE) analysis is applied to the continuous projection methods, which yields a sufficient condition for the continuous projection methods to be temporally second order accurate. Based on this sufficient condition, a fully second order accurate discrete projection method is proposed. A heuristic stability analysis is performed to this projection method showing that the present projection method can be stable. The stability of the present scheme is further verified through numerical experiments. The second order accuracy of the present projection method is confirmed by several numerical test cases.
Summary in English. Word processed copy. Thesis (M.A. (Archaeology))--University of Cape Town, 1994. Bibliography: p. 145-152.
Two-hundred thirty-nine Madagascan medicinal plants have been either retrieved from computerized ethnobotany information or identified in our own ethnomedicine work as having antimalarial properties. Such a high rate percent of plants compared to those used empirically to treat other diseases reflects the importance and the complication of this major tropical disease in Madagascar.
The history to about 1850 of the muscle-relaxant poison curare is discussed, especially the developments leading to the botanical identification of the plants that yield the alkaloidal active principles: Loganiaceae (Strychnos species) and Menispermaceae (Abuta, Chondrodendron, and Curarea species). One of the earliest encounters with the poison appears to have been during the exploration of the Lake Maracaibo region in Colombia by Alonso Pérez de Tolosa in 1548. It is pointed out (yet again) that Sir Walter Ralegh did not bring back the poison to Europe in 1595 and that it was Keymis who first came across the word ourari when exploring the lower reaches of the Orinoco in 1596. Gumilla, La Condamine, Ulloa, Veigl, and others gave much additional information about the poison during the 18th century. Scientific studies began in the latter part of the century when Schreber listed the botanical identities of four of the plant components entering into the curare prepared by the Akawai Indians of Surinam. As far as is known, none of these people actually saw curare being made. Thereafter, progress was rapid. Humboldt and Bonpland were the first trained scientists to witness the preparation of the poison, at the very beginning of the 19th century. Subsequent exploration by Martius and Spix, Poeppig, Youd, the Schomburgk brothers, De Castelnau and Deville, Spruce, and others, up to the middle of the century, extended and deepened botanical and ethnological knowledge of curare. Study of its physiology started at about that time with the classical experiments of Rudolf von Koelliker and Claude Bernard.
In order to collect ethnobotanical information about antimalarial plants which is essential for the further evaluation of the efficacy of plants an antimalarial remedies, we investigated the management of malaria with traditional herbal remedies, including the use, preparation and administration, by traditional healers in Tanzania. Interviews with traditional healers were conducted in different rural and urban places in Tanzania: in the Kilombero valley (Kilombero/Ulanga District), on the main island of Ukerewe (Ukerewe District), in the region near Bukoba town (Bukoba district), and in the settlement of Dar es Salaam (largest city in Tanzania). The results of the study show that all traditional healers treat malaria with herbal remedies consisting of one to five different plants. The list of plants which they use for antimalarial treatment contains a large number of species from different families. Multiple citations of plants by different healers were rare. Most of the respondents attributed to the plants mentioned, or to the remedies made from them, specific effects and sometimes side effects, explaining and illustrating their use or non-use for different patients or manifestations of the disease/illness.
Urinary schistosomiasis is treated traditionally by means of herbal remedies. Forty-eight South African plant species were identified as possible antischistosomic plants. Twenty-one of these plant species were collected in order to investigate their antischistosomal properties. Crude extracts of the plant materials were screened against the schistosomula of the species Schistosoma haematobium. Cercariae were obtained from Bulinus africanus snails through an in vitro technique. By subjecting the cercariae to a sheering stress, they were transformed into schistosomula. The schistosomula were placed into a culture medium to which the plant extracts were added. The results obtained indicated that the plant extracts from Berkheya speciosa (Asteraceae), Euclea natalensis (Ebenaceae) and Trichilia emetica (Meliaceae) are lethal to the schistosomula.
Among 42 extracts, prepared from 14 medicinal plants used in Vietnamese traditional medicine to treat malaria, 24 were found to have antiplasmodial activity by inhibiting the growth of the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain FCR-3 with EC(50) values less than 10 microg/ml. Each medicinal plant possessed at least one active extract. The methanol extract of Coscinium fenestratum had the strongest antiplasmodial activity with EC(50) value of 0.5 microg/ml. Activity-guided fractionation led to identification of berberine as the major active constituent.
Methanolic and aqueous extracts derived from 43 plant species, selected either from ethnobotanical or chemotaxonomical data, were screened for their antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The cytotoxic activity against KB cells was also determined. Eight extracts had IC50 values of less than 10 microg/ml against Leishmania donovani. The most active was Triclisia patens with an IC50 value of 1.5 microg/ml against Leishmania donovani. Annona purpurea and Alstonia macrophylla had IC50 values below 10 microg/ml against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Annona purpurea was the most cytotoxic against KB cells.
Albertisia villosa (Menispermaceae) is a subtropical medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional African medicines against various diseases. Three known bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids; cycleanine, cocsoline, and N-desmethylcycleanine have been identified. Cycleanine, the most abundant (85%) of all identified bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, accounts for all of the activity of the crude drug. The biological screening of cycleanine and the root bark alkaloidal extract revealed potent antibacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial, and cytotoxic activities. These results may partly explain and support the use of Albertisia villosa root barks for the treatment of malaria and other infectious diseases in traditional Congolese medicine.
Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants. Dicotyledons People's Plants. A guide to useful plants of southern Africa
- Van Jaarsveld
Van Jaarsveld, E.J., 2002. Tinospora. In: Eggli, U. (Ed.), Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants. Dicotyledons. Springer, Berlin, p. 313. Van Wyk, B.-E., Gericke, N., 2000. People's Plants. A guide to useful plants of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
Leaves: @BULLET Sore eyes: leaf infusion is dropped into sore eyes
- Gelfand
Leaves: @BULLET Sore eyes: leaf infusion is dropped into sore eyes (Gelfand et al., 1985).
African Traditional Medicine: a Dictionary of Plant Use and Applications Medicinal plants in tropical West Africa. II. Plants acting on the nervous system
- H D Neuwinger
Neuwinger, H.D., 2000. African Traditional Medicine: a Dictionary of Plant Use and Applications. Medpharm Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart. Oliver-Bever, B., 1983. Medicinal plants in tropical West Africa. II. Plants acting on the nervous system. J. Ethnopharmacol. 7, 1–93.
Contemporary studies on Khoisan I & II
- Giess
Giess, W., Snyman, J.W., 1986. Contemporary studies on Khoisan I & II. In:
An ethnobotanical and chemotaxonomic study of South African Menispermaceae
- H De Wet
De Wet, H., 2006. An ethnobotanical and chemotaxonomic study of South African Menispermaceae. PhD Thesis, University of Johannesburg.
Afrikaans: dawidjies (wortel) (Smith
- Hutchings
Cissampelos mucronata Vernacular names. Afrikaans: dawidjies (wortel) (Smith, 1966; Hutchings et al., 1996; Pooley, 1998);
Desmonema fragosum from the northern Transvaal
- Verdoorn
Verdoorn, I.C., 1941. Desmonema fragosum from the northern Transvaal. S. Afr. J. Bot. 7, 209–211.
In Honour of Oswin Köhler on the Occasion of his 75th Birthday
- R Vossen
- K Keuthmann
Vossen, R., Keuthmann, K. (Eds.), In Honour of Oswin Köhler on the Occasion of his 75th Birthday. Buske, Hamburg, pp. 237–346.
A Field Guide to Wild Flowers KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Regions
- E Pooley
Pooley, E., 1998. A Field Guide to Wild Flowers KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Regions. Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
The ethnobotany of the Vhavenda
- D E N Mabogo
Mabogo, D.E.N., 1990. The ethnobotany of the Vhavenda. MSc Thesis, University of Pretoria.
Medicinal and magical plants of southern Africa: an annotated checklist Alkaloids of the Menispermaceae The Alkaloids
- T H Arnold
- C A Prentice
- L C Hawker
- E E Snyman
- M Tomalin
- N R Crouch
- C Bircher
- J M Barbosa-Filho
- E V L Ca-Cunha
- A I Gray
Arnold, T.H., Prentice, C.A., Hawker, L.C., Snyman, E.E., Tomalin, M., Crouch, N.R., Pottas-Bircher, C., 2002. Medicinal and magical plants of southern Africa: an annotated checklist. Strelitzia, vol. 13. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. Barbosa-Filho, J.M., Ca-Cunha, E.V.L., Gray, A.I., 2000. Alkaloids of the Menispermaceae. In: Cordell, G.A. (Ed.), The Alkaloids, vol. 54. Academic Press, Illinois, pp. 1–190.
The Traditional Medical Practitioner in Zimbabwe. His principles of practice and pharmacopoeia
- M Gelfand
- S Mavi
- R B Drummond
- B Ndemera
Gelfand, M., Mavi, S., Drummond, R.B., Ndemera, B., 1985. The Traditional Medical Practitioner in Zimbabwe. His principles of practice and pharmacopoeia. Mambo Press, Gwere.
Root decoction is drunk for: @BULLET Syphilis (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962; Smith, 1966) @BULLET Kidney pain: mixed with leaves of an unknown plant (Motha, 2003, pers. comm.) @BULLET Toothache: root is chewed
- Tsonga-Shangaan Hutchings
Tsonga-Shangaan: khadi [herbarium specimens, Obermeyer 495 (PRE)]. Root decoction is drunk for: @BULLET Syphilis (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962; Smith, 1966) @BULLET Kidney pain: mixed with leaves of an unknown plant (Motha, 2003, pers. comm.) @BULLET Toothache: root is chewed (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962; Hutchings et al., 1996).
@BULLET Syphilitic sores, used by Xhosa people (Smith, 1895
- Bryant
Bryant, 1966) @BULLET Syphilitic sores, used by Xhosa people (Smith, 1895; Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962).
Zulu Medicine and Medicine Men, New edition
- A T Bryant
Bryant, A.T., 1966. Zulu Medicine and Medicine Men, New edition. Struik, Cape Town.
The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification and information retrieval
- L Watson
- M J Dallwitz
Watson, L., Dallwitz, M.J., 1992. The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification and information retrieval. Available at: http:// biodiversity.uno.edu/delta/angio/www/menisper.htm.
Medicinal, Poisonous and Edible Plants in Namibia
- Von Koenen
Von Koenen, E., 2001. Medicinal, Poisonous and Edible Plants in Namibia. Klaus Hess Publishers, Windhoek.
The Traditional Medical Practitioner in Zimbabwe
- Gelfand