Content uploaded by Timothy Omara
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Timothy Omara on Feb 14, 2021
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
Medicinal plants used as snake venom antidotes in East African community: review and assessment of scientific evidences
Abstract and Figures
Background: Poisonous snake envenomation is a complex neglected health problem implicated for the mortality, disability, psychological morbidity and socio-economic losses recorded worldwide. Antivenin sera, the only medically recommended treatment for snakebites has several drawbacks such as hypersensitivity, inability to prevent local tissue damage, are scarce and unaffordable in most snakebite endemic areas. In many rural communities worldwide, plants have been used for managing snakebites. This review seeks to identify plants reported as antivenom remedies in East Africa and the scientific studies thereof which could support their use in the treatment of snake envenomation.
Methods: A review of scientific articles was undertaken to identify information on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used for treatment of snake envenomation in East Africa as well as their antivenom efficacy.
Results: A total of 361 plant species were retrieved to have been reported as traditional therapies for snakebites in East Africa. The review identified distinct cases of doctrine of signatures and zoopharmacognosy in snakes using Opilia amentacea, Hugonia castaneifolia and Microglossa pyrifolia respectively. Evaluation of the antivenom efficacy of 44 species (12.2%) have been done globally, with most species found to be effective in neutralizing the lethal activities of snake venoms.
Conclusion: Ethnomedicinal plants play a revered holistic role in East African antisnake venom therapy. Conyza sumatrensis, Hyptis pectinata, Justicia betonica and Maesa lanceolata used for treatment of specific snakebites merit further studies.
Figures - uploaded by Timothy Omara
Author content
All figure content in this area was uploaded by Timothy Omara
Content may be subject to copyright.
... Despite this, there is still an important gap in the literature regarding these herbal remedies' phytochemical composition and safety evaluations (Mokua et al., 2021). Moreover, producing and using plant-based antivenoms is challenging without empirical validation (Omara et al., 2021). ...
Snakebites are a severe medical and social issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries with minimal medical facilities, where the most dangerous snakes are found. Worldwide, most rural areas use medicinal plants alone or in combination as antidotes for snakebite treatment. Local knowledge of medicinal plants for snakebite treatment plays a more critical role in primary healthcare services in rural areas. As a result of this review, it is revealed that 39% of herbs, 38% of shrubs, 18% of trees, 2% of climbers, 2% of bulbs, and 1% of ferns have snake antivenom potential, which is indicative of the presence of numerous phytochemicals such as alkaloids, coumarins, curcuminoids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, and cinnamic acid in particular plants. According to the availability of information, the data focus on the plants, their families, and their parts from various literature sources. In the future, the valuable plants reported here and their phytoconstituents may be potential sources for developing effective natural drugs for snake bite treatments. Therefore, this review is a comprehensive study of the snake antivenom potential of various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds.
... This is the first report on M. bengalensis, a species previously limited to Manipur and Meghalaya with scarce data. In India, 16 taxa of the Maesa genus are documented, with Maesa indica known for its edible fruits and Maesa lanceolata used in treating snake bites 4 . Motivated by traditional knowledge, this study scientifically evaluates M. bengalensis for its nutritional, anti-nutritional, antioxidant, and toxicity properties. ...
... Nevertheless, the literature still lacks a thorough examination of the phytochemical composition and safety assessments of these herbal treatments, which is a notable deficiency [44,45]. Furthermore, the use of traditional knowledge without empirical confirmation and the lack of regulated extraction procedures and doses make the creation of plant-based antivenoms more challenging [46,47]. The need for regional cooperation in addressing these difficulties is clear, as is the requirement for a strong and customized pharmaceutical research and development process for snakebite envenomation therapies [48,49]. ...
Snakebite envenomation is a critical public health issue, especially in tropical regions like India, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. This review explores the potential of ethnomedicinal herbs as adjunct therapies to conventional antivenoms, addressing challenges such as the high cost, limited availability, and side effects of traditional antivenoms. The study emphasizes regional and species-specific variations in snake venom that complicate antivenom development and highlights the pharmacological potential of certain medicinal plants in mitigating venom effects. These plants offer an affordable, accessible alternative, though their efficacy can vary due to regional venom differences. Additionally, the review discusses the role of bioinformatics in advancing antivenom research, aiming to combine traditional knowledge with modern science to develop effective and accessible snakebite treatments in resource-limited settings.
... Although not reported as medicinal plants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), three of the fourteen taxa; Indigofera capitata, Baccharoides adoensis, and Erigeron bonariensis, are reported as medicinal plants in other African regions. In Nigeria [144] and, in Uganda [145], powder from Indigofera capitata is employed as a remedy for snakebites, while in the Republic of Congo, the dried infrutescences of this plant are utilized for their hallucinogenic properties [146]. In Zimbabwe, Baccharoides adoensis is traditionally employed for the treatment of fever, upper respiratory tract infections, and currently for tuberculosis [147]. ...
Background
A variety of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the management of hemorrhoidal diseases. However, no investigation has been conducted to gather the knowledge required for this type of management in the region. The present study was conducted to inventory the plants used in Lubumbashi to treat hemorrhoidal diseases and to relate their ethnomedical characteristics.
Methods
This study was conducted between March 2022 and February 2023 by interviews using semi-structured questionnaire with households (n = 1520), herbalists (n = 25), and traditional healers: THs (n = 59).
Results
The 1,604 respondents (sex ratio M/F = 0.9; mean age: 56 ± 3 years; experience: 12 ± 3 years) provided information on 100 taxa, 84 of which are used against internal hemorrhoids, Phyllanthus amarus being the most cited (Citation Index, CI: 0.76). Most of them are trees (38%) or shrubs (32%), belonging to 90 genera and 45 families dominated by the Fabaceae (10%) and Asteraceae (9%). They are indicated in 76 other pathologies, dominated by gastrointestinal disorders (GID), wounds and sexually transmitted infections (CI > 0.57). From these 100 taxa, 117 anti-hemorrhoidal formulations were derived, 11 of which combined more than one plant. In all these recipes, the leaf is the most commonly used part (> 60%) and the liniment (> 45%) is the most popular form of application. For the first time, this study reports 14 taxa as plants used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Among these taxa, Ficus stuhlmannii, Ficus laurifolia, and Ocimum centraliafricanum are listed as medicinal plants for the first time. Khaya nyasica, and Syzygium cordatum, each with 11 uses, have the highest traditional medicinal value.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that a significant number of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the treatment of hemorrhoidal diseases. Some of these plants are endemic to the biodiversity area, while others are shared with other cultures and regions. A series of pharmacological studies is currently underway with the objective of validating the anti-hemorrhoidal properties of these plants and in order to identify phytochemical compounds responsible of this activity.
Graphical Abstract
... In the majority of cases, the informants have accumulated over 11 years of experience in the use of medicinal plants (Table 6). Nigeria [142] and, in Uganda [143], powder from Indigofera capitata is employed as a remedy for snakebites, while in the Republic of Congo, the dried infrutescences of this plant are utilized for their hallucinogenic properties [144]. In Zimbabwe, Baccharoides adoensis is traditionally employed for the treatment of fever, upper respiratory tract infections, and currently for tuberculosis [145]. ...
Background: A variety of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the management of hemorrhoidal diseases. However, no investigation has been conducted to gather the knowledge required for this type of management in the region. The present study was conducted to inventory the plants used in Lubumbashi to treat hemorrhoidal diseases and to relate their ethnomedical characteristics.
Methods: This study was conducted between March 2022 and February 2023 using semi-structured interviews with households (n=1520), herbalists (n=25), and traditional healers : THs (n=59).
Results: The 1,604 respondents (sex ratio M/F = 0.9; mean age: 56 ± 3 years; experience: 12 ± 3 years) provided information on 100 taxa, 84 of which are used against internal hemorrhoids, Phyllanthus amarus being the most cited (Citation Index, CI: 0.76). Most of them are trees (38%) or shrubs (32%), belonging to 90 genera and 45 families dominated by the Fabaceae (10%) and Asteraceae (9%). They are indicated in 76 other pathologies, dominated by gastrointestinal disorders (GID), wounds and sexually transmitted infections (CI > 0.57). From these 100 taxa, 117 anti-hemorrhoidal formulations were derived, 11 of which combined more than one plant. In all these recipes, the leaf is the most commonly used part (>60%) and the liniment (>45%) is the most popular form of application. For the first time, this study reports 14 taxa as plants used in the treatment of hemorrhoids for which some evidence of hemorrhoidal activity has been reported. Among these taxa, Ficus stuhlmannii, Ficus laurifolia, and Ocimum centraliafricanum are listed as medicinal plants for the first time. Khaya nyasica, and Syzygium cordatum, each with 11 uses, have the highest traditional medicinal value.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that a significant number of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the treatment of hemorrhoidal diseases. Some of these plants are endemic to the biodiversity area, while others are shared with other cultures and regions. A series of pharmacological studies is currently underway with the objective of validating the anti-hemorrhoidal properties of these plants and in order to identify phytochemical compounds responsible of this activity.
... Of the 14 taxa initially reported by this study as plants with anti-hemorrhoidal uses in Katanga, a literature search revealed that only eight taxa, namely Acmella caulirhiza [135] [141] and, in Uganda [142], powder from Indigofera capitata is employed as a remedy for snakebites, while in the Republic of Congo, the dried infrutescences of this plant are utilized for their hallucinogenic properties [143]. In Zimbabwe, Baccharoides adoensis is traditionally employed for the treatment of fever, upper respiratory tract infections, and currently for tuberculosis [144]. ...
Background
A variety of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the management of hemorrhoidal diseases. However, no investigation has been conducted to gather the knowledge required for this type of management in the region. The present study was conducted to inventory the plants used in Lubumbashi to treat hemorrhoidal diseases and to relate their ethnomedical characteristics.
Methods
This study was conducted between March 2022 and February 2023 using semi-structured interviews with households (n = 1520), herbalists (n = 25), and traditional healers : THs (n = 59).
Results
The 1,604 respondents (sex ratio M/F = 0.9; mean age: 56 ± 3 years; experience: 12 ± 3 years) provided information on 100 taxa, 84 of which are used against internal hemorrhoids, Phyllanthus amarus being the most cited (Citation Index, CI: 0.76). Most of them are trees (38%) or shrubs (32%), belonging to 90 genera and 45 families dominated by the Fabaceae (10%) and Asteraceae (9%). They are indicated in 76 other pathologies, dominated by gastrointestinal disorders (GID), wounds and sexually transmitted infections (CI > 0.57). From these 100 taxa, 117 anti-hemorrhoidal formulations were derived, 11 of which combined more than one plant. In all these recipes, the leaf is the most commonly used part (> 60%) and the liniment (> 45%) is the most popular form of application. For the first time, this study reports 14 taxa as plants used in the treatment of hemorrhoids for which some evidence of hemorrhoidal activity has been reported. Among these taxa, Ficus stuhlmannii, Ficus laurifolia, and Ocimum centraliafricanum are listed as medicinal plants for the first time. Khaya nyasica, and Syzygium cordatum, each with 11 uses, have the highest traditional medicinal value.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that a significant number of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the treatment of hemorrhoidal diseases. Some of these plants are endemic to the biodiversity area, while others are shared with other cultures and regions. A series of pharmacological studies is currently underway with the objective of validating the anti-hemorrhoidal properties of these plants and in order to identify phytochemical compounds responsible of this activity.
... Experts have been looking at the flavonoids in the plant A. tetracantha to see the possibility that they may be used as a treatment for snake bites. The flavonoids luteolin, luteolin-7-diglucuronide ( Figure 28), luteolin-7-glucoside, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid, and amentoflavone are the most often found compounds in this plant 145 147 . The root of this plant contains an alkaloid substance called aconitine, which is thought to be the plant's most effective anti-venom. ...
Snakebite is a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in regions where venomous snakes are prevalent. Snakebites can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the species of snake, the amount of venom injected, and the location of the bite. Globally, an estimated 5 million people are affected by snake bites each year, according to recent statistics. Since ancient times, traditional medicinal plants have been used to cure a wide range of illnesses, including snake bites. Secondary metabolites contained in plants were efficient in reducing the effects of snake venom. Snake venom is a potent toxin that can cause severe damage to the human body, affecting the nervous system, cardiovascular system, or both. Symptoms can range from mild swelling to life-threatening paralysis, respiratory failure, and hemorrhage. Enzyme activity is inhibited by flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which additionally hinder blood from clotting and lessen inflammation. Treatments for snake bites that are more beneficial and less hazardous could result from the isolation and synthesis of natural drugs. With the use of cutting-edge scientific methods, we can maximize their potential and use their secondary metabolites to develop novel medications and therapies. The study of these plants and their potential uses in contemporary medicine requires more funding and investigation. This will advance our knowledge of these plants and help us create cures for some of the most lethal diseases.
... Approximately 100,000 victims die among 2.7 million snakebite victims each year. According to WHO's report, around 80% of the population throughout the world depend on traditional medicine to get rid of numerous ailments [14]. Fortunately, WHO took an initiative to lessen the snakebiteinduced mortality and disabilities worldwide to 50% by 2030 [15]. ...
Bangladesh is abundant in medicinal plants. The bioactive compounds in medicinal plants provide novel therapeutic opportunity of improving human health. But the benefit-risk balance is usually less considered during formulation of traditional medicine. However, the plants included in this study were not studied before regarding their hemolytic and anti-venom properties. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate and compare the hemolytic activity, antioxidant activity, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme neutralization efficacy of aqueous and methanolic extracts of eight known medicinal plants including Asparagus racemosus (root), Withania somnifera (root), Syzygium cumini (leaf), Psidium guajava (leaf), Basella alba (leaf and seed), Morus indica (leaf), M. laevigata (leaf), and M. latifolia (leaf). The results of the hemolytic activity test suggested that the methanolic extracts of S. cumini, P. guajava, B. alba (leaf and seed), M. indica, M. laevigata, and M. latifolia showed significantly higher hemolytic activity compared to their aqueous extracts. The methanolic extracts of A. racemosus, W. somnifera, P. guajava, M. laevigata, and M. latifolia showed remarkable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the results of the PLA2 enzyme neutralization activity test revealed that both aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. guajava, S. cumini, and B. alba (leaf) have significant PLA2 neutralization capacity. Altogether, the aqueous extracts of all plants, except A. racemosus root, have ignorable hemolytic effect. Both of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of M. latifolia showed the maximum antioxidant activity. Additionally, P. guajava and S. cumini leaf aqueous extracts have promising PLA2 inhibitory effect which may become the potential source of bioactive compounds for anti-venom drug development.
Although medicinal plants have been used by ethnic communities since ancient times to prevent and treat various diseases, only a few have been scientifically documented. Therefore, due to their rare availability and lack of comprehensive scientific information, we reviewed the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of plants within the genus Sarcophyte. To do this, we used specific search terms and phrases to retrieve relevant information from online sources published in English from 2000 to July 2023. The results showed that there are only two plants in the genus Sarcophyte (Sarcophyte sanguinea Sparrm. and Sarcophyte piriei Hutch.), which are traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases, especially cancer, and skin, gastrointestinal, and urinogenital tract ailments in humans, and to cure animals in ethnoveterinary practices. It was noted that 13 secondary metabolites have been isolated from the two plants, the most prominent of which are flavonoids (diinsininol, diinsinin, and naringenin). The antioxidant activity of S. piriei is reported based on the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC 50 : 4.26 ± 0.22 μg/mL) and 2-2′-Azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonate (ABTS) radicals (IC 50 : 4.62 ± 0.14 μg/mL), chelating iron (IC 50 : 1.82 ± 0.01 μg/mL, 3.50 ± 0.09 μg/mL), and nitric oxide (IC 50 : 9.97 ± 0.88 μg/mL, 9.09 ± 0.11 μg/mL). The methanolic stem extracts of S. piriei possess antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio fluvialis, and Enterococcus avium, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.16 to 0.625 mg/ mL, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.25 to 5 mg/mL. Cytotoxic effects of the extracts from the two plant species were also demonstrated. Sarcophyte piriei possesses therapeutic potential as evidenced by the inhibitory effects of the aqueous rhizome extract on edema (1,000 mg/kg) and prostaglandin synthesis (IC 50 = 0.2 mg/mL). In addition, diinsininol and diinsinin were isolated from S. sanguinea inhibited prostaglandin synthesis
Although medicinal plants have been used by ethnic communities since ancient times to prevent and treat various diseases, only a few have been scientifically documented. Therefore, due to their rare availability and lack of comprehensive scientific information, we reviewed the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of plants within the genus Sarcophyte. To do this, we used specific search terms and phrases to retrieve relevant information from online sources published in English from 2000 to July 2023. The results showed that there are only two plants in the genus Sarcophyte (Sarcophyte sanguinea Sparrm. and Sarcophyte piriei Hutch.), which are traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases, especially cancer, and skin, gastrointestinal, and urinogenital tract ailments in humans, and to cure animals in ethnoveterinary practices. It was noted that 13 secondary metabolites have been isolated from the two plants, the most prominent of which are flavonoids (diinsininol, diinsinin, and naringenin). The antioxidant activity of S. piriei is reported based on the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50: 4.26 ± 0.22 μg/mL) and 2 -2′-Azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonate (ABTS) radicals (IC50: 4.62 ± 0.14 μg/mL), chelating iron (IC50: 1.82 ± 0.01 μg/mL, 3.50 ± 0.09 μg/mL), and nitric oxide (IC50: 9.97 ± 0.88 μg/mL, 9.09 ± 0.11 μg/mL). The methanolic stem extracts of S. piriei possess antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio fluvialis, and Enterococcus avium, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.16 to 0.625 mg/mL, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.25 to 5 mg/mL. Cytotoxic effects of the extracts from the two plant species were also demonstrated. Sarcophyte piriei possesses therapeutic potential as evidenced by the inhibitory effects of the aqueous rhizome extract on edema (1,000 mg/kg) and prostaglandin synthesis (IC50 = 0.2 mg/mL). In addition, diinsininol and diinsinin were isolated from S. sanguinea inhibited prostaglandin synthesis (IC50: 9.20 µM, 13.14 µM) and platelet-activating factor-induced exocytosis. Therefore, based on this review, further scientific research is needed to demystify the links between traditional medicinal uses, various secondary metabolites, and the pharmacology of the two plants.
Snakebite envenomation is a neglected global health problem responsible for substantial mortality, disability and psychological morbidity especially in rural tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2s) enzymes constitute a major toxic venom component especially the venoms from elapids. Naja nigricollis is of the family Elapidae. Commiphora africana is a species of the family Burseraceae which is traditionally used in many parts of Africa for the treatment of number of ailments including snake envenomation, cancer and some inflammatory diseases. The present study was designed to determine the hydrolytic actions of PLA2 present in the N. nigricollis venom in an egg yolk suspension mixture and to access the PLA2 inhibitory effects of extracts of C. africana by acidimetric assay method. The snake venom PLA2 was found to release free fatty acids from the egg yolk suspension in a dose-dependent manner. The venom concentration of 0.1 mg/mL was found to liberate 13.3 µmol of free fatty acids with a decline of pH of 0.1 which may be attributable to the phospholipase A2 in the venom. Higher liberations of 133 µmol levels of free fatty acids was achieved with a decrease of pH of 1.0 at concentrations of 4.0 mg/mL of the venom. The PLA2 inhibitory activity observed from the extracts and fractions also showed concentration-dependent inhibition as depicted by the IC50 values. These results may provide some scientific basis for the usefulness of the plant in the traditional management of snakebite envenomation across Africa.
Objective: Many studies on the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) using herbal medicines have been undertaken in recent decades in East Africa. The details, however, are highly fragmented. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the reported medicinal plants used to manage TB symptoms, and to analyze scientific reports on their effectiveness and safety.
Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed in the major electronic databases regarding medicinal plants used in the management of TB in East Africa. A total of 44 reports were retrieved, and data were collected on various aspects of the medicinal plants such as botanical name, family, local names, part (s) used, method of preparation, efficacy, toxicity and phytochemistry. The data were summarized into percentages and frequencies which were presented as tables and graphs. Results: A total of 195 species of plants belonging to 68 families and 144 genera were identified. Most encountered species were from Fabaceae (42.6%), Lamiaceae (19.1%), Asteraceae (16.2%) and Euphorbiaceae (14.7%) families. Only 36 medicinal plants (18.5%) have been screened for antimycobacterial activity. Out of these, 31 (86.1%) were reported to be bioactive with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 47-12500 µg/ml. Most tested plant extracts were found to have acceptable acute toxicity profiles with cytotoxic concentrations on normal mammalian cells greater 200 µg/ml. The most commonly reported phytochemicals were flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and phenols. Only Tetradenia riparia, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum leprieurii have further undergone isolation and characterization of the pure bioactive compounds.
Conclusion: East Africa has a rich diversity of medicinal plants that have been reported to be effective in the management of symptoms of TB. More validation studies are required to promote the discovery of antimycobacterial drugs and to provide evidence for standardization of herbal medicine use.
Snake envenomation is one of the neglected tropical diseases which have left an intolerable death toll and severe socio-economic losses in Kenya. In a continued effort to identify some antiophidic East African botanical species, this study generated ethnobotanical information on antivenom plants reported in Kenya, with a view to identify potential species which could be subjected to in vitro and clinical studies for possible development into antivenoms. Data retrieved through searches done in multidisciplinary databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Scientific Electronic Library Online) indicated that 54 plant species belonging to 45 genera, distributed among 27 families are used for management of snakebites in Kenya. Most species belonged to family Asteraceae (11%), Malvaceae (11%), Fabaceae (9%), Annonaceae (6%), Combretaceae (6%) and Lamiaceae (6%). The main growth habit of the species is as herbs (35%), shrubs (33%) and trees (28%). Ethnomedicinal preparations used in treating snake poisons are usually from leaves (48%), roots (26%) and stem bark (8%) through decoctions, infusions, powders and juices which are applied topically or administered orally. The most frequently encountered species were Combretum collinum, Euclea divinorum, Fuerstia africana, Grewia fallax, Microglossa pyrifolia, Solanecio mannii and Solanum incanum. Indigenous knowledge on medicinal antivenom therapy in Kenya is humongous, and therefore studies to isolate and evaluate the antivenom compounds in the claimed plants are required to enable their confident use in antivenom therapy alongside commercial antivenin sera.
Malaria is one of the serious health problems in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its treatment has been met with chronic failure due to pathogenic resistance to the currently available drugs. This review attempts to compile phytotherapeutical information on antimalarial plants in Kenya based on electronic data. A comprehensive web search was conducted in multidisciplinary databases and a total of 286 plant species from 75 families, distributed among 192 genera were retrieved. Globally, about 139 (48.6%) of the species have been investigated for antiplasmodial (18%) or antimalarial activities (97.1%) with promising results. However, there is no record on the antimalarial activity of about 51.4% of the species used, though they could be potential sources of antimalarial remedies. Analysis of ethnomedicinal recipes indicated that mainly leaves (27.7%) and roots (19.4%) of shrubs (33.2%), trees (30.1%) and herbs (29.7%) are used for preparation of antimalarial decoctions (70.5%) and infusions (5.4%) in Kenya. The study highlighted a rich diversity of indigenous antimalarial plants with equally divergent herbal remedy preparation and use pattern. Further research is required to validate the therapeutic potential of antimalarial compounds from the unstudied claimed species. Some species though investigated for their antimalarial efficacies, their toxicity and safety aspects need to be further investigated.
Mutomo hill plant sanctuary is a ten-hectare piece of land in Kenya listed as a botanical garden under the Botanical Gardens Conservation International, originally established in 1964 with the aim of conserving indigenous flora from destructive anthropogenic activities. This paper presents ethnobotanical documentation of medicinal plants of Mutomo hill plant sanctuary and its environs. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Mutomo hill plant sanctuary and its environs with 48 herbalists aged between 32 and 96 years from July 2018 to February 2019 using a semistructured open-ended questionnaire. The plants were collected through random surveys with each herbalist in different ecotypes around the villages and within the Mutomo hill plant sanctuary. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) for each species reported was calculated to determine the plant species frequently collected. In total, 68 different plant species distributed in 28 families and 54 genera were reported. The frequently used plant families were Leguminosae (13 species), Lamiaceae (6 species), and Euphorbiaceae (6 species). Shrubs (37%) and trees (34%) were the dominant growth habits reported. The most cited plant species were Cassia abbreviata Oliv. (RFC = 0.63), Acacia nilotica (L.). Delile (RFC = 0.54), Strychnos heningsii Gilg (RFC = 0.46), and Aloe secundiflora Engl. (RFC = 0.31). Root (19 species) and bark (19 species) were the frequently collected plant parts. Infectious diseases (33) and digestive system disorders (24) were reported to be managed with the majority of the plant species. This study contributes to safeguarding the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants in the study area, which is useful in appreciating and acknowledging the cultural heritage of the Kamba people from the local perspective of Mutomo area in Kenya. It also adds to the knowledge base and documentation of medicinal plants, which is useful information as potential data for drug development.
The burden of neoplastic diseases is a significant global health challenge accounting for thousands of deaths. In Uganda, about 32,617 cancer cases were reported in 2018, accompanied by 21, 829 deaths. In a view to identify some potential anticancer plant candidates for possible drug development, the current study was designed to compile the inventory of plants with reported anticancer activity used in rural Uganda and the evidences supporting their use in cancer therapy. Electronic survey in multidisciplinary databases revealed that 29 plant species belonging to 28 genera distributed among 24 families have been reported to be used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Anticancer plants were majorly from family Bignoniaceae (7%), Cariaceae (7%), Fabiaceae (7%), Moraceae (7%) and Rutaceae (7%). Most species occur in the wild (52%), though some are cultivated (48%). The growth habit of the plants is as trees (55%) or herbs (45%). Anticancer extracts are usually prepared from leaves (29%), bark (24%), roots (21%) and fruits (13%) through decoctions (53%), as food spices (23%) or pounded to produce ointments that are applied topically (10%). Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, Opuntia species, Albizia coriaria (Welw. ex Oliver), Daucus carota L., Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell, Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K. Schum and Oxalis corniculata L. were the most frequently encountered species. As per global reports, Allium sativum L., Anona muricata L., Carica papaya L., Moringa oleifera Lam, Opuntia species, Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, and Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. are the most studied species, with the latter having vincristine and vinblastine anticancer drugs developed from it. Prostate, cervical, breast and skin cancers are the top traditionally treated malignancies. There is need to isolate and evaluate the anticancer potential of the bioactive compounds in the unstudied claimed plants such as Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell, Ficus dawei Hutch, Ficus natalensis Hochst and Lovoa trichilioides Harms, and elucidate their mechanism of anticancer activity.
Medicinal plants are vital sources of easily accessible remedy used in the countryside healthcare system. This study aimed to find and make record of plants that are used for medicinal therapy by three communities living in Cherangani Hills. So far no single study has documented medicinal plants as a whole in the area. Ethnobotanical data were obtained through interviewing informants using semi-structured questionnaires and extracting information from journals and books. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to describe the data. Overall 296 plant species from 80 families and 191 genera were identified. Asteraceae family was the most dominant, representing 10.7% of the total plant species recorded. Roots (35.9%) represented the most commonly used parts of the plant. The commonly used method of preparation was decoction (54.9%). The reported diseases were classified into 14 diverse ailment groups out of the 81 health conditions on their underlying user reports. Rural communities in Cherangani Hills are rich sources of plants with medicinal properties. Therapeutic uses of the compiled plants provide basic information that can aid scientists to conduct additional research dedicated to conservation of species and pharmacological studies of species with the greatest significance.
Snakebite envenomation is a serious public health concern in rural areas of Uganda. Snakebites are poorly documented in Uganda because most occur in rural settings where traditional therapists end up being the first line defence for treatment. Ethnobotanical surveys in Uganda have reported that some plants are used to antagonize the activity of various snake venoms. This review was sought to identify antivenin plants in Uganda and some pharmacological evidences supporting their use. A literature survey done in multidisciplinary databases revealed that 77 plant species belonging to 65 genera and 42 families are used for treatment of snakebites in Uganda. Majority of these species belong to family Fabaceae (31%), Euphorbiaceae (14%), Asteraceae (12%), Amaryllidaceae (10%) and Solanaceae (10%). The main growth habit of the species are shrubs (41%), trees (33%) and herbs (18%). Antivenin extracts are usually prepared from roots (54%) and leaves (23%) through decoctions, infusions, powders and juices and administered orally (67%) or applied topically (17%). The most frequently encountered species were Allium cepa, Carica papaya, Securidaca longipedunculata, Harrisonia abyssinica and Nicotiana tabacum. Species with global reports of tested antivenom activity included Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Basella alba, Capparis tomentosa, Carica papaya, Cassia occidentalis, Jatropa carcus, Vernonia cinereal, Bidens pilosa, Hoslundia opposita, Maytensus senegalensis, Securinega virosa and Solanum incanum. There is need to identify and evaluate the antivenom compounds in the claimed plants.
Snakebite envenomation is a life-threatening disease that was recently re-included as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), affecting millions of people in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Improvement in the therapeutic approaches to envenomation is required to palliate the morbidity and mortality effects of this NTD. The specific therapeutic treatment for this NTD uses snake antivenom immunoglobulins. Unfortunately, access to these vital drugs is limited, principally due to their cost. Different ethnic groups in the affected regions have achieved notable success in treatment for centuries using natural sources, especially plants, to mitigate the effects of snake envenomation. The ethnopharmacological approach is essential to identify the potential metabolites or derivatives needed to treat this important NTD. Here, the authors describe specific therapeutic snakebite envenomation treatments and conduct a review on different strategies to identify the potential agents that can mitigate the effects of the venoms. The study also covers an increased number of literature reports on the ability of natural sources, particularly plants, to treat snakebites, along with their mechanisms, drawbacks and future perspectives.
