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Tshikororo RR, Ajao AAN, Moteetee AN. Exploring the Use of Indigenous Wild Vegetables by the Basotho People of Southern Africa: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and Nutritional Analysis of Selected Species. Foods 2023; 12:2763. [PMID: 37509855 PMCID: PMC10378859 DOI: 10.3390/foods12142763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild indigenous vegetables have recently been receiving attention due to their accessibility and potential to fight malnutrition. The current study investigated the nutritional profile of 10 selected wild indigenous vegetables, namely Asclepias multicaulis, Lepidium africanum, Erucastrum austroafricanum, Solanum nigrum, Sonchus dregeanus, Sonchus integrifolius, Sonchus nanus, Rorippa fluviatilis, Tribulus terrestris, and Urtica lobulata, consumed by the Basotho people of southern Africa. This was done by first compiling a comprehensive literature review to identify the knowledge gaps and further analysing the selected vegetables for mineral contents and proximate compositions using standard analytical procedures of AOAC. The literature survey revealed that 90 wild plants are used as vegetables by the Basotho people, and there are knowledge gaps on the nutritional value of many species. Mineral analyses of the wild vegetables showed that Asclepias multicaulis and Sonchus dregeanus are rich in minerals such as Al, Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and S and can compete favourably with commercialised vegetables such as lettuce and spinach in terms of mineral components. Also, all the wild vegetables studied have more than 12% recommended caloric protein value except Tribulus terrestris (10.07%) and Lepidium africanum (11.32%). The crude fat content in Asclepias multicaulis, Lepidium africanum, Rorippa fluviatilis, Erucastrum austroafricanum, and Urtica lobulata fall within the range required for healthy living. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, and lead in all the vegetables studied are below the detection level, thus making them non-toxic and safe for consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudzani Ralph Tshikororo
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, APK Campus, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - Abdulwakeel Ayokun-Nun Ajao
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, APK Campus, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - Annah Ntsamaeeng Moteetee
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, APK Campus, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
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The Role of Antioxidants in the Management of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/6661514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that has a significant effect on the quality of life. The most effective treatment for OCD is the combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). However, several adverse effects have been linked with this usual pharmacotherapy, and it is unsuccessful in many patients. The exact pathophysiology of OCD is not completely known, though the role of oxidative stress in its pathogenesis has been proposed recently. This review presents an overview of animal and human studies of antioxidant treatment for OCD. The use of antioxidants against oxidative stress is a novel treatment for several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Among antioxidants, NAC was one of the most studied drugs on OCD, and it showed a significant improvement in OCD symptoms. Thus, antioxidants could be promising as an adjuvant treatment for OCD. However, a limited number of human studies are conducted on these agents, and for better judgment, human studies with a large sample size are necessary.
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Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Benefits of Taro ( Colocasia esculenta) Corms, an Underexploited Tuber Crop. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010265. [PMID: 33383887 PMCID: PMC7795958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Taro corms contain valuable bioactive molecules effective against cancer and cancer-related risk factors, such as carcinogens and biological agents, several pathophysiological conditions, including oxidative stress and inflammation, while controlling metabolic dysfunctions and boosting the immunological response. Such broad effects are achieved by the taro health-influencing compounds displaying antitumoral, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. Taro bioactivities are attributed to the combination of tarin, taro-4-I polysaccharide, taro polysaccharides 1 and 2 (TPS-1 and TPS-2), A-1/B-2 α-amylase inhibitors, monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs), digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDGs), polyphenols, and nonphenolic antioxidants. Most of these compounds have been purified and successfully challenged in vitro and in vivo, proving their involvement in the aforementioned activities. Although these health-promoting effects have been recognized since ancient times, as well as other valuable features of taro for food profit, such as hypo-allergenicity, gluten-free, and carbohydrates with medium-glycemic index, taro crop remains underexploited. The popularization of taro intake should be considered a dietary intervention strategy to be applied to improve the overall health status of the organism and as supportive therapy to manage tumorigenesis.
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Shonte TT, Duodu K, de Kock HL. Effect of drying methods on chemical composition and antioxidant activity of underutilized stinging nettle leaves. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03938. [PMID: 32478185 PMCID: PMC7248666 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stinging nettles provide low-cost quality nutrition for alleviating malnutrition. Previous research on stinging nettles focused mainly on the nutritional quality of fresh leaves. In this study, the effect of drying method on macronutrients, mineral content, ascorbic acid, β-carotene content and total phenols content and antioxidant activity were investigated. The contribution of fresh, oven dried or freeze dried stinging nettle leaves to the required daily value for the nutrients were also determined. Oven drying of nettle leaves resulted in a higher loss of β-carotene and ascorbic acid content compared to freeze drying. In contrast, the total phenols content and total antioxidant activity were higher in oven dried stinging nettle leaves compared to freeze dried leaves. Overall, freeze dried and oven dried nettle leaves can be considered as a rich source of Ca, Mg and vitamin A; a good source of vitamin C, Fe, and Mn; and a source for Mg and K. Stinging nettle leaves could potentially be used as a cheap natural source of antioxidants and for addressing micronutrient malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigist T. Shonte
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences and Institute for Food, Nutrition and Wellbeing, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- School of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Building, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa 138, Ethiopia
| | - K.G. Duodu
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences and Institute for Food, Nutrition and Wellbeing, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Henriëtte L. de Kock
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences and Institute for Food, Nutrition and Wellbeing, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Gulumian M, Yahaya ES, Steenkamp V. African Herbal Remedies with Antioxidant Activity: A Potential Resource Base for Wound Treatment. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:4089541. [PMID: 30595712 PMCID: PMC6282146 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4089541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of traditional herbal remedies as alternative medicine plays an important role in Africa since it forms part of primary health care for treatment of various medical conditions, including wounds. Although physiological levels of free radicals are essential to the healing process, they are known to partly contribute to wound chronicity when in excess. Consequently, antioxidant therapy has been shown to facilitate healing of such wounds. Also, a growing body of evidence suggests that, at least, part of the therapeutic value of herbals may be explained by their antioxidant activity. This paper reviews African herbal remedies with antioxidant activity with the aim of indicating potential resources for wound treatment. Firstly, herbals with identified antioxidant compounds and, secondly, herbals with proven antioxidant activity, but where the compound(s) responsible for the activity has not yet been identified, are listed. In the latter case it has been attempted to ascribe the activity to a compound known to be present in the plant family and/or species, where related activity has previously been documented for another genus of the species. Also, the tests employed to assess antioxidant activity and the potential caveats thereof during assessment are briefly commented on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Gulumian
- National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Haematology and Molecular Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ewura Seidu Yahaya
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Vanessa Steenkamp
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Atmaca H, Bozkurt E, Cittan M, Dilek Tepe H. Effects of Galium aparine extract on the cell viability, cell cycle and cell death in breast cancer cell lines. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 186:305-310. [PMID: 27085941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Galium species have been traditionally used for its anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cardioprotective effects in the folk medicine. Galium aparine (GA) is a typical climbing plant growing widespread in Anatolia. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the potential anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of GA methanol (MeOH) extract on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and MCF-10A untransformed breast epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the extract was characterized by both liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/Q-TOF/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Then, cell viability and cell cycle distribution were investigated by XTT assay and PI staining by flow cytometry, respectively. Cell death was determined by Annexin V FITC/7-AAD staining. RESULTS A total of 14 major phytochemicals were identified by LC/Q-TOF/MS and 34 volatile compounds were determined by GC-MS. The extract was cytotoxic in both breast cancer cell lines in a concentration and time dependent manner and showed G1 block after 72h extract treatment. However, it was not cytotoxic to MCF-10A breast epithelial cells. Flow cytometry analyses revealed that apoptosis was induced in MDA-MB-231 cells; however, necrosis was induced in MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that GA MeOH extract may have potential anti-cancer effects against breast cancer cells without impairing normal breast epithelial cells. Ability to induction of non-apoptotic cell death besides apoptotic cell death by this complex plant-derived mixture may enable the killing of apoptosis resistant breast cancer cells but further studies should be conducted to investigate the bioavailability and metabolism of it in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harika Atmaca
- Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Celal Bayar University, 45140 Muradiye, Manisa, Turkey.
| | - Emir Bozkurt
- Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Celal Bayar University, 45140 Muradiye, Manisa, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Cittan
- Section of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Letters, Celal Bayar University, 45140 Muradiye, Manisa, Turkey.
| | - Hafize Dilek Tepe
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Letters, Celal Bayar University, 45140 Muradiye, Manisa, Turkey.
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Kaushal P, Kumar V, Sharma HK. Utilization of taro (Colocasia esculenta): a review. Journal of Food Science and Technology 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13197-013-0933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Bokhari J, Khan MR, Shabbir M, Rashid U, Jan S, Zai JA. Evaluation of diverse antioxidant activities of Galium aparine. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2013; 102:24-29. [PMID: 23211618 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2012.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Methanol extract and its n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fraction of Galium aparine L. (Rubiacea) were evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH, superoxide radical, phosphomolybdate assay); reducing power (ABTS, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, to reduce Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) ions) and to estimate total flavonoid and phenolic contents. All the free radical generating assay models depicted differential positive scavenging activity but considerable magnitude for all the fractions. The results showed that aqueous fraction strongly scavenge the DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals. A significantly high correlation coefficient existed between IC(50) values of DPPH and superoxide radical with total phenolic content and phosphomolybdate assay with total flavonoid contents, respectively. These results suggested that aqueous fraction can be a good source of antioxidant therapeutic in oxidative stress damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasia Bokhari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan.
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Al-Jaber NA. Phytochemical and biological studies of Sisymbrium irio L. Growing in Saudi Arabia. JOURNAL OF SAUDI CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jscs.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Uusiku NP, Oelofse A, Duodu KG, Bester MJ, Faber M. Nutritional value of leafy vegetables of sub-Saharan Africa and their potential contribution to human health: A review. J Food Compost Anal 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2010.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Kepe T. Social Dynamics of the Value of Wild Edible Leaves (Imifino) in a South African Rural Area. Ecol Food Nutr 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/03670240802209499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Joubert E, Gelderblom WCA, Louw A, de Beer D. South African herbal teas: Aspalathus linearis, Cyclopia spp. and Athrixia phylicoides--a review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2008; 119:376-412. [PMID: 18621121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Revised: 06/10/2008] [Accepted: 06/13/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis (Brum.f) Dahlg.) and honeybush (Cyclopia Vent. species) are popular indigenous South African herbal teas enjoyed for their taste and aroma. Traditional medicinal uses of rooibos in South Africa include alleviation of infantile colic, allergies, asthma and dermatological problems, while a decoction of honeybush was used as a restorative and as an expectorant in chronic catarrh and pulmonary tuberculosis. Traditional medicinal uses of Athrixia phylicoides DC., or bush tea, another indigenous South African plant with very limited localised use as herbal tea, include treatment of boils, acne, infected wounds and infected throats. Currently rooibos and honeybush are produced for the herbal tea market, while bush tea has potential for commercialisation. A summary of the historical and modern uses, botany, distribution, industry and chemical composition of these herbal teas is presented. A comprehensive discussion of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo biological properties, required to expand their applications as nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products, is included, with the main emphasis on rooibos. Future research needs include more comprehensive chemical characterisation of extracts, identification of marker compounds for extract standardisation and quality control, bioavailability and identification of bio-markers of dietary exposure, investigation of possible herb-drug interactions and plant improvement with regards to composition and bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Joubert
- Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa.
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Pretorius E, Ekpo OE, Smit E. Comparative ultrastructural analyses of platelets and fibrin networks using the murine model of asthma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 59:105-14. [PMID: 17600694 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2007.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2006] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The murine Balb/c asthma model has been used successfully for a number of in vivo immunological applications and for testing novel therapeutics, and it is a reliable, clinically relevant facsimile of the human disease. Here we investigate whether this model can be used to study other components of the human body, e.g. ultrastructure. In particular, we investigate the effect of the phytomedicine Euphorbia hirta (used to treat asthma), on the ultrastructure of fibrin as well as platelets, cellular structures that both play an important role in the coagulation process. Hydrocortisone is used as positive control. Ultrastructure of the fibrin networks and platelets of control mice were compared to mice that were asthmatic, treated with two concentrations of hydrocortisone and one concentration of the plant material. Results indicate control mice possess major, thick fibers and minor thin fibers as well as tight round platelet aggregates with typical pseudopodia formation. Minor fibers of asthmatic mice have a netlike appearance covering the major fibers, while the platelets seem to form loosely connected, granular aggregates. Both concentrations of hydrocortisone make the fibrin more fragile and that platelet morphology changes form a tight platelet aggregate to a more granular aggregate not closely fused to each other. We conclude that E. hirta does not impact on the fragility of the fibrin and that it prevents the minor fibers to form the dense netlike layer over the major fibers, as is seen in untreated asthmatic mice. This ultrastructural morphology might give us better insight into asthma and the possible new treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pretorius
- Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, BMW Building, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Tsai PH, Kan NB, Ho SC, Liu CC, Lin CC. Effects of Oolong Tea Supplementation on Lipid Peroxidation of Athletes at Rest and Post-exhaustive Exercise. J Food Sci 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2005.tb08332.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Fernandes AC, Cromarty AD, Albrecht C, van Rensburg CEJ. The antioxidant potential of Sutherlandia frutescens. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2004; 95:1-5. [PMID: 15374599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2003] [Revised: 05/20/2004] [Accepted: 05/24/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
One of the best-known multi-purpose medicinal plants in Southern Africa, Sutherlandia frutescens subsp. microphylla (family: Fabaceae/Leguminosa), is used for a wide range of conditions, including cancer, viral diseases and inflammatory conditions. Little scientific data has been documented on the mechanism by which Sutherlandia frutescens acts on the immune system. Phagocyte derived reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals, are responsible for the pathogenesis of various inflammatory conditions. Anti-inflammatory properties of various medicinal-plant extracts have been explained, at least in part, by their antioxidant activities. We investigated the effects of a hot water extract of Sutherlandia frutescens on both luminol and lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence of neutrophils stimulated with L-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP) as well as its superoxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging properties in a cell free system. The results indicate that Sutherlandia frutescens extract possesses superoxide as well as hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities at concentrations as low as 10 microg/ml, which could account for some of the anti-inflammatory properties that have been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio C Fernandes
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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Fennell CW, Lindsey KL, McGaw LJ, Sparg SG, Stafford GI, Elgorashi EE, Grace OM, van Staden J. Assessing African medicinal plants for efficacy and safety: pharmacological screening and toxicology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2004; 94:205-217. [PMID: 15325724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2004] [Revised: 05/18/2004] [Accepted: 05/19/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews progress in establishing the scientific rationale for and safety of traditional medicine use in Africa. Selected plants were screened for antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, anti-amoebic, antischistosomal, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, as well as psychotropic and neurotropic activity using appropriate in vitro tests. Isolation of active compounds, in almost all cases, provided scientific validation for the use of the plants in traditional medicine. Although plants used medicinally are widely assumed to be safe, many are potentially toxic. Where poisoning from traditional medicines has been reported, it is usually because the plants used have been misidentified in the form in which they are sold, or incorrectly prepared and administered by inadequately trained personnel. The issue of quality control may, in the interim, be addressed using chromatographic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Fennell
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Botany and Zoology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
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