Plants Used by Bapedi Traditional Healers to Treat Asthma and Related Symptoms in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Bioactive Molecules, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Toxicology, and Pharmacology of Peltophorum africanum Sond (Fabaceae): Systematic Review

Plants have long been used to treat serious illnesses in both humans and animals. A significant underappreciated medicinal tree, Peltophorum africanum Sond is utilized by many different ethnic groups to cure a wide range of illnesses. A variety of electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scielo, Scifinder, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Google Scholar, were used to search the literature on P. africanum, using key words such as uses, survey, pharmacology, antigonococcal, toxicity, phytochemistry and others. Further data was obtained from several scholarly theses, dissertations, and books on general plant sciences, ethnomedicine, and other pertinent ethnobotanical topics. The plant species possess very important pharmacological activities in vitro, which includes antimicrobial, anti-HIV, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and other activities. Phytochemically, the plant possesses various classes of compounds, dominated by flavonols, which may well explain its wider range of pharmacological activities. Although the plant is promising anti-HIV activity, the mode of action and safety profiles of the plant also need to be explored as its extracts exerted some degree of mutagenicity. It is also important to further explore its ethnoveterinary use against a plethora of nematodes that infects both wild and domestic animals. Given its potent pharmacological activity, the further in vivo studies need to be explored to ascertain the comprehensive toxicology of the plant species, thereby developing possible medications. The plant species may further be elevated to a potent pharmaceutical product against plethora of infections.

Antiasthmatic Medicinal Plants of Tanzania: An Ethnomedicinal and Ethnopharmacological Review

Traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) are a significant part of people's quality of life, offering a natural substitute for modern drugs with numerous side effects. In Tanzania, data on antiasthmatic TMPs are highly fragmented. This review, a comprehensive compilation of ethnobotanical research evidence, aimed to provide a thorough understanding of TMPs used by the locals for asthma management and identify species that have already been investigated in preclinical studies. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. To gather relevant literature on antiasthmatic TMPs used by Tanzanians, a web search using electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Academic Library, Web of Science, SciFinder, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and African Journals Online) was conducted. The scientific names were verified through the Plants of the World Online database, and the collected information was analysed for descriptive statistics using Microsoft Excel software. The ethnomedicinal information was obtained from 24 different articles. Microsoft Excel software was used to analyse the data using descriptive statistics. A total of 62 TMPs belonging to 33 families were identified. Species of the Fabaceae (14.5%) and Rubiaceae families (8.1%) are the most utilized. The analysis revealed that trees (42.0%) and leaves (40.0%) are the most utilized life forms and plant parts, respectively. Most plant materials (59.7%) used to make remedies were collected from the wild environment. Decoction (55.0%) is the dominant preparation method of remedies, and the majority (69.0%) were orally administered. Of the recorded TMPs, 22.6% had their in vivo antiasthmatic activity reported in the literature. The review also highlighted the strategic significance of preparations of remedies made from TMPs for discovering and developing new antiasthmatic drugs. However, the need to identify the molecular targets of action and toxicological aspects of the TMPs should be considered.

Chronic respiratory disease in Indigenous peoples: a framework to address inequity and strengthen respiratory health and health care globally

Indigenous peoples around the world bear a disproportionate burden of chronic respiratory diseases, which are associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality. Despite the imperative to address global inequity, research focused on strengthening respiratory health in Indigenous peoples is lacking, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Drivers of the increased rates and severity of chronic respiratory diseases in Indigenous peoples include a high prevalence of risk factors (eg, prematurity, low birthweight, poor nutrition, air pollution, high burden of infections, and poverty) and poor access to appropriate diagnosis and care, which might be linked to colonisation and historical and current systemic racism. Efforts to tackle this disproportionate burden of chronic respiratory diseases must include both global approaches to address contributing factors, including decolonisation of health care and research, and local approaches, co-designed with Indigenous people, to ensure the provision of culturally strengthened care with more equitable prioritisation of resources. Here, we review evidence on the burden of chronic respiratory diseases in Indigenous peoples globally, summarise factors that underlie health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, propose a framework of approaches to improve the respiratory health of Indigenous peoples, and outline future directions for clinical care and research.

Indigenous medicinal plants used in folk medicine for malaria treatment in Kwara State, Nigeria: an ethnobotanical study

BACKGROUND

Folk medicine is crucial to healthcare delivery in the underdeveloped countries. It is frequently used as a primary treatment option or as a complementary therapy for malaria. Malaria is a deadly disease which greatly threatens global public health, claiming incredible number of lives yearly. The study was aimed at documenting the medicinal plants used for malaria treatment in folk medicine in Kwara State, Nigeria.

METHODS

Ethnobotanical information was collected from selected consenting registered traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) through oral face-to-face interviews using in-depth, semi-structured interview guide. The ethnobotanical data were analysed, and descriptive statistical methods were used to compile them.

RESULTS

Sixty-two indigenous medicinal plants, including 13 new plants, used for malaria treatment were identified in this study. The TMPs preferred decoction in aqueous solvent (34%) and steeping in decaffeinated soft drink (19%) for herbal preparations. Oral administration (74%) was the main route of administration, while leaves (40%) and stem barks (32%) were the most dominant plant parts used in herbal preparations. The most cited families were Fabaceae (15%) and Rutaceae (6%), while Mangifera indica (77.14%), Enantia chlorantha (65.71%), Alstonia boonei (57.14%) followed by Cymbopogon citratus (54.29%) were the most used plants. Besides, the antimalarial activities of many of the plants recorded and their isolated phytocompounds have been demonstrated. Furthermore, the conservation status of 4 identified plants were Vulnerable.

CONCLUSION

The study showed strong ethnobotanical knowledge shared by the TMPs in the State and provides preliminary information that could be explored for the discovery of more potent antimalarial compounds.

An ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants traditionally used by the BaKalanga people of the Tutume subdistrict in Central Botswana to manage HIV/AIDS, HIV-associated conditions, and other health conditions

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

While access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) continues to improve worldwide, HIV infection and AIDS persist as serious health challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM), as part of indigenous and pluralistic medical systems, are important contributors to primary health care worldwide. However, this knowledge remains relatively undocumented in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa such as the Tutume subdistrict of Central Botswana, where CAM is widely used including potentially for HIV/AIDS and HIV-associated conditions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the extent to which CAM is used by the BaKalanga Peoples of the Tutume subdistrict, we performed an exploratory community-based project to record medicinal plant use from this relatively undocumented region, with a particular focus on species used for management of HIV/AIDS and HIV-associated conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the snowball sampling technique, we recruited 13 Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) and conducted in-depth interviews to explore medicinal plant uses and treatment regimens. Plant specimens were collected and bio-authenticated.

RESULTS

We documented 83 plant species used as CAM to treat or manage a variety of conditions including HIV/AIDS, HIV-associated conditions, and other health conditions. Plants from the family Leguminosae were most frequently reported, comprising 21 species (25.3%), followed by 5 from both Euphorbiaceae and Combretaceae families (6.0%). Four plants (4.8%) were used specifically to manage HIV (Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. root, Aloe zebrina Baker root, Myrothamnus flabellifolia Welw. whole plant, and Harpagophytum procumbens var. subulobatum (Engl.) tuber), while an additional 7 (8.4%) were reported specifically for treating combinations of HIV-related symptoms. Notably, 25 (30.1%) have not been reported previously as CAM and/or lack reported bioactivity data.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first detailed ethnobotanical survey of CAM used by the BaKalanga Peoples of the Tutume subdistrict to manage HIV/AIDS and HIV-associated and other health conditions.

Horned Melon (Cucumis metuliferus E. Meyer Ex. Naudin)—Current Knowledge on Its Phytochemicals, Biological Benefits, and Potential Applications

Recent studies reveal that numerous non-edible parts of fruits and vegetables, as well as food wastes, are a good source of phytochemicals that can be extracted and reintroduced into the food chain as natural food additives. Horned melon or kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. Ex. Naudin) is a fruit rich in various phytochemical components important in the daily diet. After primary processing, horned melon non-edible parts (e.g., peels and seeds) can represent raw materials that can be utilized in numerous applications. Among under-researched fruits, this study aims to present the potential of using horned melon edible and non-edible parts based on current knowledge on nutritional value, phytochemicals, biological activity, as well as biological benefits. Overall, this review concluded that the biological properties of horned melon are associated with the phytochemicals present in this fruit and its waste parts. Further studies should be conducted to identify phytochemicals and valorize all horned melon parts, assess their biological efficacy, and promote their potential uses in different health purposes.

Barriers and determinants of asthma control in children and adolescents in Africa: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To identify reasons for poor asthma control in African children and adolescents.

DESIGN

Systematic review DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, CINHAL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were systematically searched up to 31 May 2020. Hand searching was done on Sabinet, African Journal online and Google Scholar.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies identifying barriers to asthma control, where asthma control was assessed by the validated Asthma Control Test/Child Asthma Control Test and/or Asthma Control Questionnaire were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion with disagreements resolved by a research team discussion, including a third reviewer. Data were extracted using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care data collection form. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Identified barriers were reported in a thematic narrative synthesis.

PRIMARY OUTCOMES

Poorly controlled asthma and associated factors.

RESULTS

From 914 records, three studies conducted between 2014 and 2019 in Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa met the inclusion criteria. A total of 883 children aged 4-19 years were analysed. Older age, concurrent allergy and city-dwelling significantly impacted asthma control. Few children with asthma symptoms in the community had ever used inhaled corticosteroids (6.7%) and identified reasons included lack of asthma diagnosis (38.8%) and no prescribed treatment (47.6%).

CONCLUSION

Asthma control in African children is impacted by age, allergy, urbanisation and lack of access to asthma diagnosis and treatment. More studies focusing on identifying barriers to asthma control in Africa are needed.

PROSPERO

Registration no: CRD42020196755).

Zanthoxylum Species: A Comprehensive Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Applications

Zanthoxylum species (Syn. Fagara species) of the Rutaceae family are widely used in many countries as food and in trado-medicinal practice due to their wide geographical distribution and medicinal properties. Peer reviewed journal articles and ethnobotanical records that reported the traditional knowledge, phytoconstituents, biological activities and toxicological profiles of Z. species with a focus on metabolic and neuronal health were reviewed. It was observed that many of the plant species are used as food ingredients and in treating inflammation, pain, hypertension and brain diseases. Over 500 compounds have been isolated from Z. species, and the biological activities of both the plant extracts and their phytoconstituents, including their mechanisms of action, are discussed. The phytochemicals responsible for the biological activities of some of the species are yet to be identified. Similarly, biological activities of some isolated compounds remain unknown. Taken together, the Z. species extracts and compounds possess promising biological activities and should be further explored as potential sources of new nutraceuticals and drugs.

In Vitro Phytotherapeutic Properties of Aqueous Extracted Adenia viridiflora Craib. towards Civilization Diseases

Adenia viridiflora Craib. is an indigenous edible plant that became an endangered species due to limited consumption of the local population with unknown reproduction and growth conditions. The plant is used as a traditional herb; however, its health applications lack scientific-based evidence. A. viridiflora Craib. plant parts (old leaves and young shoots) from four areas as Kamphaeng Phet (KP), Muang Nakhon Ratchasima (MN), Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima (PN), and Uthai Thani (UT) origins were investigated for phenolic compositions and in vitro health properties through the inhibition of key enzymes relevant to obesity (lipase), diabetes (α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV), Alzheimer’s disease (cholinesterases and β-secretase), and hypertension (angiotensin-converting enzyme). Phenolics including p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, naringenin, and apigenin were detected in old leaves and young shoots in all plant origins. Old leaves exhibited higher total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs), leading to higher enzyme inhibitory activities than young shoots. Besides, PN and MN with higher TPCs and TFCs tended to exhibit greater enzyme inhibitory activities than others. These results will be useful to promote this plant as a healthy food with valuable medicinal capacities to support its consumption and agricultural stimulation, leading to sustainable conservation of this endangered species.

Ethnomedicinal uses, biological activities, phytochemistry and conservation of African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus): A commercially important and endangered medicinal plant

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In sub-Saharan Africa, African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) is used for treating common illnesses including colds, coughs, inflammation and related symptoms. The available literature survey on this plant provided scarce anecdotal information, particularly in western and eastern Africa, with a few reports on its bioactivity. In addition, the indigenous knowledge and conservation strategies of this economically important and critically endangered species are currently fragmented.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review entails a critical appraisal of existing literature on the ethnomedicinal uses, biological activities, phytochemicals, research opportunities and prospects for the sustainable use of S. aethiopicus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review was conducted using a comprehensive literature search on the ethnomedicinal uses, biological activities and phytochemistry of S. aethiopicus throughout its distributional range. The conservation status and associated bio-economy potential of African ginger were also assessed. We searched different online databases (e.g. Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Scopus) for peer-reviewed journals, conference outputs, international, regional and national organizational reports, published books and theses.

RESULTS

We established that S. aethiopicus is used to treat a wide variety of ailments such as respiratory problems (including cough, influenza), pain, inflammation and malaria. Extracts of African ginger are used as an ingredient in some commercialised products for nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical purposes. The rhizome extract demonstrated anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplasmodial activities, which led to the development of a patented novel extract for treating asthma and allergies. Phytochemical analysis of leaf, root and rhizome extracts of African ginger revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, volatile and essential oils as the major constituents. These phytochemicals are known to possess bioactivities such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Particularly, the bioactive compounds, siphonochilone and eucalyptol, found in the roots and rhizomes have demonstrated potential to be used in remedies for treating asthma and allergic reactions. Furthermore, extracts of S. aethiopicus contained natural anti-inflammatory mediators with potential to combat and manage chronic inflammation. This plant is classified on the Red List of South African Plants as a critically endangered plant. Its high risk of extinction due to its unsustainable harvesting and exploitation necessitates its rapid propagation and cultivation to meet its increasing demand.

CONCLUSIONS

The review highlights the therapeutic potential of S. aethiopicus and rational prioritization of this plant species with the potential for isolating new bioactive compounds. In the light of the use of this plant extract in traditional medicine and many commercial products, there is a heightened need to explore the mechanism(s) of action of the identified extracts and bioactive compounds in order to fully understand their pharmacokinetics and probably elucidate the pathways of their activities.

Cactus: Chemical, nutraceutical composition and potential bio-pharmacological properties

Cactus species are plants that grow in the arid and semiarid regions of the world. They have long fascinated the attention of the scientific community due to their unusual biology. Cactus species are used for a variety of purposes, such as food, fodder, ornamental, and as medicinal plants. In the last regard, they have been used in traditional medicine for eras by the ancient people to cure several diseases. Recent scientific investigations suggest that cactus materials may be used as a source of naturally-occurring products, such as mucilage, fiber, pigments, and antioxidants. For this reason, numerous species under this family are becoming endangered and extinct. This review provides an overview of the habitat, classification, phytochemistry, chemical constituents, extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds, nutritional and pharmacological potential with pre-clinical and clinical studies of different Cactus species. Furthermore, conservation strategies for the ornamental and endangered species have also been discussed.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used for Treating Cough Associated with Respiratory Conditions in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

In many developing countries, community members depend on their local flora for treating diverse ailments including those affecting the respiratory system. This is often attributed to the high cost and limited access to health care facilities. This present study focused on the documentation of plant species used against cough associated with the respiratory diseases in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State. The survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews among 100 participants. Information obtained was analyzed using different ethno-botanical indices including relative frequency of citation (RFC) and fidelity level (FL). A total of 87 plant species from 39 families, which was mostly represented by Fabaceae, were reported in the study area. Crinum jagus was the most popular plant used against cough and approximately 32% of the plants have been reported as cough remedies for the first time. However, some of the documented plants have been reported for the treatment of cough and related respiratory diseases in several countries. In terms of the life-form, trees constituted the highest proportion of the medicinal plants (37%), while leaves (36%) were the predominant plant part prescribed for cough. Decoction was the main method of preparing the plants, which were all administered orally. Approximately 63% of the plants were exclusively sourced from the wild. The current study revealed the richness and widespread use of plant species for managing cough associated with respiratory diseases in the study area. The generated inventory contributes to the expanding database of valuable plant resources with medicinal potential in Nigeria and Africa.