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- The willingness to pay for African wormwood and Cancer bush capsules among
youths in Mbombela, South Africa
Authors: Nobuhle P. Nsibanyoni, Chiedza Z. Tsvakirai, Tshehla Makgopa
First page: 5
Abstract: Background: The demand for African wormwood and Cancer bush has surged as modern healthcare products have provided limited solutions for the ailments they treat. Moreover, there has been an increase in younger consumers of these medicinal plants, who expect lower-priced products which have a ‘polished look’ that is similar to over-the-counter medicinal products.Aim: This study investigates the need to introduce lower-priced capsules to meet these changes in consumer product preferences.Setting: The study was conducted in the city of Mbombela. This is a city that has a rich heritage in indigenous medicinal plant use but has the absence of a large informal market for their sale.Methods: A willingness-to-pay analysis was conducted. It utilised survey data that was collected from 105 university students.Results: The study found that there were two market segments split with a ratio of about 3:1 between those willing to pay a price similar to a conventional product in the lower price range and those not willing. However, the market potential for introducing a lower-priced product was only found in the Cancer bush market, where respondents were willing to procure the product at a discounted price, as opposed to the African wormwood market, where some respondents were not willing to part with any money at all.Conclusion: The study concludes that there is potential for lucrative market diversification if the industry introduces lower-priced capsules for Cancer bush.Contribution: The study provides insights into the possible areas of market development in the African indigenous medicines market.
PubDate: 2023-02-08
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v7i1.173
Issue No: Vol. 7, No. 1 (2023)
- Pleurostylia capensis Turcz (Loes): A review of its phytochemistry,
pharmacology and toxicology and its ethnomedicinal uses
Authors: Nokukhanya E. Thembane
First page: 6
Abstract: Background: Pleurostylia capensis Turcz (Loes) is a tree species found in Africa that has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments.Aim: This review aims to investigate the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of P. capensis Turcz (Loes) and its ethnomedicinal uses.Method: A comprehensive search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The keywords used were ‘Pleurostylia capensis’, ‘phytochemistry’, ‘pharmacology’, ‘toxicology’ and ‘ethnomedicine’. Studies were included if they reported on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicological evaluations and/or ethnomedicinal uses of Pleurostylia capensis.Results: A phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Pharmacological studies have reported the plant’s potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and a potential agent for bone and articular cartilage regeneration. Toxicological evaluations have shown that the plant is safe for human consumption at recommended doses.Conclusion: The review highlights the potential of Pleurostylia capensis as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological activities. Toxicological evaluations have also shown that the plant is safe for human consumption. The review provides useful information for further research on the development of new drugs from natural products.Contribution: This review provides a comprehensive summary of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology of Pleurostylia capensis and its ethnomedicinal uses. The review highlights the potential of the plant as a source of bioactive compounds and provides a basis for further research on the development of new drugs from natural products.
PubDate: 2023-05-18
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v7i1.187
Issue No: Vol. 7, No. 1 (2023)
- Pytochemical profile of Aloe ferox Mill. across different regions within
South Africa
Authors: Sipho Goge, Karishma Singh, Lisa V. Komoreng, Roger M. Coopoosamy
First page: 6
Abstract: Background: Aloe ferox is an indigenous medicinal plant that is widely used for its various medicinal and pharmacological properties. Despite the medicinal importance and various applications of the species, it is surprising that little is known about the extent of geographical differences in its major chemical compounds. Also, the correlation between different geographic regions and variations in plant phytochemicals has received less attention.Aim: This study sought to investigate the presence of biologically active compounds in the leaf extracts of A. ferox from different geographical regions across South Africa.Setting: This study was set in different regions within South Africa.Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed qualitatively using established standard procedures involving chemical reagents such as hexane, chloroform and methanol and a series of reactions to determine the presence of phytocompounds of biological importance.Results: The study revealed that A. ferox leaves possess several classes of phytocompounds such as alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins and fixed oils and fats across various samples. Mucilage was absent across the samples.Conclusion: The study revealed eight classes of phytochemical compounds present on A. ferox leaves in three different geographic regions, which is consistent with the previous studies; however, further research is needed to enhance the study through qualitative research, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses to validate phytochemical variations and their therapeutic effects.Contribution: This study contributes to the existing knowledge of the therapeutic Aloe genus.
PubDate: 2023-03-17
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v7i1.178
Issue No: Vol. 7, No. 1 (2023)
- Morphological, anatomical and molecular characterisation of the leaves of
Isoberlinia doka Craib and Stapf and Isoberlinia tomentosa (Harms) Craib
and Stapf
Authors: Hadiza Bello, Umar A. Katsayal, Aminu A. Ambi, Yusuf B. Abubakar
First page: 7
Abstract: Background: Isoberlinia (Craib and Stapf) is a genus with high economic and pharmacological values.Aim: This study aimed at establishing the morphological, anatomical and molecular characterisation of the leaves of I. doka and I. tomentosa, which were conducted for proper authentication.Setting: The leaves of I. doka and I. tomentosa were obtained from Shika, kaduna State, Nigeria.Method: Morphological and anatomical characters were determined according to standard procedures, while molecular identifications were performed using ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcl) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA barcode’s region.Result: Morphological studies revealed similar features for both species except for the shiny leaves of I. doka and rough abaxial surfaces of I. tomentosa because of the presence of trichomes. Variations were observed in their epidermal features, stomatal index, stomata frequency, presence or absence of trichomes, trichomes frequency and their quantitative anatomical features. The quantity and quality of DNA measured at A260/280 ratio using nanodrop spectrophotometer were 29.1 ng/μL and 1.74 ng/μL for I. doka, respectively, while the I. tomentosa concentration and purity were 71.1 ng/μL and 1.85 ng/μL, respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed two DNA bands with 700 bp (rbcl) and 600 bp (ITS). The sequence analysis revealed maximum identity with National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GeneBank Isoberlinia species. Evolutionary analysis supported the monophyletic origin of the genus Isoberlinia. The morphological and anatomical characters of I. doka and I. tomentosa leaves have provided a significant taxonomy tool for proper authentication of this plant.Conclusion: The findings ascertained that ITS and rbcl served as an improved and efficient tool for species identification of these studied species and could serve as potential DNA barcodes for these taxa.Contribution: This article suggests that further studies the on screening of these plants, for various pharmacological potentials, might be useful for new drug development.
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v%vi%i.150
Issue No: Vol. 7, No. 1 (2023)
- Opportunities and challenges in the commercialisation of medicinal plants
used in village chicken health management
Authors: Ranganai Chidembo, Wiseman Ndlovu, Marizvikuru Mwale, Olusegun Obadire, Joseph Francis
First page: 7
Abstract: Background: Medicinal plants (MPs) are widely accepted and used in most rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond to treat and control village chicken (VC) diseases and parasites. They are readily available, accessible and cheap. Moreover, they are nature friendly and have adapted to the local environment, making them easy to produce. Over and above, their use has health benefits for consumers. Little is known about the opportunities and challenges faced when commercialising these MPs.Aim: It is imperative to unpack the opportunities and challenges that are encountered while commercialising MPs used for treating VC diseases and controlling parasites. Despite these multiple benefits, the commercialisation of these plants seems to be under researched. In South Africa, different rural communities use various MPs in their locality. For instance, most rural families in South Africa are using Aloe ferox, Helichrysum petiolare, Tagetes minuta, Lippia javanica, Agave sisalana, Gunnera perpensa and Millettia grandis. Conspicuously, not much is known about the efforts made to commercialise these products.Method: Through a systematic review of the literature, this paper unpacks the trends, opportunities and challenges faced in commercialising MPs used to treat VC disease and control parasites.Results: Results have revealed that globally MPs for VC management are not widely recognised, despite their wide usage by local communities. If properly harnessed, they have the potential to strengthen local economic development through income generation. However, currently, little is derived from the sale of these products because of the presence of middlemen. Their commercialisation efforts are hampered by the lack of organised support systems and networks, lack of regularisation strategies and clear criteria for supporting quality, protection and presumed efficiency.Conclusion: By commercialising MPs, local farmers can exploit MPs beyond the village chickens to broiler and layer chickens, thus offering alternative chicken health and affordable medicinal options for the farmers.Contribution: The study contributes to understanding the available opportunities and challenges in commercialising MPs used for village chicken health management. It further demonstrates that MPs for village health can be used to transform the livelihoods of the custodians of these plants.
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v%vi%i.175
Issue No: Vol. 7, No. 1 (2023)
- Identification of medicinal plants used for chronic kidney disease: An
update of reported literature in South Africa
Authors: Shamanie Govender, Karishma Singh, Roger M. Coopoosamy, Jamila Adam
First page: 8
Abstract: Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a debilitating condition that is becoming more common around the world, as well as a financial and social burden on healthcare systems. If not treated with kidney replacement therapies, kidney failure, the final stage of CKD, can be fatal. Chronic kidney disease patients are now seeking the use of alternative remedies, including medicinal plants, as the primary source of healthcare.Aim: This review aimed to evaluate the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of CKD and other associated kidney diseases in South Africa.Method: This article summarises previous research (2010–2021) on the impact of traditional plant-based medicine in CKD treatment and identifies the context between traditional and conventional medicines. Various scientific databases were used to source key literature.Results: The findings of this study revealed 10 medicinal plant species from nine different botanical families that are commonly used for the treatment of CKD and other kidney-related diseases in South Africa. In addition, the study demonstrated that despite medicinal plants having toxic impacts, they were still the preferred choice of medication for CKD, especially in developing countries.Conclusion: It is crucial to validate the balance between the risks and benefits of medicinal plants in CKD treatment to further enhance the credibility of medical plants in drug development.Contribution: This study contributes to the existing knowledge of medicinal plants used in CKD treatment primarily in South Africa.
PubDate: 2023-02-28
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v7i1.182
Issue No: Vol. 7, No. 1 (2023)
- The impact of extract of mistletoe on tumour cells and hemostasis of human
plasma
Authors: Rostyslav Y. Marunych, Denis L. Kolesnik, Olga N. Pyaskovskaya, Galina I. Solyanik, Andrew V. Rebriev, Tamara M. Chernyshenko, Natalia E. Lugovska, Tetiana V. Kozytska, Andriy V. Gudzenko
First page: 9
Abstract: Background: The plant Viscum album (Mistletoe) is a known source of biologically active substances, used in traditional medicine in Europe and Asia.Aim: The goal was to study cytotoxic/cytostatic effect of mistletoe extract on tumour and normal cells and its influences on certain proteins of the blood coagulation system.Setting: Mistletoe was collected in Ukraine in November 2020.Methods: Water extract of V. album, both leaves and stems, was obtained and fractionated; it was characterised using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry and tested on cancer cells and blood plasma.Results: Extract demonstrated the presence of viscotoxins and carbohydrates and thermolabile compounds that enhance the activity of thrombin and factor X in plasma in the presence of calcium ions and increased the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) by 2.7 times. The cytotoxic/cytostatic action of the mistletoe fractions, the total extract and the fraction <10 000 Da were higher in relation to Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells than with Vero cells. The IC50 of total extract for LLC cells was 35% (p < 0.05) lower than that for Vero cells (1.12 ± 0.2 and 1.71 ± 0.15 mg/ml). Thus, the IC50 of the fraction <10 000 Da for LLC cells was more than by 44% (p < 0.05) lower than that for Vero cells (2.07 ± 0.26 and 3.67 ± 0.41 mg/ml).Conclusion: It was shown that both extracts exhibited a cytotoxic/cytostatic effect, more pronounced against tumour cells than normal cells and enhanced the clotting of blood plasma by thermolabile compounds by facilitating plasma coagulation.Contribution: This research makes it possible to study mistletoe as a light and cheap anticancer therapy plant and cure blood coagulopathy or construct antibleeding bandages.
PubDate: 2023-05-25
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v7i1.186
Issue No: Vol. 7, No. 1 (2023)
- Table of Contents Vol 6, No 1 (2022)
Authors: Editorial Office
First page: 1
Abstract: No abstract available.
PubDate: 2022-12-31
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v6i1.195
Issue No: Vol. 7, No. 1 (2022)
- Acknowledgement to reviewers
Authors: Editorial Office
First page: 1
Abstract: No abstract available.
PubDate: 2022-12-15
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v6i1.183
Issue No: Vol. 6, No. 1 (2022)
- Cucurbitaceae species used as traditional medicine in West Africa
Authors: Olufunke O. Fajinmi, Olaoluwa O. Olarewaju, Georgina D. Arthur, Kuben Naidoo, Roger Coopoosamy
First page: 9
Abstract: Background: The use of some Cucurbitaceae species for the treatment of diseases is an ancient practice in traditional medicine systems in Africa and the cucurbitacins among others have been reported to be responsible for most of these healing activities.Aim: This review discusses the relevance of Cucurbitaceae species in traditional medicine in some west African countries.Methods: A literature search was conducted on electronic databases such as Google Books, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science. The search involved the use of several terms and free text words which include ‘Cucurbitaceae species in West Africa traditional medicine’; ‘medicinal plants of the Cucurbitaceae family used to treat diseases in west African communities’.Results: Several Cucurbitaceae species are used in the region either in similar ways or different ways for the treatment of different diseases. The leaves are the most utilised plant parts and decoctions are the most common method of preparation. From this study, 18 species of Cucurbitaceae used for medicinal purposes were reviewed from Nigeria; 4 from Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, respectively; 1 from Togo; 5 from Senegal; 9 from Cameroon and 3 from Gabon and Burkina Faso, respectively. Momordica charantia and Momordica balsamina are often utilised for abortion in some west African countries. Momordica species and Lagenaria breviflora are utilised to treat diabetes, cough related to respiratory infections and viral infections such as measles and chickenpoxConclusions: In-depth research into these plants could help to develop a natural, novel cure for diabetes and coronavirus (COVID-19) and effective, cheap contraceptive.Contribution: This review highlights the significant role of Cucurbitaceae species in the treatment of a wide range of diseases and health issues in the WestAfrican traditional medicine system. The information provided could be used as a guide by research scientists for the formulation of natural products to cure a variety of diseases.
PubDate: 2022-11-29
DOI: 10.4102/jomped.v6i1.163
Issue No: Vol. 6, No. 1 (2022)
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