|
A survey of indigenous
herbal diarrhoeal remedies of O.R. Tambo district, Eastern
Cape Province, South Africa
Bisi-Johnson, M. A.1, Obi, C. L.2,
Kambizi, L.3* and Nkomo, M.3
1Department
of Medical Microbiology, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern
Cape, South Africa.
2Directorate
of Academic Affairs and Research, Walter Sisulu
University,Eastern Cape, South Africa.
3Department
of Botany, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South
Africa.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
Lkambizi@wsu.ac.za.
Accepted 30
December, 2009 |
|
Indigenous health system and the use of herbal plants have
been recognized as pivotal in primary health care and a
system to reckon with in achieving one of the targets of the
millennial goals on health. An ethnobotanical survey was
conducted to identify indigenous herbal remedies for
diarrhoea and associated stomach ailments in rural areas of
the O.R. Tambo district municipality in the Eastern Cape
province of South Africa. The main objective of the study
was to gather ethnomedical data on potentially valuable
indigenous medicinal plants for the eventual development of
new pharmaceuticals and also emphasize the role of
ethnomedicine in primary health care. The use of herbal
remedies in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery was
investigated using interviews. The survey was conducted
among traditional healers and knowledgeable local elders who
use medicinal plants to treat common illnesses. Data from
the survey indicated the names of plants commonly used in
the treatment of diarrhoea and associated ailments, the
methods of preparation, parts used and administration. A
total of 32 plant species belonging to 26 families were
reportedly used as diarrhoea remedy in the study area. The
most predominant families of medicinal plants employed and
most frequently recommended were Fabaceae (16.67%), followed
by Hyacinthaceae and Hydnoraceae (8.33% each). The most
commonly utilized portions of plants for medicinal purposes
included roots and leaves. Other parts were corms, bulbs,
tubers, fruits and bark. The methods of preparation often
employed were decoctions and infusions whilst medication was
frequently administered orally or as enema.
Some of the plants were used singly or mixed with other
plant(s) while some edible ones are consumed as food. The
survey documented a diversity of plants employed as remedy
for diarrhoea. Integration of
this form of health care system into western medicine is
warranted. The propagation of such medicinal plants is vital
for sustainable use of these medicinal plants.
Key
words:
Ethnobotany, herbal remedy, indigenous, diarrhoea, primary
health. |
