Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by Bapedi traditional healers to manage HIV/AIDS in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Dynamic Chiropractic

S. S. Semenya¹  M. J. Potgieter² 

[1] Department of Biodiversity, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.;Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.

关键词: Bapedi traditional healers;    human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS);    Limpopo Province;    medicinal plants.;   

DOI  :  10.5897/JMPR12.727

学科分类：医学（综合）

来源: MPA Media

【 摘 要 】

During the first half of 2012, a semi-structured questionnaire was employed to conduct a survey on medicinal plants used by Bapedi traditional healers in their human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) management protocol. A total of 26 plant species were used by these healers to treat HIV/AIDS. Majority (96.1%) of the species used were indigenous and only 3.9% were exotic. Most (88.4%) of the indigenous species appear on South African National Red Data List of Plants.Burkea africana, Citrullus lanatus,Cinnamomumverum,Euclea crispa,Elephantorrhiza elephantina,Euphorbiamaleolens,Geigeria aspera,Plectranthus ciliatus,Sarcostemmaviminale,Zanthoxylum capenseandZanthoxylum humileare recorded for the first time as a treatment for HIV/AIDS. The most used species by Bapedi healers to treat this pandemic wasE. maleolens (11.7%)andE. elephantina(8.8%). Roots (66.6%) from 26 species were mostly used to prepare remedies. Twelve (60%) multi extract and eight (40%) single extract preparations were recorded. Extracts were mostly (99%) prescribed orally. The disappearance or improvement of symptoms was considered as indicators of a successful treatment. The present study concludes that Bapedi traditional healers’ knowledge can lead to useful medicinal plants to manage and treat HIV/AIDS infections.

【 授权许可】

Unknown