Medicinal plants have been used extensively for the treatment of infectious diseases by majority of the world's population. Many of the rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal have no access to western medical healthcare and rely on traditional medicine for their curative properties. It has been noted that approximately 20% of plants found in the world have some pharmacological properties. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for various treatments including stomach ailments, skin diseases, blood purifiers, rashes, burns and other infections used in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa was conducted through the use of structured questionnaires. Respondents included traditional healers, herbalists and herb sellers. The information collected revealed that 25 plant species belonging to various families were currently exploited for their curative properties. The most frequently used parts are the leaves followed by root, rhizome or bulb. Stems, flowers and fruits were seldom used. The survey indicated that traditional healers administered their medications via extracts that were obtained by boiling, either as a tea or concoction. Furthermore, this survey indicates the predominant species used by traditional healers against various ailments.
The ability for medicinal plants to aid in wound healing lends itself to cell-agglutinating and sugarspecific protein. These are collectively termed lectins. Although, the function of these lectins in plants are limiting, the benefit to human in terms of wound healing is of vital importance. With many new infections arising as a result of bacteria, fungi and viruses developing immunity against western medicines, the world is now turning towards natural medicines as an alternative source for cures. Harworthia limifolia is currently used by indigenous people for sun burns, burns, sores as well as a systemic remedy and spiritual benefits. The population in the wild has drastically being reduced due to the pressures of harvesting by traditional healers for trade purposes. The current study investigates the presence of lectins or lectin like derivatives in H. limifolia. The derivatives were tested against rat, rabbit and human serum, and a positive reaction with human α-2-macroglobulin was observed. Furthermore anti-tumor and wound healing properties have been validated.
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