Inflammation: the foundation of diseases and disorders. A review of phytomedicines of South African origin used to treat pain and inflammatory conditions.

Abstract

Great interest in herbal medicine as a potential source of phytopharmaceuticals has created the need to review common factors responsible for major diseases and body disorders. This review shows one such common factor in inflammation and the role herbal medicine can play. Traditional medicinal herbal remedies in the southern African region have long been used to treat various pain-or inflammation-related symptoms. Although the precise mechanisms of action of many herbal drugs have yet to be determined, some of them have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant effects in a variety of cells in the human and animal bodies. There is increasing evidence to indicate that both peripheral and central nervous system cells play a prominent role in the chronic inflammatory responses in the body system and anti-inflammatory herbal medicine and its constituents are being proved to be a potent protector against various pro-inflammatory mediators in diseases and disorders. These mediators have therefore been suspected of being the functional basis of diseases and disorders. The structural diversity of these medicinal herbs makes them a valuable source of novel lead compounds against the therapeutic molecular targets, cytokines and mediators, that have been newly discovered by the platforms of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and highthroughput technologies. This article reviews the basic mechanisms of inflammation and the potential of 123 southern African plant species to be effective as chronic inflammatory disease preventive agents. With one third of these species there are no indications of the chemical composition, indicating possible subjects for further research.

From Traditional Usage to Pharmacological Evidence: Systematic Review of Gunnera perpensa L.

“…In most instances, the roots or rhizomes of Gunnera perpensa are preferred and taken orally as decoction, infusion, or tincture (Tables 1 and 2). Decoctions or infusions of the root or rhizome are used for abdominal pain, bladder problems, body cleansing, cancer, colds, earache, endometritis, gastrointestinal parasites, gonorrhoea, heart diseases, hypertension, impotence, infertility, kidney problems, poor appetite, rheumatic pains, scabies, syphilis, and urinary infections [24, 27–34]. Root decoction of G. perpensa is used by Zulu traditional healers in South Africa to stimulate milk production [35].…”

The Immunomodulatory, Nitric Oxide and Cytokine activity of SeptilinTM

“…1,2,3,4 The bioactive constituents found in herbal medicine, like plant phenols, vitamins, carotenoids, phytoestrogens and terpernoids have been shown to exert both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. Modulation of various functions of inflammatory cells can be regulated by herbal constituents which can affect the immune system directly or indirectly 8 . The identification of suitable immunomodulatory preparations or drugs from natural sources to prevent and treat immunological complications are increasing in popularity 1 .…”

Anti-inflammatory potentials, membrane stabilizing and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of Clerodendrum volibule ethanolic leaf extract on carragenaan- induced inflammation in rats

“…It consists of recruitment and activation of leukocytes and plasma proteins at the site of infection to eliminate the infectious agent (Kindt et al, 2004). Diseases and disorders are manifested through chronic inflammatory responses as the body recognizes the injury when the repair the damage done is left to degenerate (Iwalewa et al, 2007). Therefore, in order to develop a therapeutic remedy from medicinal plant relating to the disease or disorder they affect, toxicological and pharmacological profile of the agent needs thorough evaluation.…”