Multi-Plant Or Single-Plant Extracts, Which Is The Most Effective For Local Healing In Tanzania?

Abstract

Use of multi-plant extracts against infectious diseases is increasing in rural Tanzania. The study evaluated this ethnomedicinal practice by using mixed root extracts of Carisa edulis, Ximenia caffra, Harrisonia abyssinica and Euclea natalensis against single extracts of the same plants. Disc diffusion assay and Tube dilution techniques were used to compare bioactivity of plant extracts in-vitro. The ANOVA test indicated significant difference (P < 0.05) between these extracts types. Multi-plant extracts had inhibition zones of up to 26mm as compared to 14mm for single extracts. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for multi-plant extract was 8.3µg/ml against 69µg/ml for single extracts. Multi-plant extracts inhibited all the five test bacterial species while single extracts inhibited three species. Eight out of ten multi-plant extracts (80%) were bactericidal while only two out of four single extracts (50%) were bactericidal. Generally, multi-plant extracts were more superior over single plant extracts and could be developed into more potent antibiotics against resistant pathogens.

Bapedi phytomedicine and their use in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…It is interesting to note that pharmacological studies support this claim (Chow et al, 2003). This was further scientifically validated by Otieno et al (2008), they evaluated this practice by mixing root extracts of Catha edulis, Eucomis natalensis, Harrisoni abyssinica and Ximenia caffra against single extracts of the same species. Multi-species extracts inhibited all tested bacterial species, while single extracts inhibited only three of them.…”

Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Euclea natalensis A.DC.

“…Research by Chauke et al [ 24 ] revealed that root decoction of E. natalensis is taken orally mixed with roots of Grewia hexamita and Pappea capensis as remedies for stomach complaints and reproductive problems in women such as infertility and painful menstruation. In Tanzania, root decoction of E. natalensis is mixed with other plant species such as Acacia brevispica, Acacia hockii, Acacia robusta, Aloe secundiflora, Asparagus flagellaris, Capparis fascicularis, Carrisa spinarum, Clerodendrum myricoides, Cymbopogon citratus, Dichrostachys cinerea, Eucalyptus spp., Gomphocarpus fruticosus, Harrisonia abyssinica, Kedrostis foetidissima, Mangifera indica, Pennisetum purpureum, Psidium guajava, Punica granatum, Musa spp., Sansevieria ehlenbergii, Withania somnifera, Ximenia caffra and Zanthoxylum chalybeum as herbal medicine for amoebic dysentery, opportunistic infections and venereal diseases [ 25 ].…”

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by traditional health practitioners to manage HIV and its related opportunistic infections in Mpoza, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

“…The study found that the plants were used in combinations; multiple extracts involving more than one species has been reported (Otieno et al, 2008;Qui, 2007). The preparation and administration of these plants are dependent on the severity of the illness.…”