Spotlight on Ethnomedicine: Usability of Sutherlandia Frutescens in the Treatment of Diabetes

A broad review of commercially important southern African medicinal plants

“…Pinitol is a known anti-diabetic agent that may have an application in treating wasting in cancer and AIDS (Ostlund and Sherman, 1996). Possible anti-diabetic uses have been reviewed by Sia (2004). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that could partly account for the use of Sutherlandia for anxiety and stress (Moteetee and Van Wyk, 2007).…”

A review of the taxonomy, ethnobotany, chemistry and pharmacology of Sutherlandia frutescens (Fabaceae)

“…The high level of pinitol in Sutherlandia leaves was proposed by Moshe (1998) and as a plausible rationale behind the traditional anti-diabetic use. A review of the limited available pharmacological evidence was presented by Sia (2004). It was argued that l-canavanine, other amino acids such as l-arginine and pinitol may contribute to anti-diabetic effects, either directly or via antiinflammatory and NO-inhibitory activity.…”

“…It was also found that chloroform extracts have a greater inhibitory effect than methanolic extracts on progesterone and pregnenolone metabolism. It has been suggested (Sia, 2004;Tai et al, 2004) that ␥-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may play a role in the improvement of the mood of patients with chronic ailments. These results provide an alternative hypothesis on the mechanism of action of Sutherlandia as a traditional anti-stress therapy.…”

The Immunomodulatory Effects of <i>Sutherlandia frutescens</i> Extracts in Human Normal Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

“…The progression of these diseases is more rapid in patients with compromised immune system. One of the ATMs, Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) (Insizwa/Unwele in Zulu, or Cancer bush), is regarded as the most profound and multi-purpose medicinal plant in Southern Africa (Sia, 2004). Traditional healers usually prepare decoctions of SF according to the type of ailment pointed out by the patient.…”