The traditional use of plants to manage candidiasis and related infections in Venda, South Africa

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: This paper presents results of an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the management of candidiasis and related fungal infections in the Venda area, South Africa. Materials and Methods:Ethnobotanical data about the uses of plants were gathered from eleven rural traditional healers using semi-structured interviews.Results: A total of 45 species belonging to 24 different families were identified, of which the dominant family was the Fabaceae with 13 species (28.9%) followed by the Asteraceae and Solanaceae with 3 species each (6.7 %). A total of 28 of these plant species (62.2%) have been shown to have anticandidal activity and 14 species (31%) have been recorded for antifungal uses in the literature. Amongst the 45 species recorded, 51% were trees, 33% were shrubs, and 16% were herbs. The most widely used plant species were Acacia caffra, Clerodendrum glabrum, Croton gratissimus, Elaeodendron transvaalense, Faurea saligna, Hippocratea longipetiolata, Osyris lanceolata, Richardia brasiliensis, Schkuhria pinnata, Schotia brachypetala, Spilanthes acmella, Strychnos potatorum, Vangueria infaustasubsp. infausta and Withania somnifera. The plant parts mostly used in the therapeutic preparations were roots (27.7%), bark (23.2%), and a combination of roots, bark (18.7%) and leaves (14.3%). Decoctions (44.4%), infusions (20%), macerations (17.7%), burning (11.4%) and paste (6.5%) were used. Most of the herbal remedies were administered orally. The main factors threatening the conservation status of these plants are unsustainable methods of harvesting, logging for firewood, building materials and crafts. Conclusion:The Venda area is rich in plant diversity and local indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants can play an important role as a model for low cost primary health care. Further studies are in progress to validate the indigenous plants recorded as traditional remedies in this area.

Invasive Alien Plants Used in the Treatment of Hiv/Aids-Related Symptoms by Traditional Healers of Vhembe Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…The practise is most influenced by local people's preference to use traditional medicine over allopathic medicine in the treatment of HIV/AIDS related symptoms because it is easily accessible. The study also confirmed that males are more reluctant in sharing their knowledge as compared to females (Masevhe et al, 2015, York et al, 2011.…”

Medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes by traditional healers of Narok County, Kenya

“…Manage wounds and sores (Mthethwa, 2009) treat candidiasis and fungal infections (Masevhe et al, 2015) and roots stomach problems (Muthee et al, 2011). Prunus Africana (Rosaceae) Anti-HIV-1 (Rukunga et al, 2002) antifungal, antibacterial (Bii et al, 2010) hypoglycemic activity .…”

Antimicrobial activity of selected plants against fungal species isolated from South African AIDS patients and their antigonococcal activity

“…It is also noted that different strains of N. gonorrhoea are susceptible to several plant extracts [15][16][17], and sensitive to pure isolate compounds [18,19]. Gonorrhoea [20] and candidiasis [21] infections are the most common STIs recognised by traditional health practitioners (THPs). Many healthcare seekers in lower socio-economic settings depend on invasive alien plants administered by THPs to treat gonorrhoea and candidiasis [22].…”