Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey of plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders was carried out in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Information on the names of plants, used parts and methods of preparation was obtained from traditional medical practitioners, herbalist, hawkers in traditional medicines and rural dwellers, using semi-structured questionnaire. 36 plant species representing 24 families were found to be commonly used in the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal disorders in this study. The family Fabaceae had the highest number of species being used for treating gastrointestinal disorders.47.06% of the plants used in treating dysentery and other gastrointestinal disorders were used in the treatment of dysentery alone while 46.15% of the plants used to treat diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal disorders, were used in the treatment of diarrhoea alone. 30.3% of the different plants were implicated in the treatment of various stomach problems. Rationales for the choice of these plants were also identified. The leaves were the most commonly used parts, followed by roots and bark while decoctions and infusions are the most frequent methods of preparation. The traditional healers in this Province possess rich ethno-pharmacological knowledge and depend largely on naturally growing plant species. The documented medicinal plants can serve as a basis for further and future phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Key words: Medicinal plants, gastrointestinal disorders, dysentery, indigenous knowledge, over-exploitation.