Abstract

The use of Catharanthus roseus by 30 Bapedi traditional healers to treat gonorrhoea in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, was investigated via a semi-structured questionnaire, supplemented with field observations. Results show that C. roseus is highly preferred by the majority (60%) of the interviewed healers, and that the pink form is exclusively used to treat gonorrhoea. This naturalised exotic species is actively being cultivated by healers in their home gardens for an easily available supply of material. The treatment of gonorrhoea by these healers using C. roseus was comparable in terms of the preparation method of the extract, including plant part (root) used and boiling time (20 min), as well as the administration procedure (oral prescription), dosage strength (300 ml three times per day) and treatment period (seven days). The current study concludes that C. roseus extracts might be effective against Neisseria gonorrhoea.

Key words: Apocynaceae, Bapedi, traditional healer, Catharanthus roseus, ethnomedicine, gonorrhoea, Madagascar periwinkle.