Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Med. Plants Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0875
  • DOI: 10.5897/JMPR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 3835

Full Length Research Paper

Ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants used for the management of HIV/AIDS infection among local communities of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

B. E. Omoruyi, G. Bradley and A. J. Afolayan*
School of Biological Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 06 April 2012
  •  Published: 23 May 2012

Abstract

An ethnomedicinal survey was conducted on medicinal plants used for the management of HIV/AIDS infection in the local communities of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. Information was obtained through a well-structured questionnaire and interviews administered to traditional healers and herbalists in various regions. The survey revealed 18 species belonging to 12 families. The members of Asphodelaceae (22.2%), Apocynaceae (16.7%), Asteraceae (11.1%), Mesembryanthemaceae (5.6%) and Hypoxidaceae (5.6%) were frequently mentioned by the traditional healers and rural dwellers of the regions. The decoction of Aloe ferox, Bulbine asphodeloides and Carpobrotus edulis roots and leaves are commonly administered for the management of HIV/AIDS infection. Other opportunistic diseases treated using the roots of these plants include tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, sores, high blood pressure, intestinal worms and constipation. Most of the extracts of these plants are administered orally for a very long period of time, depending on the age and physical well-being of the patients. Generally, children are given half the dosage for the adults depending on the severity of the illness.

 

Key words: Medicinal plants, HIV/AIDS infection, traditional knowledge