Search

Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex. Krauss is a prized medical shrub usually found in evergreen bushland and woodland, riverine associations, forest edges and frequently on well-drained gradients. The purpose of the current study was to assess existing literature on the botany, biological, chemical and medicinal properties of R. natalensis in an effort to determine the therapeutic potential of the species. Indigenous peoples from various ethnic groups in tropical Africa have used the plants for medicinal and other purposes. The majority of R. natalensis folkloric uses revolve around soreness, swelling and bacteriological infections. Furthermore, the leaves are often simmered and fed to cattle as a pain reliever. Several in vitro and in vivo analyses have shown that the plant possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimalarial, antioxidant, antifibrogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antithrombin, antitumorigenic, cytotoxic, hypoglycaemic and leukopenia properties. A total of seven phytochemical compounds have been isolated from R. natalensis which include tannins, flavonoids, biflavonoids, isoquinolines and terpenes, which shown various medicinal applications.