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Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) aimed at raising awareness of high BP and acting as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programmes worldwide. As part of MMM, screening in South Africa in 2017 revealed that 24.5% of adults (mean age = 31 years) have hypertension and only half of those with hypertension had controlled BP. These data highlight the need for continued screening and awareness campaigns. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 years was carried out in May 2018. Blood pressure measurements, the definition of hypertension and statistical analyses followed the MMM protocol. The sites screened were general populations and university campuses in preference to hospitals and clinics, aiming to raise awareness and allow access to screening to those less likely to be aware of their BP. In total, 2965 individuals (age 40.5 ± 18.2 years) were screened. After multiple imputation for missing BP readings, 34.6% had hypertension, only 56.7% of those with hypertension were aware, 21.2% of those not receiving treatment for hypertension were hypertensive, and a large proportion (42.5%) of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication had uncontrolled BP. These results suggest that opportunistic screening campaigns can identify significant numbers with undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension. The high proportions of individuals with undiagnosed and treated uncontrolled hypertension highlight the need for hypertension awareness campaigns and more rigorous management of hypertension.

Objective Recent findings have associated insulin resistance and obesity with increased gut permeability. However, it still remains unclear whether obesity may be the underlining factor for the association between gut permeability and insulin resistance. This study investigated the relationship between gut permeability, measures of obesity, and markers of insulin resistance in young adults. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study which enrolled 151 young South African adults was conducted. Anthropometric measurements were performed to assess obesity. Adiponectin, leptin, and zonulin, a marker for gut permeability, were assayed. Insulin and fasting glucose were assayed and used to determine insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity (%S) and beta cell function (%B). Results Decreased adiponectin and increased leptin were associated (p 0.05) with obesity. Overweight/obese (O/O) females had a significantly (p

Background: Though gut permeability has shown to be associated with measures of obesity and hypertension, its relation- ship with endothelial dysfunction, an early predictor for cardiovascular diseases remains unknown. Objective: This study assessed the relationship between hypertension, measures of obesity, gut permeability and endothelial dysfunction. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study which enrolled 151 South African youths was conducted. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed. Zonulin, a marker for gut permeability; adiponectin, an anti-inflamma- tory molecule, as well as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and Nitric oxide (NO) which are markers for endothelial- function were assayed. Results: Approximately eighteen percent (17.88%) of the participants were hypertensive while 40.4% were pre-hyperten- sive. Adiponectin significantly increased in hypertensive subjects and negatively correlated (p

Background Central obesity and insulin resistance are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) which is aggravated by diet and sedentary lifestyle. Athrixia phylicoides (AP) is reported by rural communities to have medicinal benefits associated with MetS such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of AP on diet-induced MetS in Wistar rats to validate its ethnopharmacological use. Methods AP was profiled for phytochemicals by LC-MS. After induction of MetS with high energy diet (HED), 30 male rats were divided into five treatment groups (n = 6): normal diet control, HED control, HED + AP 50 mg/Kg BW, HED + AP 100 mg/Kg BW and HED + 50 mg/Kg BW metformin. The rats were treated daily for 8 weeks orally after which weight gain, visceral fat, total cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFAs) and adipokine regulation; leptin: adiponectin ratio (LAR) were assessed. Also, glucose homeostatic parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4), insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined. Results Findings showed that AP was rich in polyphenols. The HED control group showed derangements of the selected blood parameters of MetS. AP reversed diet-induced weight gain by reducing visceral fat, total blood cholesterol and circulating FFAs (p ≤ 0.05). Treatment with AP improved adipokine regulation depicted by reduced LAR (pp ≤ 0.05) and increased GLUT 4 (p Conclusion Athrixia phylicoides tea infusion was shown to possess anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties, improved glucose uptake and reduce insulin resistance in diet-induced MetS in rats which could be attributed to its richness in polyphenols. Therefore, AP could have potential benefits against type 2 diabetes and obesity which are components of MetS validating its ethnopharmacological use.

Background Lippia javanica (lemon bush) is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory ailments, including asthma in southern African countries but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-asthmatic effects of L. javanica using a rat model of asthma. Methods A 5% w/v L. javanica tea infusion was prepared and characterised by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometer (LC-MS). Animals were intraperitoneally sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and subsequently challenged intranasal with OVA on day 15 except the control group. Animals were grouped (n = 5/group) for treatment: unsensitised control, sensitised control, sensitised + prednisolone and sensitised + L. javanica at 50 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day – equivalent to 1 and 2 cups of tea per day, respectively. After 2 weeks of treatment, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count. Nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were also assessed in BALF. Ovalbumin specific IgE antibody and inflammatory cytokines: IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-alpha were measured in serum. Lung and muscle tissues were histological examined. Results L. javanica was rich in phenolic compounds. OVA sensitisation resulted in development of allergic asthma in rats. L. javanica treatment resulted in a reduction in total WBC count as well as eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils in BALF. L. javanica inhibited Th2-mediated immune response, which was evident by a decrease in serum IgE and inflammatory cytokines: IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-α. L. javanica treatment also reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO, and increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione and total antioxidant capacity. Histology showed significant attenuation of lung infiltration of inflammatory cells, alveolar thickening, and bronchiole smooth muscle thickening. Conclusion L. javanica suppressed allergic airway inflammation by reducing Th2-mediated immune response and oxidative stress in OVA-sensitized rats which may be attributed to the presence of phenolic compound in the plant. This finding validates the traditional use of L. javanica in the treatment of respiratory disorders.

Background. Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is an important environmental health risk factor. Although some studies have shown PM to be associated with obesity and hypertension, very few studies have assessed the association of indoor PM specifically with obesity and blood pressure measures in children with respect to seasonal variation. Objectives. The present study investigated the relationship of PM with obesity and blood pressure variables in children across the winter and summer seasons. Methods. A comparative descriptive approach was adopted and school children from 10–14 years of age from selected rural and urban localities of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were assessed in winter and summer. Anthropometric measurements were taken, including height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and total fat mass (TFM), while blood pressure variables including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. Indoor air PM concentrations were measured in the classrooms in the presence of children. Results. The prevalence of obesity and hypertension in children were 13.4% and 5.1% in winter and 12.9% and 1.0% in summer, respectively. High blood pressure was more prevalent in children in rural areas, while the prevalence of obesity in children was higher in urban areas. Particulate matter was significantly (p Conclusions. High concentrations of indoor PM were positively associated with obesity in children in summer, particularly among rural children. This association could be accounted for by location and seasonal differences. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. Ethics approval was obtained from the Health Sciences Ethics Committee of Walter Sisulu University, South Africa (Ref No: CHI011SCHU01). Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

ObjectivesPrevalence of child and adolescents’ overweight and obesity in low- and middle-income countries has increased dramatically. Simultaneously, the incidence of pre-hypertension/hypertension is also increasing in children, which, in turn, predisposes these children to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life. The present study assessed cardiometabolic risk factors and early indicators of vascular dysfunction in adolescents from a low socio-economic rural area in South Africa.DesignCross-sectional cohort study.SettingThe study was conducted in public schools in Mthatha, OR Tambo district municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.ParticipantsA total of 244 adolescents (188 females) of African ancestry aged 13–16 years were enrolled.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAnthropometric and haemodynamic measures and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were related to overweight/obesity and hypertension. Blood markers of cardiometabolic syndrome were assessed as well as vascular function (via PWV).ResultsOne-third (33.0%) of the adolescents exceeded the age and sex-specific body mass index percentiles for overweight (≥85th) or obesity (>95th) with a prevalence of 61.1% pre-hypertensives in this group. Overweight/obesity and hypertension were associated with higher triglycerides (lean:overweight: 0.794.69 mmol/L, pConclusionOverweight/obesity and hypertension show a high prevalence in rural South African youth. Almost half of the studied adolescents are at risk for developing CVD. The high association between cardiometabolic risk factors and PWV further suggests that hypertension in adolescents may promote the progression of CVD in adulthood. Early detection of those at risk and the implementation of preventive strategies in underprivileged young people is urgently needed to stop the progression of vascular damage and manifestation of CVD in rural African children.

Limited information on the effect of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on vascular function in South Africans of African descent living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is available. The relationship between ART, vascular function and cardiovascular risk factors in South Africans of African ancestry with HIV was therefore studied. This cross-sectional study recruited 146 HIV-positive individuals on ART (HIV+ART+), 163 HIV-positive individuals not on ART (HIV+ART&minus, ) and 171 individuals without HIV (HIV&minus, ) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) test was performed to assess endothelial function. Anthropometry and blood pressure parameters were measured. Lipid profile, glycaemic indices, serum creatinine as well as CD4 count and viral load were assayed in blood. Urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was determined as a marker of cardiovascular risk. Obesity and albuminuria were positively associated with HIV, and HIV+ART+ participants had significantly higher HDL cholesterol. Dyslipidaemia markers were significantly higher in hypertensive HIV+ART+ participants compared with the controls (HIV+ART&minus, and HIV&minus, participants). FMD was not different between HIV+ART+ participants and the controls. Moreover, HIV+ART+ participants with higher FMD showed lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol comparable to that of HIV&minus, and HIV+ART&minus, participants. A positive relationship between FMD and CD4 count was observed in HIV+ART+ participants. In conclusion, antiretroviral treatment was associated with cardiovascular risk factors, particularly dyslipidaemia, in hypertensive South Africans of African ancestry with HIV. Although, ART was not associated with endothelial dysfunction, flow-mediated dilatation was positively associated with CD4 count in HIV-positive participants on ART.

Though the association between high blood pressure and microalbuminuria is well established in adults, there is a paucity of information on microalbuminuria in children. This study investigated the relationship between high blood pressure and microalbuminuria in 6&ndash, 9-year-old children. A cross-sectional study, which included 306 primary school children of age 6&ndash, 9 years old from urban areas (n = 154) and rural areas (n = 152) of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, was conducted. Participants&rsquo, anthropometric data were determined and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured and converted to BP percentiles for age, sex and height. Creatinine and albumin concentrations were assayed in early morning midstream urine and the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated. There was a 42.8% prevalence of elevated blood pressure/high blood pressure (E-BP/H-BP) and a 10.1% prevalence of microalbuminuria. Among the 131 children with E-BP/H-BP, 17 had elevated ACR with a prevalence of 13.95%. SBP and HR increased with increasing range of ACR and, furthermore, SBP was significantly (p &lt, 0.05) higher in children with moderately and severely increased ACR. SBP was associated with ACR and increased SBP predicted microalbuminuria (R2 = 0.42, adj R2 = 0.039, B: 0.120, p = &lt, 0.05). In conclusion, microalbuminuria was present in 6&ndash, 9-year-old South African children of African Ancestry and a weak association was observed with SBP in children.

Background Senecio serratuloides DC is used in folk medicine for treating hypertension, skin disorders, internal and external sores, rashes, burns and wounds. This study aimed at investigating the antihypertensive effects of the hydroethanol extract of S. serratuloides (HESS) in N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats. Methods: Acute toxicity of HESS was first determined to provide guidance on doses to be used in this study. Lorke’s method was used to determine safety of the extract in mice. Female Wistar rats were treated orally once daily with L-NAME (40 mg/kg) for 4 weeks and then concomitantly with L-NAME (20 mg/kg) and plant extract (150 and 300 mg/kg), captopril (20 mg/kg) or saline as per assigned group for 2 weeks followed by a 2-week period of assigned treatments only. Blood pressure was monitored weekly. Lipid profile, nitric oxide, renin and angiotensin II concentrations were determined in serum while mineralocorticoid receptor concentration was quantified in the kidney homogenate. Nitric oxide (NO) concentration was determined in serum and cardiac histology performed. Results HESS was found to be non-toxic, having a LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. Blood pressure increased progressively in all animals from the second week of L-NAME treatment. HESS treatment significantly and dose-dependently lowered systolic blood pressure (p

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are known to begin early in life, but limited data on the relationship of obesity and hypertension with other known CVD risk factors, such as endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and chronic low-grade inflammation is available on children. In this cross-sectional study involving 6&ndash, 9 years old school children aged from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa the relationship between obesity/hypertension and other risk factors for CVDs was investigated. General anthropometric parameters were measured, followed by blood pressure (BP) measurements and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Urine samples were collected for the determination of albumin, creatinine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), 8-hydroxy-2deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS). Overweight/obesity (19.28%) and pre-hypertension/hypertension (42.16%) were prevalent in children. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), a marker of obesity, was positively correlated with ADMA, while ADMA and PWV were significantly different (p &lt, 0.05) between hypertensive and normotensive children. Also, TBARS and 8-OHdG were significantly (p &lt, 0.05) increased in hypertensive subjects. Creatinine was significantly (p &lt, 0.05) increased in obese, as well as in hypertensive children, and positively associated with waist circumference (WC) and neck circumference (NC). In conclusion, obesity and hypertension were associated with renal-cardiovascular disease risk, while oxidative stress showed a possible association with obesity in 6 to 9 year old South African children of African descent. This suggests that South African children of African descent may be becoming more prone to developing CVDs, and therefore may require early intervention for the prevention of CVDs in the near future.

BackgroundHypertension is a silent killer with no obvious signs and symptoms; thus, it is crucial to prevent its development. Oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia are associated risk factors for developing hypertension. This study aimed at investigating the role of a crude extract of Senecio serratuloidesin preventing the development of hypertension, oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in a rat model of nitric oxide deficiency.MethodsFemale Wistar rats were co-treated with Nω-Nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (40 mg/kg) and the hydroethanolic extract ofS. Serratuloides(HESS150 or HESS300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Twenty-hour urine samples were collected weekly during the study. At the end of the study serum, heart and kidneys were harvested for biochemical and histopathological analysis.ResultsThe higher dose (300 mg/kg) of the extract was more effective in preventing increase in systolic (pConclusionThese findings demonstrate the potential ofS. Serratuloidesin protecting rats from developing hypertension, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.

Morongwe Annah Sekokotla,1 Nandu Goswami,2 Constance Rufaro Sewani-Rusike,1 Jehu Erapu Iputo,3 Benedicta Ngwenchi Nkeh-Chungag4 1Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa; 2Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; 3Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, 4Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), defined as the clustering of three of five risk factors (hypertension, obesity, triglyceridemia, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia), is being increasingly mentioned among children and adolescents despite there being no consensus on how it should be defined in this set of population. Furthermore, very few studies have focused on MetS in children and adolescents in sub-Saharan populations. This study, therefore, aimed at determining the prevalence of the MetS and contributing risk in adolescents living in Mthatha, South Africa.Research design and methods: Four hundred and ten adolescents (age range: 13–18 years, both sexes) were recruited into this cross-sectional study. In addition to a lifestyle questionnaire being administered, anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist circumferences) were carried out for each participant. Fasting venous blood was collected for lipid profile and blood glucose assessments. Blood pressure was also measured. MetS was assessed using appropriate diagnostic criteria for children and adolescents.Results: Complete data sets were collected from 371 participants. Females showed an elevation in the risk factors for MetS. Of the 371 participants, 40.2% were overweight/obese (47.5% females; 22.5% males). MetS was diagnosed in 3.1% female participants compared with 6.0% in male participants.Conclusions: More risk factors for the MetS are seen among the overweight/obese as compared to lean adolescents. Given the fact that childhood overweight/obesity often continues into adulthood, it is important to address the causes of increased risk for MetS earlier in life to prevent the development of disease in adult life. Keywords: metabolic syndrome, adolescent health, overweight, obesity

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies suggest a strong relationship between obesity and hypertension. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension in 10- to 14-year-old boys and girls in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and to determine the association between blood pressure parameters and selected measures of adiposity. METHODS: A cross-sectional, school-based study of 540 10- to14-year-old children from seven schools in the Eastern Cape Province was carried out. Anthropometry and blood pressure parameters were determined. RESULTS: All measures of adiposity and blood pressure were significantly higher in the girls (p < 0.05). The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was over 20 and 12%, respectively. Systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were associated (r > 0.27; p < 0.05) with increasing levels of adiposity. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of weightcontrol strategies for the prevention of hypertension in these adolescents and later on in life.

Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Although mostly detected in adults evidence in children is conflicting. Many more children are being diagnosed with hypertension indicating that these children might have some level of endothelial dysfunction. The current study set out to investigate the relationship between endothelial function as measured by the Vicorder and anthropometric measurements as well as blood pressure in 6-8 year old children. A total of 202 children were recruited from a rural and an urban community were recruited into a cross sectional study between March and November 2017. Anthropometry was performed followed by measurement of blood pressure parameters and flow mediated slowing (FMS) using the Vicorder. Urine samples were collected for creatinine/albumin ratio. Body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were converted to percentiles for age, height and sex. Stata ® was used for all data analysis. Mean PWV and FMS% were 5.0 m/s and 25.7% respectively. PWV and heart rate (HR) were different by sex and location (p

Hypertension is becoming a major health problem in children worldwide. There is evidence suggesting a complex association between hypertension, endothelial function and other cardiovascular disease risk factors in the adult population. Very few studies have investigated the relationship between hypertension and endothelial function in sub-Saharan children. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between blood pressure parameters and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 6-8 years old children in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A cross-sectional study of 202 children (103 girls and 99 boys) aged 6-8 years old was conducted between March and November 2017. General anthropometric measurements were measured and blood pressure measurements were recorded. Blood pressure measurements were converted to blood pressure percentiles for height, age and sex. Flow mediated slowing was used to measure endothelial function. The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension was higher in girls compared to boys (7.9% and 28.7% vs 7.1% and 20.2% respectively). Systolic and diastolic pressure (SBP, DBP) and pulse pressures were similar in boys and girls. No sex related difference in PWV was noted thought the strength of correlation was different. PWV correlated modestly with age, SBP, DBP and mean arterial BP in females (r= 0.24, 0.30, 0.40, 0.49 p

OBJECTIVETraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinical outcomes in TBI are determined by the severity of injury, which is dependent on the primary and secondary brain injury processes. Whereas primary brain injury lesions are related to the site of impact, secondary brain injury results from physiological changes caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory responses that occur after the primary insult. The aim of this study was to identify important clinical and biomarker profiles that were predictive of recovery after moderate to severe TBI. A good functional outcome was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of ≥ 4.METHODSThis was a prospective study of patients with moderate to severe TBI managed at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital during the period between March 2014 and March 2016. Following admission and initial management, the patient demographic data (sex, age) and admission Glasgow Coma Scale score were recorded. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in blood and CSF were sampled on days 1–7. On day 14, only blood was sampled for the same biomarkers. The primary outcome was the GOS score—due to its simplicity, the GOS was used to assess clinical outcomes at day 90. Because of difficulty in performing regular follow-up due to the vastness of the region, difficult terrain, and long travel distances, a 3-month follow-up period was used to avoid default.RESULTSSixty-four patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of ≤ 12 were seen and managed. Among the 56 patients who survived, 42 showed significant recovery (GOS score ≥ 4) at 3 months. Important predictors of recovery included antioxidant activity in the CSF (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity).CONCLUSIONSRecovery after TBI was dependent on the resolution of oxidative stress imbalance.

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), yet not much effort is being invested in early diagnosis and control of the condition in susceptible children. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension in peri-urban school-attending adolescents and explore the relationship between blood pressure and selected anthropometric measurements. Methods: A cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 13-17 years was performed. Data on height, weight, waist and hip circumferences as well as blood pressure were collected from all participants. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure percentiles were calculated. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity was 20.4% while the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was 21.2% and 12.3%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension in males was 22.0% and 13.6% compared to 20.9% and 16.5% in females, respectively. Both conditions were associated with higher BMI in both girls and boys. While mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was positively associated with higher BMI and waist circumference (WC) in males and females, it correlated negatively with hip circumference (HC) in males. On the other hand, mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) correlated better with HC in males but only weakly in females. Conclusion: Adolescent learners in Mthatha had a high prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension which were associated with overweight and obesity. Results highlight the urgent need for screening in view of early detection and implementation of intervention strategies to prevent a high incidence of CVDs in this country.

Background: There is a hierarchical organisation of knowledge in the use of medicinal plants in communities. Medicinal use knowledge starts in thehome and is passed on to family members. Next in the hierarchy are neighbours, village elders and finally, traditional healers being the mostknowledgeable. For primary health care this hierarchy is actively followed in seeking remedies for ailments.Materials and Methods: This study was a survey of medicinal plant knowledge from family members of 1st year medical students registered atWalter Sisulu University. A total of 206 first year medical students participated in this study in 2010 and 2011.Results: Results revealed 47 species used as home remedies, 32% of which are food plants. Leaves and roots were reported as most commonly used. The top five ailments managed at home were gastrointestinal problems (25 plants), wounds (19 plants), respiratory tract problems (19 plants), infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (19 plants) and pain including headaches (19 plants). Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and reproductive ailments also formed a large group of diseases self-managed at home (29 plants).Conclusion: Family members hold knowledge of medicinal plant use. From this study, first year medical students were made aware of the relationship between common ailments and associated home remedies. This study forms a basis for further study of medicinal plants to validate theiruse as medicinal remedies.Key words: medicinal plants, home remedies, medical students, South Africa

Heteromorpha arborescens belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is commonly known as the parsley tree. One of its uses in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is for the treatment of abdominal pains. The therapeutic effects of the methanolic and aqueous root extracts of H. arborescens were investigated at two dose levels respectively on experimental models of pain and inflammation in rodents. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the hot-plate, abdominal constriction and formalin tests. The anti-inflammatory properties of these extracts were assessed using albumin and carrageenan as phlogistic agents. Both extracts produced significant (P

Ethnomedicine has gained a lot of recognition in post-independence Zimbabwe and yet little research on anti-fertility medicines has been done. Information on plants used as anti-fertility medicines was obtained by interviewing women, men, traditional healers and traditional midwives in urban Harare and surrounding rural areas of Mvurwi, Seke and Chiweshe. The use of 31 species belonging to 17 families for antifertility purposes is described. This survey forms a basis to initiate a study into the efficacy and toxicology of plants used by Zimbabwean women as traditional anti-fertility medicines.Key words: antifertility; Zimbabwe; postcoital anticonceptive; abortifacient; contraceptive.