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• Toxicity evaluations of Southern African plants used to treat pain and inflammation are reviewed. • Only 117 of the >500 plants traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation have been screened for toxicity. • Cell-based and brine shrimp lethality assays were identified as the most frequently used assay models. • Few species have been tested using more than one assay and substantially more study is required. • Of the plants that have been screened for toxicity, >80% were reported to be nontoxic. The harmful side effects associated with conventional anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals has focussed attention on medicinal plants as alternative therapeutics. However, the use of medicinal plants is predominantly based on ethnobotanical knowledge and often lacks toxicity data and safety validation. A comprehensive review of the toxicity and phytochemical properties of southern African medicinal plants used for inflammation and pain-related ailments was undertaken. Various ethnobotanical books and search engines including Science direct, Sci-Finder, Google Scholar and Scopus were used to determine which medicinal plants have been screened for toxicity. A total of 117 medicinal plants have previously been evaluated by toxicity screening. The predominant toxicity test used was the MTT reduction assay (109 species), followed by the brine shrimp lethality assay (57 species), and the XTT assay (24 species). The Ames test, which was used to screen 20 species, was the most frequently used assay to determine mutagenic properties of the plant extracts. The top five most commonly screened cell lines were Vero monkey kidney cells (46 plant extracts), RAW 264.7 macrophages (23 extracts), human breast cancer cells (MCF-7, 12) (21 extracts), mouse fibroblast (3T3) (18 extracts) and Graham cells (HEK-293) (17 extracts). Over 80% of the tested medicinal plant extracts were found to be non-toxic. Although many species have been evaluated for their toxicity properties, plant extracts are often tested using one or two assays and also lack diversity in terms of choice of cell lines used for screening. Phytochemical studies remain scarce and substantial further work is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time in two decades, a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the medicinal and ritual plants of southern Africa is presented. This data is analysed and compared with a previous survey done in 2002. The main aim is to update the checklist of medicinal and ritual plants of southern Africa and to determine the number of new records since 2002. We also provide a high-level perspective on the selection of medicinal and ritual plant species in southern Africa, a taxonomic analysis of the new checklist as well as a chronological perspective on the citation of medicinal and ritual species before and after 2002. The most recently published medicinal and ritual plants checklist for southern Africa was reviewed and updated. A wide range of ethnobotanical literature, including books, field guides and electronic journals, was used. All calculations were done by using formulas and functions in Microsoft Excel and R Studio. 4120 medicinal and ritual taxa and 3784 medicinal and ritual species have been recorded. Compared with the 2002 checklist, there are 1239 new taxa (1228 new species). A strong correlation between available taxa and selected medicinal taxa exists on order level, which corresponds with the results of an analysis done in 2008. The top 10 species-rich medicinal plant families of southern Africa are Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asphodelaceae, Malvaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Rutaceae and Rubiaceae. Different patterns of plant family representation can be seen across certain cultural healing systems of southern Africa. The species popularity (number of citations) of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. & C.A.Mey. Has increased substantially after 2002. Other medicinal and ritual plant species have been consistently researched, such as Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd., Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L.Bolus, Aloe ferox Mill., Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. and Gunnera perpensa L. The numerous new medicinal and ritual plant records that have been reported in the last two decades provide evidence of an incompletely documented ethnobotanical heritage that urgently requires documentation. Patterns of taxonomic diversity on family level indicate distinctive differences between cultural healing systems. Signs of the adaptability and dynamics of traditional healing systems in southern Africa can be seen in the changes in the citation of species over time. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive, up-to-date medicinal plant species list is presented. • 3784 plant species with medicinal uses in southern Africa are listed. • Ca. 1200 new medicinal plant species recorded, compared to a survey of 2002. • Asteraceae and Fabaceae are the most dominant medicinal plant families. • Plant family representation differs between cultural healing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three species recognised, A. amatymbica Eckl. and Zeyh., A. cordifolia B.-E.van Wyk and A. macowanii Dümmer • A. amatymbica var. aquatica and A. amatymbica var. microbracteata reduced into synonymy with A. amatymbica • Alepidea amatymbica , ' ikhathazo' , ' iqwili' or ' lesoko' in medicinal literature, could refer to either one of the following species: A. amatymbica, A. cordifolia or A. macowanii • Alepidea amatymbica is not the most widely utilized species of ' ikhathazo' • Alepidea cordifolia clarified as the more extensively utilized species of ' ikhathazo' • The three species are threatened by harvesting pressure for the traditional medicine trade • Lectotypes are designated for four names A taxonomic revision of the Alepidea amatymbica group is presented. The species in this group are readily distinguished by the predominantly glabrous fruit and the well-developed rhizomes. It is these well-developed rhizomes which are known and traded under the local isiZulu name ' ikhathazo' and reported to be one of the most frequently utilized medicinal plants in southern Africa. Three species are recognised, A. amatymbica Eckl. and Zeyh., A. cordifolia B.-E.van Wyk and A. macowanii Dümmer. Two taxa, A. amatymbica var. aquatica and A. amatymbica var. microbracteata , are reduced into synonymy with A. amatymbica. The repeated misconception that A. amatymbica is the most widely utilized medicinal species within the genus is exposed in the ethnobotanical overview and refuted. Rather, A. cordifolia is clarified as the more extensively utilized species, validated by its much wider geographical range. A key to the species, updated nomenclature, typifications, complete descriptions, illustrations and the known geographical distributions for all three species are presented. Lectotypes are designated for four names (A. amatymbica, A. amatymbica var. microbracteata, A. aquatica and A. macowanii). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive checklist and analysis of medicinal plant species and their uses in Mozambique, and a comparison with South Africa provided a more profound understanding of the broad concept of Traditional African Medicine as a healing culture and the need for a more informative classification system. This study was aimed at recording all medicinal plants reported in Mozambique according to literature and answer four main questions. 1. How many medicinal plant species have been recorded for Mozambique? Of those, how many are indigenous to Mozambique, and how many are introduced or cultivated exotics? 2. What are the main medicinal uses in Mozambique and which species are used for which ailments? 3. What are the similarities and differences between the medicinal floras of Mozambique and South Africa – are the same species used for the same ailments and is there evidence of cultural exchange? 4. Do the data provide new insights into Traditional African Medicine as one of the oldest medicine systems in the world? A literature survey was done to compile the medicinal checklist of Mozambique using 29 available literature sources, which were found from published books, journal articles, reports, unpublished theses, dissertations, and online databases. A total of 731 medicinal plant species and infraspecific taxa from 447 genera and 120 families was recorded for Mozambique. Of these, 590 (81%) are indigenous, and 87 are non-indigenous (50 naturalised and 37 cultivated exotics). Of the 731 medicinal plant species, 494 (68%) are also used medicinally in South Africa and 148 (30%) are used for the same or similar ailments. Many of the shared taxa and uses have been recorded in the adjoining KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, which has similar vegetation types. The similarity between Mozambique and South Africa (and especially the KwaZulu-Natal Province) not only suggest an exchange of traditional knowledge but also indicates the existence of a hitherto unnamed medicinal system of the southern and eastern African Bantu-speaking cultures that is in need of detailed comparative studies. [Display omitted] • Mozambique has 731 medicinal plant taxa (447 genera, 120 families). • Of the 731 taxa, 494 (68%) are also used medicinally in South Africa. • 148 taxa (30%) are used for the same or similar ailments in South Africa. • Traditional knowledge has been shared across the border. • A hitherto unnamed and poorly studied medicinal system has been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ethnobotanical survey at Amandawe in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa with 37 participants has revealed 110 new medicinal species records (ca. 31% of the total of 359 species), 560 newly recorded Zulu vernacular names and name variations (66% of the total of 859 names), 60 newly recorded praise names (88% of the total of 69) and 1106 new use-records (78% of the total of 1423 medicinal uses that were recorded at Amandawe). The Fabaceae and Asteraceae each accounted for 8.6% of the species, far outnumbering the other 98 families recorded. The subcategory 'tonics' had the highest number of plant species (156), followed by dermatological (125) and gastro-intestinal (102), while ophthalmic (11), endocrine system (11) and anthelmintics (22) had among the lowest numbers of species. The most popular medicinal plants (as indicated by their Species Popularity Index value) were Cannabis sativa (1.00), Leucas lavandulifolia (1.00), Pittosporum viridiflorum (1.00), Spilanthes mauritiana (1.00) and Tetradenia riparia (0.97), while the most important medicinal plants (as indicated by their Cultural Importance Index values) were Tetradenia riparia (1.84), Spilanthes mauritiana (1.62), Microglossa mespilifolia (1.32) and Leucas lavandulifolia (1.30). Zulu medicinal ethnobotany has long been regarded to be thoroughly documented, yet our findings suggest that contemporary medicinal plant use has not yet been adequately documented. • A survey of medicinal plants at Amandawe in KwaZulu-Natal revealed many novelties. • 110 new medicinal species records (ca. 31% of the total of 359 species recorded). • 560 newly recorded Zulu vernacular names (66% of the total of 859 names). • 1106 new use-records (78% of 1423 medicinal uses that were recorded). • Despite many previous studies, Zulu medicinal ethnobotany remains poorly recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Qualitative and quantitative data is presented that gives a new perspective on the traditional medicinal plants of the Khoisan (Khoe-San), one of the most ancient of human cultures. The data is not only of considerable historical and cultural value, but allows for fascinating comparative studies relating to new species records, novel use records and the spatial distribution of traditional plant use knowledge within the Cape Floristic Region. Aim of the study A detailed documentation and quantitative analysis of medicinal plants of the Kamiesberg area (an important Khoisan and Nama cultural centre) and their traditional uses, which have hitherto remained unrecorded. Materials and methods During four study visits to the Kamiesberg, semi-structured and structured interviews were conducted with 24 local inhabitants of the Kamiesberg, mostly of Khoisan decent. In addition to standard methodology, a newly developed Matrix Method was used to quantity medicinal plant knowledge. Results The Kamiesberg is an important center of extant Nama ethnomedicinal information but the knowledge is rapidly disappearing. Of a total of 101 medicinal plants and 1375 anecdotes, 21 species were recorded for the first time as having traditional medicinal uses and at least 284 medicinal use records were new. The relative importance, popularity and uses of the plants were quantified. The 97 newly documented vernacular names include 23 Nama ( Khoekhoegowab ) names and an additional 55 new variations of known names. The calculated Ethnobotanical Knowledge Index (EKI) and other indices accurately quantified the level of knowledge and will allow for future local, regional and even global comparisons. Conclusion The results showed that the Kamiesberg is an important focal point of Khoisan (Nama) traditional knowledge but that the medicinal plants have not yet been systematically recorded in the scientific literature. There are numerous new use records and new species records that are in need of scientific study. Comparative data is now available for broader comparisons of the pattern of Khoisan plants use in southern Africa and the study represents another step towards a complete synthesis of Cape Herbal Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark and leaves of Warburgia salutaris are commonly used in traditional and modern herbal medicine but there are no published anatomical descriptions that can be used in pharmacognosy or in comparative anatomy. Descriptions of salient features are presented, showing that a combination of anatomical characters is of diagnostic value. Leaf material can be identified by the absence of trichomes and the presence of translucent secretory cells, thick adaxial cuticles, numerous small druse crystals in the epidermal cells, scattered large druses and mesophyll cells with brown contents. Bark is similarly characterized by the combination of secretory cells, druses, parenchyma cells with brown contents, thin-walled fibre-like sclereids and compound sieve plates located on the lateral walls and oblique cross walls of the sieve tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Bitterness values have been determined for southern African plant species that are traditionally used as tonics (imbizas or ’musa-pelo) to alleviate the symptoms of stress and a variety of ailments related to the digestive system. Aim of the study: To measure and present, for the first time, the bitterness values of 15 of the best-known and most widely used tonic plants in southern Africa in order to find a rationale for their traditional use in improving appetite and treating digestive ailments. Results: Most of the plants were found to be very bitter, with bitterness values comparable to those reported for internationally well-known bitter tonics such as Artemisia absynthium L. and Gentiana lutea L. Conclusions: The relatively high bitterness values obtained for all of the plants indicate that their alleged value in improving digestion and appetite may at least be partly ascribed to the bitter tonic (amarum) effect, i.e., the stimulation of gastric juices via the nervus vagus. It may be interesting to examine the chemical compounds responsible for the bitter taste, as well as the possible links between bitterness and the anecdotal anti-stress properties ascribed to these species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main diterpenoids in the roots of Arctopus (Apiaceae, tribe Saniculeae) have been identified for the first time. The major compounds are manool, ent-trachyloban-19-oic acid and a kauren-19-oic acid, while methyl-16β-hydroxy-ent-kaur-11-en-19-oate is a minor diterpene. Comparative studies of non-polar extracts by means of LC–MS showed that the isolated main compounds are present in all three species of Arctopus. The study also revealed that the diterpenoid pattern in Arctopus is very similar to that of the genus Alepidea. The tuberous roots of Arctopus and the rhizomes and roots of Alepidea are important traditional medicines in South Africa, used mainly for infections and respiratory ailments. Their efficacy is ascribed to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The known biological activities of the isolated diterpenes provide a scientific rationale for the traditional uses. The chemical similarity in diterpenoids also supports the idea that the two genera are closely related, despite their conspicuous morphological differences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Southern Africa is an important focal point of botanical and cultural diversity but only a few plant species have hitherto become fully commercialised as medicinal products. In recent years there has been an upsurge in research and development activity, resulting in several new products and new crops. In this review, more than 90 of the best-known and most promising indigenous South African plants are listed and subjectively evaluated in the context of their potential for commercialisation as medicinal products for a variety of applications. The history of product development relating to the following species is briefly discussed and the plants and some of their products are illustrated: Agathosma betulina (buchu), Aloe ferox (bitter aloe), Artemisia afra (African wormwood), Aspalathus linearis (rooibos tea), Bulbine frutescens (burn jelly plant); Cyclopia genistoides (honeybush tea), Harpagophytum procumbens (devil''s claw), Hoodia gordonii (hoodia, ghaap), Hypoxis hemerocallidea (“African potato”), Lippia javanica (fever tea), Mesembryanthemum tortuosum (= Sceletium tortuosum) (kanna, kougoed), Pelargonium sidoides (“Umckaloabo”), Siphonochilus aethiopicus (African ginger), Sutherlandia frutescens (= Lessertia frutescens) (cancer bush), Warburgia salutaris (pepperbark tree) and Xysmalobium undulatum (“Uzara”). The main factors that are apparently responsible for failure or success will be highlighted, especially the importance of marketing strategy, proof of concept and barriers to market entry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of a rapid appraisal methodology, followed by a new approach that we refer to as the Matrix Method, has revealed a wealth of traditional knowledge on useful plants amongst people of Khoi–San decent in the Agter–Hantam, Calvinia district, Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The data include 14 new species records of useful plants; 20 new vernacular names and 99 new uses for 46 of the plant species, showing that Khoi–San ethnobotany is still incompletely recorded and that there is an urgent need to document this wealth of traditional knowledge before it is lost forever. This article also introduces two new terms — the Ethnobotanical Knowledge Index (EKI), a quantitative measure of a person''s knowledge of local plant use (value between 0 and 1), and the Species Popularity Index (SPI), a quantitative measure of the importance or popularity of each species (value between 0 and 1). In the Agter–Hantam, the EKI varied from 0.20 to 0.93 in older people but even young children had EKI values of 0.27. The best known and most popular indigenous useful plants in the Agter–Hantam are Aloe microstigma (a new species record, with a SPI of 0.97), Hoodia gordonii (SPI=0.94), Microloma sagittatum (0.94), Sutherlandia frutescens (0.92), Quaqua incarnata (0.92) and Galenia africana (0.85). The new quantitative method will allow for direct comparisons of the preservation of traditional plant knowledge and the importance of various plants species in different communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnobotanical field studies were conducted for the first time in the KwaNibela Peninsula of southern Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, to document indigenous knowledge about useful plants. The vernacular names and uses of 82 plant species were recorded and compared to published Zulu and Swazi knowledge. Medicines for skin disorders, toothache, wounds, worms, chest and throat ailments, infertility and purgatives are still commonly used. Superstition and divination play a major role in the traditional knowledge system of the people of KwaNibela with 24 plants used for this purpose. Three KwaNibela medicinal plants (Erythroxylum delagoense, Putterlickia verrucosa, and Teclea natalensis) appear to be new records, not previously reported in the general scientific literature. The list also includes 61 novel uses of plants and another 15 new variations on known (published) uses. Ten previously unpublished vernacular names are presented, together with an additional 19 new variants of known names. These new additions to the scientific literature confirm that indigenous knowledge in KwaZulu-Natal is not yet completely recorded. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnobotanical field studies in the Graaff-Reinet and Murraysburg regions (southeastern Karoo) have revealed a wealth of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants and their uses amongst elderly people of Khoi-San and Cape Dutch decent. The materia medica includes at least 86 species, most of which appear to be still in everyday use. The use of exotic plants (12 species) and similarities with the Xhosa healing culture show that the traditional system is dynamic and adaptive. Medicines to treat problems of the stomach, back, kidneys, bladder, as well as colds and other minor ailments have a high frequency. Mixtures of different plants are often used. An overview of the most important plants and their uses is presented, which shows several interesting records that have hitherto remained undocumented. These include new uses, new vernacular names and new medicinal plants (Abutilon sonneriatum, Aloe striata, Eberlanzia spinosa, Helichrysum pumilio, Osteospermum herbaceum, Pachypodium succulentum, Peliostomum cf. origanoides, Pentzia punctata, Rhigozum obovatum and Stapelia olivaea). New records of plants that are locally commonly used (e.g. H. pumilio and O. herbaceum) confirm that the medical ethnobotany of the Karoo is incompletely recorded. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sutherlandia frutescens (tribe Galegeae, Fabaceae), a popular plant in traditional medicine, is indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho, southern Namibia and southeastern Botswana. It is chemically, genetically and geographically extremely variable and has been divided into three subspecies and several regional forms. A second species, Sutherlandia tomentosa, is localized along the Cape coast. Sutherlandia is sometimes treated as part of the genus Lessertia. There are numerous vernacular names and a wide diversity of uses, including poor appetite, indigestion, stomach complaints, dysentery, colds, influenza, kidney conditions, fever, diabetes, internal cancers, uterine troubles, liver conditions, backache, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections, stress and anxiety, dropsy and heart failure. Notable is the use as a bitter tonic (“blood purifier”), anti-stress medication (‘musa-pelo) and, at least since 1895, specifically as a cancer tonic (both as treatment and as prophylaxis). Externally it is applied to haemorrhoids, inflamed wounds and eye infections. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown antiproliferative, anti-HIV, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-stress, anticonvulsant and antithrombotic activities. Aqueous extracts often differ in activity from organic solvent extracts. The presence of high levels of free amino acids, non-protein amino acids such as canavanine and GABA, the cyclitol pinitol, flavonols and triterpenes (including SU1, a cycloartane-type triterpene saponin) provide plausible hypotheses on how these compounds, individually or collectively, may be responsible for the reputed efficacy in a wide range of ailments. Results of animal studies, as well as a phase I clinical study, have shown no indications of toxicity. Sufficient preclinical data are now available to justify controlled clinical studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological context: A detailed review of the ethnobotany and commercial history of Pelargonium sidoides is presented, together with a brief summary of pre-clinical and clinical scientific results that support the use of the plant in modern, evidence-based phytomedicines. The aim is to identify the main factors responsible for the success in product development. Materials and methods: The literature studied includes all modern scientific papers and also old documents and books that are no longer readily accessible. Results: Available ethnobotanical information shows that several tuberous Pelargonium species (including Pelargonium sidoides) are important traditional medicines with a rich ethnobotanical history. A summary of the interesting history of the commercial development of Stevens’ Cure or Umckaloabo in Europe is presented. Scientific evidence for the efficacy of the product, mainly as a treatment for acute bronchitis, is reviewed. These include numerous in vitro studies as well as 18 clinical studies. The botanical identity of the plant and its complex mixture of coumarins and other chemical constituents are summarised. Conclusions: The use of Pelargonium stems or tubers for a variety of ailments (including the complications of dysentery) is an important but hitherto under-estimated part of traditional medicine in southern Africa. Key elements in the successful development of Pelargonium sidoides from a profound traditional remedy to a highly successful phytomedicine include the choice of species, a favourable cost–benefit ratio, innovative marketing over many years, good scientific evidence of the botanical and chemical identity of the product and convincing proof of concept. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological context: Cape herbal medicine as a distinct and unique healing system is conceptualized for the first time, together with a first compilation of the authentic materia medica of the system. Materials and methods: The early literature on Khoikhoi (Hottentot), San (Bushman) and Cape Dutch medicinal plants and medical practices is reviewed, with a focus on the Cape Floristic Region (from Namaqualand to the Eastern Cape). To avoid recent additions and modern cultural influences in the results, the date of publication of the last volume of Marloth''s Flora of South Africa (1932) was chosen as a cut-off date. Results: The recorded Cape materia medica (up to 1932) is briefly summarized, giving the scientific names, vernacular names (in Afrikaans or Khoi-San/Nama) and main uses. It comprises about 170 items and includes mainly indigenous and endemic plant species, some exotic (garden) plants, and a few other items (fungi, seaweeds, lichens, hyraceum and natural potassium nitrate). Most of the plants (and hyraceum) are still widely used today, especially in rural areas. Conclusions: The combination of unique cultural practices and a diverse, highly endemic flora has led to the development of a distinct herbal healing system, here called Cape herbal medicine, but hitherto rather vaguely and inaccurately referred to as Khoi-San medicine, Cape Dutch medicine or boererate (farm remedies). The data allows for a more informed consideration of indigenous knowledge and intellectual property rights associated with particular plants (e.g. Hoodia and Pelargonium). It also offers opportunities for linking modern ethnobotanical field studies with historical data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims of the study: Commercially important indigenous medicinal plants of southern Africa are reviewed in the context of fundamental knowledge about their ethnobotany, phylogeny, genetics, taxonomy, biochemistry, chemical variation, reproductive biology and horticulture. The aim is to explore the rapidly increasing number of scientific publications and to investigate the need for further research. Materials and methods: The Scopus (Elsevier) reference system was used to investigate trends in the number of scientific publications and patents in 38 medicinal plant species. Fifteen species of special commercial interest were chosen for more detailed reviews: Agathosma betulina, Aloe ferox, Artemisia afra, Aspalathus linearis, Cyclopia genistoides, Harpagophytum procumbens, Hoodia gordonii, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Lippia javanica, Mesembryanthemum tortuosum, Pelargonium sidoides, Siphonochilus aethiopicus, Sutherlandia frutescens, Warburgia salutaris and Xysmalobium undulatum. Results: In recent years there has been an upsurge in research and development of new medicinal products and new medicinal crops, as is shown by a rapid increase in the number of scientific publications and patents. Despite the fact that an estimated 10% of the plant species of the world is found in southern Africa, only a few have been fully commercialized and basic scientific information is often not available. Conclusions: The limited available information indicates that some of the plants display remarkable regional variation in morphological, genetic and chemical characters that should be more thoroughly investigated. Basic biological information is needed to guide the rapidly accelerating commercialization process, especially the selection of superior clones, the development of new cultivars and the standardization of raw materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The family Menispermaceae is highly specialized in its rich diversification of biologically active bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Because of this richness the family is used worldwide in traditional medicines to treat a wide variety of ailments. An ethnobotanical survey focusing specifically on the seven genera and 13 species of this family indigenous to South Africa has yielded 64 valuable anecdotes, of which 38 are new records. Cissampelos capensis [dawidjies (wortel)] is the best known and most used medicinal plant, especially by Khoisan and other rural people in the western region of South Africa. The survey had confirmed the known medicinal uses and added several additional anecdotes for this species. Although poorly recorded and hardly ever sold on traditional medicine markets, Albertisia delagoensis and Cissampelos hirta turned out to be very important in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal for treating a range of different ailments. Medicinal uses for Tiliacora funifera, Tinospora caffra and Tinospora tenera are recorded for the first time. A summary of all published and unpublished ethnobotanical information for southern African Menispermaceae is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The taxonomy of the previously understudied Middle-eastern and Asian species of Argyrolobium is reviewed. A total of 11 species (including two species which also occur in tropical Africa), four subspecies and five varieties are recorded from the region. All taxa, except for two poorly known local endemics, are described and the correct nomenclature, literature citation, typification, synonymy, as well as geographical distribution are given. A key to the taxa is also provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Arctopus echinatus L. and related species are ancient Khoi-San medicinal plants adopted by the early Cape settlers who used them as a “comfort to the sick”, hence the Afrikaans vernacular name sieketroos. The earliest recorded medicinal use dates back to the days of Thunberg''s travels in the eighteenth century when it was used as a remedy for venereal diseases. The rich ethnobotanical history of these interesting and pharmacologically largely ignored South African plants is recorded together with a synopsis of modern day usage. Antimicrobial activities of root extracts of Arctopus species on nine pathogens showed strongest activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and moderate to good activity against Staphylococcus aureus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Asiaticoside, a well-known ursane-type triterpene saponin widely used as a chemical marker in quality control of commercial samples of Centella asiatica, occurs in South African material (12 samples from four provenances) at a level of 1 to 2% of dry weight. Surprisingly, the compound was not detected in three samples of C. glabrata, the only other species with a well-recorded history of medicinal use. A preliminary LC-MS survey of a further 21 leaf samples from 16 species of Centella revealed the presence of asiaticoside as a major constituent in ten of the species studied, while others had various isomers of chlorogenic and dicaffeoylquinic acids. Multiple samples from the same species were chemically similar, indicating that a wider chemosystematic study of the entire genus may yield valuable results. The study also showed that South African genotypes of C. asiatica may be suitable for commercial use and that several other Centella species are potential sources of asiaticoside. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance The twigs of Elytropappus rhinocerotis are widely used in the Cape region of South Africa to treat foot odour, perspiration and also itchy, chilblained and burning feet. However, no antimicrobial studies have hitherto been published on this popular Cape herbal medicine, which is also used for a wide range of ailments. Aims of the study To determine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts, essential oil and two major labdane diterpenes isolated from E. rhinocerotis against micro-organisms associated with foot odour and other conditions associated with skin infections. Materials and methods Leafy stems were harvested from three individual plants at three separate geographical localities, giving a total of nine plant samples. The samples were air-dried, powdered and extracted with a 1:1 mixture of methanol and dichloromethane, and also with sterile distilled water. A portion of each sample was also hydrodistilled to obtain nine samples of essential oil. Isolation of the major labdane diterpenes was performed using silica and ethyl acetate in hexane (3:7 v/v) as the mobile phase. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined for nine crude extracts, as well as three essential oil samples and two labdane diterpenes obtained from a bulk sample. The test organisms used in this study were from Deutsche Sammlung von Mikrooganismen (DSM) and American type culture collection (ATCC) strains and included five bacterial species (Brevibacterium agri ATCC 51663, B. epidermidis DSM 20660, B. linens DSM 20425, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. epidermidis ATCC 12228) and one fungal species (Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533) associated with the skin. Results The presence of essential oil is reported for the first time. Organic extracts and essential oil samples showed moderate to noteworthy activity against selected test organisms. For the Brevibacteria, the lowest MIC values for phenolic extracts were several times lower than the corresponding values for the positive control zinc (shown in brackets): 0.0031 mg/mL against Brevibacterium agri (0.33 mg/mL), 0.17 mg/mL against B. epidermidis (3.91 mg/mL) – both for sample 2 of Vanwyksdorp; 0.13 mg/mL against B. linens (2.28 mg/mL) – for sample 3 of Vanwyksdorp. Two isolated labdane diterpenoids (one of which is here first reported) were also antimicrobially tested and showed moderate activity but had high abundance in the extracts. Two major monoterpenes and four sesquiterpenes in the essential oil were identified as 1,8-cineole (4.6–12.3%), terpinen-4-ol (9.2–24.3%), germacrene A (3.9–15.6%), (−)-spathulenol (1.7–37.8%), viridiflorol (0.3–100%), and silphiperfol-6-en-5-one (4.5–26.8%). Conclusion The antimicrobial results particularly for the essential oils and against the Brevibacteria support the traditional topical use of Elytropappus rhinocerotis twigs to treat foot perspiration, foot odour and other related skin conditions. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed morphological and anatomical descriptions and photographs of the bark and wood of Prunus africana are provided for future use in taxonomic, phylogenetic, forensic and pharmacognostic studies. The bark is used in African traditional medicine and has become an important raw material for commercial extracts to treat benign prostate hyperplasia. Anatomical characters of diagnostic importance include parenchyma cells in the non-conducting part of the phloem with a reddish-brown content, abundance of druse crystals, scanty fibre-like sclereids and fibres (both of them solitary or arranged in groups of two to 15), and shape and position of rays in the dilated secondary phloem. The large number of sieve areas (four to 23) in the compound sieve plates appears to be a unique character—all other species have three to 10 sieve plates. The long sieve tube members (230–600 μm) differ from those of other Prunus species (typically 80–375 μm). P. africana is compared with other species of Prunus , and shares with them wood with distinct growth rings, vessels that are solitary or in radial multiples and clusters, perforation plates that are simple, the walls of vessel elements with helical thickenings, diffuse axial parenchyma and ray cells having a reddish-brown content or druse crystals. The loss of distinctive borders in the pits, as found also in P. davidiana and P. persica , was also observed in P. africana . P. africana shares with a small group of other species the scanty amount of fibre-like sclereids and fibres in the bark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Available ethnobotanical information on Pteronia onobromoides (first recorded in 1685) indicates that the plant was once of considerable cultural and commercial importance and that it was powdered, mixed with fat, and applied to the skin for cosmetic and/or medicinal purposes. Sâb, as well as Son or San, are considered to be the original Nama names for this aromatic bush and also the origin of various names for San people, such as Sonqua and Bushman. A study of the leaf anatomy showed that essential oil is produced in globose oil glands situated below some of the vascular bundles in the spongy parenchyma, adjacent to the palisade parenchyma. The oil is relatively complex but contains a combination of myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole and p-cymene as main compounds, with smaller amounts of sabinene, trans-linalooloxide, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, eugenol, thymol and α-phellandrene. Dichloromethane extracts exhibited antibacterial activity (especially against Staphylococcus epidermidis) with MIC values as low as 0.83 mg/ml. Other solvent extracts and the essential oil itself were less active. The results show that the traditional method of mixing powdered leaves with fat and applying it to the skin may have had deodorant, disinfectant and medicinal benefits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An LC–MS screening method was developed to detect the presence of atractyloside (ATR), the toxic principle of a commonly used medicinal plant in South Africa, Callilepis laureola, in biological matrices such as body fluids and human viscera. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the essential oil from the roots and rhizomes of Siphonochilus aethiopicus, a medicinal plant in South Africa. Use of hydrodistillation; List of compounds found in the roots and rhizomes; Composition of the roots and rhizomes.