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This review gives the first comprehensive appraisal of Kniphofia foliosa Hochst, from the plant family Asphodelaceae: its botany, ethnomedicinal (with particular emphasis on the African communities), phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential. Particular emphasis is given to the biological and chemical properties. Peer review and literature search were done by conducting a logical and inclusive review. Indigenous cultures have used the plant among different ethnic groups in tropical Africa for medicinal and other purposes. The chemical compounds that have been isolated from K. foliosa include monomeric anthraquinones such as chrysophanol, islandicin, laccaic acid, aloe-emodin, and aloe-emodin acetate, which contain antileukaemic properties; dimeric anthraquinones such as asphodelin, knipholone, and chryslandicin; phenyl anthraquinones and anthrones, including knipholone anthrone, isoknipholone anthrone, knipholone, phenylanthrone knipholone anthrone and anthraquinone isoknipholone; oxanthrones such as isofoliosone and foliosone; and rare dimeric phenylanthraqunones joziknipholones A and B. The pharmacological studies on K. foliosa exhibited antimalarial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-HIV-1, and anti-leukotriene activities. From the above, it can be deduced that K. foliosa contains chemical constituents of pharmacological importance, contributing significantly to the development of new medicines.

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.

Acaciella angustissima (Mill.) Brit. & Rose is a multipurpose deciduous thornless shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae and subfamily Mimosoideae. This study aimed to explore A. angustissima, a leguminous shrub with medicinal, ecological and industrial potential. A mixed-method approach, which included consolidating quantitative and qualitative research, was utilized to put together the review with the main focus being on sub-Saharan Africa. However, case studies and literature from South Africa were also utilized. A. angustissima is a good source of phenolic compounds. It is used to relieve painful toothache, rheumatism, skin lesions, bloody diarrhea and mucoid diarrhea. It also displays a mild antimicrobial effect and has the ability to inhibit growth in malignant tumors. The study acknowledged Acaciella angustissima as an important agroforestry tree species that improve the quality of life of resource-poor farmers, reducing poverty and promoting sustainability of the natural resources base and economic growth

Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam, popularly known as black Mangroves, is an economical and valuable medicinal plant that is commonly found in relatively distinct zones, which are controlled by factors such as salinity, tidal regime, soil type and seed predators.This study is aimed at reviewing the botany, nutritional and medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of B. gymnorhiza. A comprehensive literature search was done using electronic databases including journal articles, books, theses, scientific reports and internet sources.The most widespread direct use of B. gymnorhiza is for wood and other uses include food, medicines, dyes and environmental services. Different compounds such as β-sitosterol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, ursolic acid, stigmasterol, lupeol, taraxerol, bruguierol, oleanolic acid, gymnorhizol, bruguiesulfurol, isobrugierol and ellagic acid have been isolated from B. gymnorhiza. The leaves, dried roots,stem and barks of B. gymnorhiza have shown the presence of flavonoids, phenols, hydroquinones, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, gums, reducing sugars,phenolic compounds, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids and glycosides.These compounds are sterols and have shown high anti-inflammatory activity, antidiabetic, antioxidant and angiogenic effects, inducing apoptosis, hypocholesterolemic activity, anthelminthic and antimutagenic activities. B. gymnorhiza plant extract contains chemical constituents of pharmacological importance, which can play a significant role in the production of pharmaceutical products for future use.

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don, popularly known as the African locust bean tree, is a perennial tree legume that belongs to Mimosoïdeae sub-family and family of Fabaceae. This study is aimed at reviewing the botany, nutritional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of P. biglobosa and the information was undertaken using electronic databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science, Pubmed, SciFinder, BMC and Open-thesis. Parkia biglobosa is a very important multipurpose tree that is used essentially for food, medicinal, cultural, economic and magico-therapeutic purposes. Due to its socio-economic and cultural importance, P. biglobosa species are vulnerable to unsustainable harvesting and are declining in numbers because they remain semi- or undomesticated in some west Africa countries. Different aqueous and organic extracts of P. biglobosa indicate that the species are rich in saponins, tannins, flavonoids, resins, carbohydrates, terpenoids, phenols, sterols, and cardiac glycosides. The nutritional and pharmacological benefits of P. biglobosa has been associated with its physicochemical properties. Pharmacological studies on P. biglobosa exhibited antimalarial, anti-helminthic, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-trypanosomic activities and antioxidant properties. Threats to the survival of this multipurpose species are also highlighted.

Duranta erecta is popularly grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and semi-tropical gardens. Current demands for the shrub have prompted the need for effective propagation methods. In this study, the influence of indole-3butyric acid (IBA) hormone concentration and media on rooting of D. erecta propagated from tip cuttings under greenhouse conditions were investigated. IBA hormone was used in three concentrations (2500, 5000, and 7500 ppm) and 0 ppm was the control. The study consisted of three media types (river sand, pine bark, a mixture of peat and perlite at a 1:1 ratio). The experiment was arranged in a 3×4 factorial layout in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated 3 times. Cutting survival, root length and number, shoot length and number were analysed. There was no interaction (P>0.001) between IBA concentration and media for all the measured parameters. The results showed that the optimum concentration of IBA is 5000 ppm, beyond which were inhibitory in all parameters except on root length. Type of media influenced survival and shoot number with pine bark giving the highest but did not affect root number, root length and shoot number. Key words: Duranta erecta, rooting, cuttings, media, river sand, pinebark, peat-lite.

Gethyllis afra is an important medicinal plant species in South Africa. The current study critically reviewed the botany, ethnobotanical uses, biological and chemical properties of G. afra. Information on the botany, ethnobotanical uses, biological and chemical properties of G. afra was collected from multiple internet sources which included Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science, Pubmed, SciFinder and BMC. Additional information was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as journal articles, scientific reports, books and book chapters obtained from the University library. This study showed that G. afra is mainly used as food, aphrodisiac, and herbal medicine for colic, indigestion, stomach-ache, boils, bruises, insect bites, toothache, convulsions, heart problems and sleeplessness. Major compounds isolated from the fruits of G. afra include ?-pinene, n-butyl n-butyrate, isoamyl acetate, ?-pinene and 2-methylbutyl butyrate. There is need to validate the documented ethnomedicinal uses of G. afra through phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Therefore, future studies should focus on these knowledge gaps particularly evaluating the chemical and biological activities of G. afra crude extracts and compounds isolated from the species.

Albuca setosa is a flowering bulb in the Asparagaceae family, endemic to southern Africa, thrives well on rocky ground, flats and mountain slopes. This review is an appraisal of the current information on A. setosa and a systematic and comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic scientific journal articles, books and theses. The bulbous plant is extensively used for medicinal purposes, cultural purposes and to end quarrels between enemies. In the framework of the taxonomic revision of Albuca, a complete description of A. setosa and data on cytology, morphology, ecology and distribution and economic importance are discussed. Pharmacological screening showed that A. setosa possesses some anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The bulbous plant is used for the treatment of wounds, articulation problems, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive disorder and venereal diseases.

Typha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. is a robust, monoecious, perennial marshy herb that belongs to the family Typhaceae. The current research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the biological and chemical properties, botany and medicinal uses of T. capensis. Comparative analysis of literature showed that T. capensis is a medicinal plant that has multiple benefits such as food for humans, feeds for animals and medicines to treat various diseases. All the parts including the leaves, seeds, rhizomes and pollen can be used in making decoction to improve male potency and libido, cures genital problems, boosts circulation, enhance female fertility, strengthens uterine contraction in childbirth and facilitates placenta removal. It is also used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, diarrhoea and dysentery venereal diseases. The plant contains several flavones and phenolic compounds which have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. Scientific studies have shown that T. capensis has a broad range of biological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidants, fertility-promoting effect and apoptosis effect. T. capensis should be subjected to comprehensive phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological assessments projected at assessing its efficacy and safety as herbal medicine.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a large tree capable of reaching 50 m in height, which belongs to the Fagaceae family. F. sylvatica is a common forest tree in Central and South Europe, including the British Isles and extending to Crimea. F. sylvatica is considered an unconventional oilseed crop characterized by high lipids (27.3%) content. The fatty acid content in seed oil has linoleic (42.3%) and oleic (37.5%) acid as the major constituents. Other phytochemical compounds include triacylglycerols (94.8%), β-sitosterol (89.3%), stigmasterol (10.7%), γ-linolenic acid (4.2%), sterols (0.9%), diacylglycerols (0.8%), phospholipids (0.7%), γ-tocopherol (75.4 mg/100 g), and δ-tocopherol (34.1 mg/100 g). F. sylvatica has potential as an important source of seed oil, being characterized by good taste and stability. The seeds are eaten by humans and animals and may be ground to make flour, which could be eaten after leaching out the tannins via soaking.

Background: This review offers a comprehensive overview of the importance of Bulbinella , a genus of the family Asphodelaceae. A total of 23 species of Bulbinella are known, of which 17 are found in South Africa, and six in New Zealand. The genus is native to the Northern, Western, and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, and to the main North and South Islands of New Zealand including the subantarctic islands, Auckland and Campbell. Studied species: Bulbinella species Study site and years of study: South Africa and New Zealand, 2014- 2017 Conclusion: Bulbinella has an interesting and unusual highly disjunct distribution between South Africa and New Zealand. All Bulbinella species are similar in their floral structures. However, there are differences in size, underground bulbs, swollen roots, and leaves that make species delimitation possible in this group. Through their secondary metabolites, the genus Bulbinella is extensively useful as herbal remedies for innumerable ailments and also vital as livestock feed. Data on conservation status show that all these species; except Bulbinella hookeri and Bulbinella anguistifolia are vulnerable with Bulbinella calcicola critically endangered. There is, therefore, an urgent need for studying the genetic resources of these Bulbinella species.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is one of the horticultural crops commonly grown in Zimbabwe but the productivity of the crop is hampered by poor erratic seed germination due to dormancy. A study was carried out at Bindura University of Science Education to determine the best method and treatment combination of breaking okra seed dormancy. Viability tests and germination tests were conducted first to ascertain that failure of germination was due to dormancy. The study consisted of 3 laboratory experiments arranged as factorial treatment structure laid in a completely randomised design with 3 replications. The 3 experiments consisted of 3 methods of breaking seed dormancy (water soaking, acid scarification and dry heating). Each of the different methods was employed at different exposure duration and at different temperature/concentration levels. Germination was measured for 14 days to determine the total final percentage seed germination. Acid scarified seeds for 3 min at 80% H2SO4 concentration level had the best germination percentage of 96.6% followed by dry heating for 5 minutes at 70°C and soaking for 12 h at 30°C which had 92.2 and 91.3% germination respectively. However, H2SO4 scarification for 5 min at 60% concentration gave the least germination of 44% followed by soaking for 48 h at 30°C and dry heating for 5 min at 80°C which all resulted in 50% germination. Based on the research findings, 80% H2SO4 for 3 min can be used by okra farmers to break dormancy while dry heating for 5 min at 70°C and soaking for 12 h at 30°C are equally good alternatives. Key words: Dormancy, germination, okra, scarification.