The cause of endomyocardial fibrosis in Uganda

Summary The cause of endomyocardial fibrosis in Uganda remains unknown in spite of studies dating back to 1948. Herbal decoctions have been used by traditional healers for countless generations to treat many complaints, especially fever. We present evidence – ethnic, geographical, tribal, pathological and distribution by age – that the toxic herbal decoctions taken as medicines in Uganda can cause endomyocardial fibrosis.