How do medicinal plants contribute to the treatment of childhood diseases in rural areas of North-West Province?

In South Africa, the majority of people still rely on traditional medicine for primary health care [1], [2], [3]. However, there is still a dearth of information on medicinal plants used to manage childhood diseases in many provinces including the North West Province. Hence, the current study documented medicinal plants used to manage childhood diseases in the North West Province [4]. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 101 participants using semi-structured interviews (face-to-face). Ethnobotanical indices such as the FC, UV and ICF were used for data analysis. We recorded 61 plant species from 34 families as herbal medicine used for managing 8 categories of diseases. Skin-related diseases were the most prevalent childhood diseases managed by the participants. Based on their FC values that ranged from approximately 0.9 – 75%, A. elongatum (75.2%) and C. diffusa (45.5%) were the most popular medicinal plants among the participants ([Table 1]). Based on ICF, skin-related diseases had the highest ICF value (0.99). This category had 381 use-reports, comprising of 34 plant species (55% of total plants) used for childhood-related diseases with E. elephantina being the most cited plants in this category. Leaves (23%) were the most frequently used plant parts. Decoctions was the main methods of preparation, and the plant remedies were mainly administered orally (60%) and topically (34%). The current study revealed the continuous dependence on plant for primary health care relating to childhood diseases in the study area. However, the phytochemical profiles and the safety of these identified plants remain an essential aspect for future research.

Table 1 Ethno-botanical information on 10 top plants used for the treatment and management of childhood disease and well-being in Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala districts of North West Province, South Africa.

Scientific name & Family [Voucher number]	Local name	Plant part & method of preparation	Childhood diseases/conditions	Administration and Dosage	a Plant form	bN	FC	Cs
The botanical names of the plants were verified using the World flora online (http://www.worldfloraonline.org/) and conservation status were verified using South African Red data list (http://redlist.sanbi.org/species) aPlant form: T = Tree, S = Shrub and H = Herb. bN = Number of participants. Ethnobotanical Index used, N = Frequency of Citation; Use-value = UV; Conservation status = CE = Critically Endangered; NE = Not Evaluated; LC = Least common; IA = Invasive alien species and EN = Endangered
Aptosinum elongatum Eng Scrophulariaceae [TPN 016]	Ditantanyane	Stem, Infusion	Umbilical cord, muscle fits, measles, bladder inflammation, weight and appetite	Orally (3 ×/day)	H	76	75.2	LC
Bulbine frutescens (L) Willd Xanthorrhoeaceae [TPN 004]	Makgabenyane	Rhizome/bulb, roots Infusion, maceration	Sunken fontanelle, umbilical cord; body rash, sores, phlegm and urinary tract infection	Topical and orally (2 ×/day)	H	22	21.7	LC
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. Commelinaceae [TPN 039]	Kgopokgolo	Rhizome/bulb, Decoction	Umbilical cord, purgative the child, preventing evil spirits and weak child	Orally, (2 ×/day)	H	45	44.5	LC
Elephantorrhiza elephantina (Burch) Skeels Fabaceae [TPN 051]	Mositsane	Roots, maceration or poultice	Infective eczema, diarrhoea, ulcer, burns and measles	Orally and topical (3 ×/day)	H	18	17.8	LC
Euphorbia prostrata Aiton Asparagaceae [TPN 019]	Letswetlane	Rhizome, enema or decoction	Constipation and phlegm	Orally, (As needed)	H	32	31.6	NE
Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C. A.Mey. & Ave-Lall. Hypoxidaceae [TPN 058]	Tshuka ya poo	Roots, decoction	Sunken fontanelle, bladder inflammation, kidney failure, urinary tract infection, bronchitis pneumonia, child cleanse influenza and ulcer, gastro-intestinal and appetite	Orally, Topical and orally (2 ×/day)	H	20	19.8	LC

• References

• 1 Magwede K, Van Wyk BE, Van Wyk AE. An inventory of Vhaven—a useful plants. South African Journal of Botany 2019; 122: 57-89
• 2 WHO. WHO traditional medicine strategy 2014 – 2023. Geneva, Switzland: WHO; 2013: 1-78
• 3 Mhlongo LS, Van Wyk B-E. Zulu medicinal ethnobotany: new records from the Amandawe area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 2019; 122: 266-290
• 4 Ndhlovu PT, Omotayo AO, Otang-Mbeng W, Aremu AO. Ethnobotanical review of plants used for the management and treatment of childhood diseases and well-being in South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 2021; 137: 197-215

Publication History

Article published online:
12 December 2022