Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastro-duodenal pathologies. Expenses associated with combination therapy and the adverse effects of the treatment regimens have led to increased usage of ethnomedicines in the management of infections. Despite the usage of plants in the management of infections in the Nkonkobe municipality, empirical studies to document the specific plant species used by traditional doctors are lacking. This study was conducted to document the various plant families and species used in the management ofH. pylori associated morbidities in the Nkonkobe municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the local dwellers including traditional doctors, herbalists and hawkers in traditional medicine. The plant parts used, preparation, mode of administration and dosages were recorded. Seventeen plant species belonging to 13 genera and 11 families were collected and identified by their vernacular and scientific names. The Asphodelaceae was the most represented family (4 species), followed by Apocynaceae (3 species) and Loganiaceae (2 species). The plant parts most frequently used were the roots (35.3%), followed by the leaves and stem barks (23.5% each). Further research is needed to scientifically correlate treatment claims with folkloric uses and to isolate the plants active components, determine their in-vivo potencies and toxicity.

Key words: Helicobacter pylori, stomach morbidities, ethnomedicines, Nkonkobe municipality, South Africa.