Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Med. Plants Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0875
  • DOI: 10.5897/JMPR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 3834

Full Length Research Paper

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by Bapedi traditional healers to manage HIV/AIDS in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

S. S. Semenya1*, M. J. Potgieter1 and L. J. C. Erasmus2    
1Department of Biodiversity, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa. 2Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.    
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 06 November 2012
  •  Published: 25 February 2013

Abstract

During the first half of 2012, a semi-structured questionnaire was employed to conduct a survey on medicinal plants used by Bapedi traditional healers in their human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) management protocol. A total of 26 plant species were used by these healers to treat HIV/AIDS. Majority (96.1%) of the species used were indigenous and only 3.9% were exotic. Most (88.4%) of the indigenous species appear on South African National Red Data List of Plants. Burkea africana, Citrullus lanatus, Cinnamomum verum, Euclea crispaElephantorrhiza elephantinaEuphorbia maleolensGeigeria asperaPlectranthus ciliatusSarcostemmaviminaleZanthoxylum capense and Zanthoxylum humile are recorded for the first time as a treatment for HIV/AIDS. The most used species by Bapedi healers to treat this pandemic was E. maleolens (11.7%) and E. elephantina (8.8%). Roots (66.6%) from 26 species were mostly used to prepare remedies. Twelve (60%) multi extract and eight (40%) single extract preparations were recorded. Extracts were mostly (99%) prescribed orally. The disappearance or improvement of symptoms was considered as indicators of a successful treatment. The present study concludes that Bapedi traditional healers’ knowledge can lead to useful medicinal plants to manage and treat HIV/AIDS infections.

 

Key words: Bapedi traditional healers, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), Limpopo Province, medicinal plants.