Available online 27 April 2015
Medicinal plants: An invaluable, dwindling resource in sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
The use of plant species for different therapeutic/medicinal purposes is well-entrenched in sub-Saharan Africa.
Aim of the review
To
provide a critical and updated review of the enormous medicinal plant
heritage in sub-Saharan Africa with regards to the abundance,
importance, conservation status and potential means to help sustain
their availability for future generations.
Methods
A
comprehensive literature search involving different online databases,
books and theses were conducted in order to obtain, collate and
synthesize available information on various fundamental aspects
pertaining to African medicinal plants.
Results
African
biodiversity hotspots are endowed with a high level of endemic species
with a significant portion possessing medicinal value. Apart from the
extensive ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants found in Africa,
scientific validation of their biological potential such as
antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic
properties have been recognized. Together with the demand arising from
their biological efficacies, other anthropogenic factors are exerting
conservation strains of the wild population of these medicinal plants.
Even though researchers have acknowledged the importance and value of
conserving these medicinal plants, several challenges have hampered
these efforts on the Continent as a whole.
Conclusions
The
rich flora occurring in sub-Saharan Africa suggests enormous potential
for discovery of new chemical entity with therapeutic value. However,
concerted efforts focused on documenting the conservation status of
African medicinal plants are pertinent. Application of different
biotechnological techniques is needed to sustain these valuable
botanical entities, especially to meet increasing pharmaceutical demand.
Most importantly, increased public enlightenment and awareness may help
eradicate the prejudice against cultivation of medicinal plants.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Biodiversity;
- Biotechnology;
- Conservation;
- Cultivation;
- Ethnobotany;
- Herbal medicine;
- Micropropagation
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+27 33 2605130.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
