From tradition to evidence: medicinal plants used for childhood diseases in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that about 80% of individuals around the world depend on medicinal plants for healthcare, particularly in rural areas where these plants offer affordability, accessibility, and fewer side effects compared to conventional medicines. Medicinal plants contain phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, and tannins, which contribute to their therapeutic properties and are significant to local economies through their commercialization by traditional health practitioners. In Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, many rural communities continue to utilize these plants for various health issues. However, there is limited research regarding the use of medicinal plants for childhood diseases in the region. This study aimed to document the medicinal plants used for treating childhood diseases in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Data was gathered from online sources, including Google Scholar and Science Direct, using keywords such as cytotoxicity, indigenous knowledge, medical ethnobotany, phytochemicals, and traditional medicine. The inclusion criteria involved studies that examine medicinal plants within the Mpumalanga Province, specifically relating to children aged 0 to 18 years. The study identified 38 plant species from 30 families used for treating 23 childhood diseases. The Fabaceae family was the most common, with roots being the frequently utilized plant part. Decoction was the primary preparation method, and oral administration was the prevalent route. The research found that 12 out of the 38 medicinal plants utilized in the Ehlanzeni District for childhood diseases have not been scientifically examined for their phytochemical properties. Only 31 of the plants have confirmed antibacterial effects, with five showing strong potency (MIC < 15 µg/mL). Moreover, 25 plants were evaluated for their antifungal activity, with Acokanthera oppositifolia proving to be the most effective (MIC: 3.9 µg/mL against Candida albicans ). Furthermore, 25 plants have been previously investigated for their cytotoxic effects, with Agapanthus africanus exhibiting significant potency, particularly against SBC-3 cells (IC50 3.7 ± 0.033 μg/mL). The limited scientific validation of phytochemical profiles and biological effects of certain plants highlights the need for further research in this area.