Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)
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Item A comparative study of the relationship between the applications of Erythrina lysistemon (Umsinsi) within the traditional African and homeopathic medicinal systems(2021-05-27) Nyoni, Linnet; Ross, Ashley Hilton AdrianTraditional practices are highly respected and prioritized by a greater part of the black population in South Africa. There is a gap between the scientific evidence and the limited documentation of these practices due to knowledge that is being passed down from generation to generation through teachings, observations, and experience. This study sought to explore the different aspects of traditional African medicine, including the transmission of the indigenous knowledge and its relationship to homoeopathic medicine with respect to the applications of the medicinal plant Erythrina lysistemon. The study’s main aim was to explore the relationships in terms of similarities and /or differences existing between the African traditional and homoeopathic medicinal systems of the plant Erythrina lysistemon with reference to its pharmacology. A qualitative research methodology was employed to explore the understanding of the African traditional medicinal applications of Erythrina lysistemon by traditionalhealers from the Durban Warwick Triangle Muthi market. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on twelve traditional healers with the use of an interview guide and a voice recorder. The interviews were conducted in IsiZulu, after which they were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The NVivo qualitative software was used for data analysis where themes were derived and analysed. Data on the homoeopathic applications of Erythrina lysistemon was derived from its homoeopathic materia medica which was formulated following a proving of the bark of Erythrina lysistemon in 2007. A desktop review of the plant’s pharmacology and toxicology was also conducted in comparison to its effectivity. The results obtained from the arising themes within the two medicinal systems were subjected to a comparative analysis, noting the differences and/or similarities presented. The field interviews conducted produced data that confirmed most of the documented uses of Erythrina lysistemon and further produced undocumented indications. A desktop review of the pharmacology and toxicology of Erythrina lysistemon also offered an understanding for some of its application properties. The prenylated flavonoids of Erythrina lysistemon have antimicrobial properties which render the herb effective in abscesses and infection, its application in sprains and other musculoskeletal complaints is due to its analgesic properties and the alkaloids produce estrogenic effects, accounting for its effect on the female reproductive system. The comparative analysis revealed areas of definite similarities between African traditional and homoeopathic applications of Erythrina lysistemon. The main areas of overlap were highlighted under the following headings: Head, Stomach, Abdomen, Urinary system, Female complaints, musculoskeletal system, Skin, Earache, Nausea and Vomiting, Stool, Wounds, Mental and Metaphysical symptoms. There were areas where no overlap was observed such as the Sleep, and Eye sections that were only accounted for in the materia medica but not in the African traditional medicinal application data. Both the physical and metaphysical indications of Erythrina lysistemon in traditional medicine were discussed and the metaphysical indications were compared in reference to some of the materia medica mental symptoms. The study concluded that there are definite areas of overlap between the applications of Erythrina lysistemon within the two discussed medicinal systems. The effectivity of Erythrina lysistemon in treating physical ailments in African traditional medicine can also be credited to some of its toxicological/pharmacological attributes. Furthermore, recommendations have been made for future studies.Item A comparison of the results from the proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH, with toxicology of the crude substance(2007) Gryn, Agnieszka; Ross, Ashley Hilton AdrianThe homoeopathic drug proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH took a form of a randomised triple–blind, placebo–controlled study. This trial was conducted at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic on the premises of Durban University of Technology. The research group consisted of 32 provers, which were recruited from amongst practicing homoeopaths, homoeopathic students (2`nd–5`th year), as well as patients of the Homoeopathic Day Clinic (DUT) and their relatives. The participation was purely on voluntary basis. Provers were randomly divided into two groups: a placebo group of 12; a proving group of 20. Each researcher supervised 8 provers. Neither the provers, nor the researchers were aware of the name or nature of the substance being proved, and whether a prover is receiving a placebo or the proving substance until the unblinding process. Provers had a homoeopathic case history taken and a physical examination performed on them before commencement of the proving to establish each individual’s baseline. Provers were required to keep journals in which they recorded their sign and symptoms: starting 7 days prior to commencing the proving, throughout the proving, as well as after administration of the remedy formulated. All the information gathered was then correlated and interpreted by the researchers i.e. four M.Tech.Hom students. Subsequent translation of the symptoms into materia medica and repertory language took place. On completion of the proving a homoeopathic picture of the remedy with III distinct affinities was established. Those affinities were then compared to the toxicology of the major chemical constituents of Erythrina lysistemon. Data was then analyzed by qualitative methods for it was not amendable to standard statistical analysis.