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 Assessment of the antibacterial activity of Artemisia afra, Erythrina lysistemon and Psidium guajava(2013-11-13) Nsele, Nhlanhla Wiseman; Mtshali, Joyce Nonhlanhla; Botha, Izel; Adam, Jamila KhatoonIntroduction Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as remedies for human diseases because they contain components of therapeutic value. Recently, the acceptance of traditional medicine as an alternative form of health care and the development of microbial resistance to the available antibiotics have led scientists to investigate the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. A comparative study was carried out on the antimicrobial properties of extracts obtained by two different methods in order to choose that which extracts the most effective antimicrobial compounds. Methodology The plants used in this study Artemisia afra, Erythrina lysistemon and Psidium guajava were harvested from the Silverglen Nature Reserve (Chatsworth) early in the morning (8 a.m.). The leaves of A. afra and P. guajava extracts and the bark of E. Lysistemon were used to prepare the extracts. All plant extracts were prepared according to modified method of the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoea. Two solvents, water and 60 percent ethanol were used to extract the antibacterial compounds from plant material. The extracts were then assessed for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The effect of the plant extracts on these bacteria was determined by the disk diffusion test, which was used as the screening test. Positive results were further subjected to the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays. Tubes that showed no turbidity were then sub-cultured onto non-selective plates. Bacterial sensitivity testing was carried out in accordance with modified Kirby-Bauer Antimicrobial Sensitivity Test. An attempt was made to identify some antibacterial compounds using Thin Layer Chromatography and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography. Results None of the gram negative organisms were inhibited by Artemisia afra, Erythrina cafra and Psidium guajava. Only the ethanol extracts of all three plants were able to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus but not Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas auruginosa. None of the test organisms were inhibited by the aqueous extracts of all three plants used in this study. In the screening test, the zones of inhibition for ethanol extracts against Staphylococcus aureus ranged from 3mm – 7mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 16.67 percent – 83.3 percent inhibition depending on the dilution of the extract. Quercetin and Catechin were identified as some of the antibacterial compounds present in the leaves of Psidium guajava. These two compounds were not identified on Erythrina lysistemon and Artemisia afra. Conclusion The results obtained in this study have proven that Artemisia afra, Erythrina cafra and Psidium guajava ethanol extracts contain antibacterial substances. The ethanol extracts of all plants in this study inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus but had no effect on the gram negative bacteria. Aqueous plant did not inhibit the growth of any bacteria in this study. This study has also shown that antibacterial effect of these extracts may be considerably enhanced in traditional treatment if traditional healers can include ethanol as one of the extraction solvents. The results obtained in this study might be considered sufficient for further studies aimed at isolating and identifying the active compounds and evaluating possible synergism of antimicrobial activity among these extracts. Investigations on toxicity of these extracts should also be carried out.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.Item A comparison of the results of a triple-blind homoeopathic drug proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH, to the doctrine of signatures(2007) Thiel, Gregory Justin; Ross, Ashley Hilton AdrianThe objectives of the following study were to determine: 1.The sphere of action of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH on healthy provers who recorded the signs and symptoms produced in order to determine the substances potential usefulness in a future clinical setting according to the Law of similars. 2. To test the efficacy of a triple blind proving methodology, which had never been done before at this institution. 3. To analyse the symptoms produced from this proving according to the doctrine of signatures.Item An evaluation of the triple-blind homoeopathic drug proving of an indigenous South African substance, Erythrina lysistemon 30CH, and the traditional uses of the crude substance(2007) Olivier, Monique; Ross, Ashley Hilton AdrianThe aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of an indigenous South African substance and the traditional uses of that crude substance. The substance under evaluation was Erythrina lysistemon which was prepared homoeopathically to the thirtieth centesimal (30CH) potency.