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Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/12

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Medicinal plants

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    Evaluation of selected South African medicinal plants in the treatment of pre-eclampsia
    (2023-05) Reddy, Rebecca; Govender, Nalini; Naicker, Thajasvarie
    Background: The growing prevalence of pre-eclampsia (PE) has been recognized as a serious global health threat being a key contributor to maternal and feotal morbidity and mortality. Locally, the effects of PE are multiplied due to strained public healthcare resources. The need for novel therapeutic strategies has gained significant importance, as conventional options may be inaccessible and costly to a large percentage of the population and are often associated with side effects. The scientific validation of alternative approaches, such as phytotherapy, has become a major focal point in the treatment and management of PE, as it is perceived to be cheap, accessible, and possess minimal side effects. Medicinal plants are a rich source of phytocompounds that display various biological activities. Hence, these plants have gained interest within the field of novel drug discovery and may offer potential therapeutic benefits in managing PE and its associated complications. Aim: This study aimed to determine the potential of applications of South African medicinal plants in the management of PE by investigating their anti-oxidative and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. The plants used in this study were Artemisia afra, Clausena anisata, Dombeya rotundifolia, Rhus chirendensis, Sclerocarrya birrea and Warbugia salutaris, as well as phytocompounds 3β-taraxerol, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid, hesperidin, nicotinamide, and quercetin for the treatment of PE. We then explored the anti-hypertensive properties of hesperidin in a novel rodent model of PE as a potential treatment option. Methodology: The methanolic extracts of the selected plants and phytocompounds were initially evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant potential and ACE inhibition activities using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, the nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay and the ACE inhibition assay, respectively. To investigate in vivo effect of the hesperidin, Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically implanted with mini-osmotic pumps to deliver arginine vasopressin (200 ng/h) subcutaneously to create a PE phenotype. Animals were treated with hesperidin (200mg/kg.b.w) via oral gavage for 14 days and the physiological effects were characterized by evaluating the clinical, biochemical, hematological, and foetal parameters across all experimental groups. Key findings: Of the medicinal plants and phytocompounds evaluated, Dombeya rotundifolia, hesperidin, and nicotinamide demonstrated significant ACE inhibitory and antioxidant activity, showing the best potential for management of PE related symptoms. Hesperidin administration alleviated the AVP-induced hypertension associated with PE development and improved maternal and foetal outcomes. Placental and individual pup weights were significantly increased in the pregnant hesperidin-treated groups. Urinary protein and urine creatine levels were also significantly improved following treatment with the phytocompound. In addition, hesperidin improved several biochemical and hematological markers including white blood cell counts and lymphocyte levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the potential of medicinal plants to ameliorate oxidative stress-associated disorders. Furthermore, hesperidin improves physiological outcomes in a novel AVP-induced rodent model and support its potential use in the treatment of PE. We provide significant physiological evidence for the use of hesperidin as an alternate anti-hypertensive agent, in resource-limited areas where conventional drugs are often costly and inaccessible. Moreover, we provide a workflow for evaluating other potential phytochemicals that may be valuable in the treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
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    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 Adrian
    Traditional 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.
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    The relative effectiveness of Olea europea subsp. africana aqueous leaf extract and of Olea europea subsp. africana 6CH on mild to moderate hypertension
    (2000) Ronander, Garnet; McDavid, G. M.
    This study investigated the effect of Olea europea subsp africana aqueous leaf extract (tincture), 6CH and placebo on mild to moderate hypertension, in order to determine whether any of these forms of Olea europea subsp africana are capable of producing a significant reduction in the systolic or diastolic blood pressures. Patients were screened for mild to moderate hypertension and diagnosed after three successive measurements on three different visits. Once the patients were selected and agreed to take part in the study, they were randomly divided into one of three groups. Group 1 received 6CH Olea europea subsp africana, Group 2 received placebo and Group 3 received the Olea europea subsp africana tincture. The patients were instructed to take twenty drops three times a day for the duration of the research. The patient's blood pressures were recorded every three to four weeks and at each visit three readings were taken and the mean of these three readings was used for analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed no statistically significant difference between the three groups. The Friedman test however showed that all three groups had shown statistically significant improvement in the period of the research. The data was then analysed visually by means of bar charts using the mean levels of the systolic and diastolic readings of each visit. This showed that all the groups showed a decrease in mean blood pressure with Group 1 (6CH) having the greatest systolic drop of 11mmHg systolic and SmmHg diastolic. Group 3 (tincture) had the second largest drop of 9mmHg systolic and SmmHg diastolic where Group 2 (Placebo) showed the smallest drop with a 6mmHg drop in systolic and a 3mmHg drop in diastolic mean blood pressure.
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    An appraisal of homoeopathic proving methodology as a bridge between the indigenous and rationalist-scientific understandings of medicinal plants : the case of Strychnos henningsii
    (2011) Ross, Ashley Hilton Adrian; Conolly, Joan Lucy; Kayne, Steven Barry
    Aim This study sought to appraise homoeopathic proving methodology as a bridge between the indigenous and rationalist-scientific understandings of medicinal plants through a detailed exploration of the relationships existing between data derived from respective paradigmatic explorations of a single African traditional medicinal plant, Strychnos henningsii [Red bitterberry]. Methods The data derived from the implementation of a triple-blind, placebo-controlled homoeopathic proving methodology, on 32 healthy human subjects (50 percent placebo), using the bark of Strychnos henningsii in the 30CH potency, were evaluated for internal consistency and coherence, and subsequently compared to data derived from a phytochemical analysis of the crude bark sample, and translated data derived from semi-structured mothertongue interviews of eight Zulu traditional healers. The proving data took the form of subjective journal data and the results of four objective blood measures of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), redand white blood cell indices, and liver functions. The subjective data were evaluated in terms of defined inclusion criteria and presented in standard materia medica and repertory formats, and tabulations of objective data were subjected to independent statistical analysis, using repeated-measures ANOVA and profile plots. The crude bark sample was analysed in terms of the presence of strychnine and other indole alkaloids, using highperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and interview data related to the indigenous understanding and application of Strychnos henningsii within the traditional African medical paradigm, were audiovisually recorded, collaboratively translated, and independently verified. ABSTRACT iii Qualitative data processing and analysis was effected with the aid of NVivo® software, and a range of comparative analyses were effected with the aid of Radar® homoeopathic software, materia medica references and the Mappa Mundi elemental theory model. Results The proving yielded 581 subjective symptoms, covering a broad range of physical and mental disease manifestations, and nine statistically-significant treatment effects within the objective data set. These included elevation of ESR and changes in two red blood cell indices, four white blood cell indices and two liver function indices. The two proving data sets were demonstrated to show high levels of correlation, although these correlations were not demonstrable for all provers. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of between two and five strychnine-related compounds (excluding strychnine itself), and the field interview data served to confirm all except two documented traditions of use, as well as identifying a number of novel indications and application of Strychnos henningsii bark. The comparative analyses demonstrated the integrity of homoeopathic proving methodology as a mode of scientific investigation, and significant and widespread overlaps of proving symptomatology with both the pharmacology and toxicology of strychnine, and the physical and metaphysical understanding and application within the traditional African medical paradigm. Conclusions Homoeopathic proving methodology was discussed in terms of the evident degree of overlap with the indigenous and rationalist-scientific paradigms, and the incomplete nature of the homoeopathic ‘totality’. A number of recommendations were made for future cross-paradigmatic research.
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    A homoeopathic drug proving of the plant Peucedanum galbanum with a subsequent comparison to those remedies yielding the highest numerical values and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms
    (2007) Wayland, Lauren; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree
    This research study was conducted to elucidate the total symptomatology that the plant Peucedanum galbanum in the thirtieth centesimal potency would produce on healthy individuals so that it may be prescribed according to the Law of Similiars. A further aim of the investigation was to compare this remedy to other remedies yielding the highest numerical values and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms. Wagner (2007), in a concurrent study, analysed the proving results of Peucedanum galbanum in relation to the doctrine of signatures. It was hypothesised that Peucedanum galbanum 30CH would produce recognizable signs and symptoms in healthy provers, and that the comparative study of this remedy would highlight the differences and similarities between remedy symptoms and thus confusion as to indication is eliminated, plus a fuller understanding of the remedy and its relationship to other remedies is gained.
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    A homoeopathic drug proving of the plant Peucedanum galbanum, analysing symptomatology in relation to the doctrine of signatures
    (2007) Wagner, Abbey; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree
    The first objective of this study was to determine the symptomatology that the plant remedy Peucedanum galbanum 30CH, produced in healthy individuals, so that it could be prescribed according to the Law of Similars, as required by homoeopathy. The second objective was to analyse this symptomatology in relation to the doctrine of signatures. It was hypothesised that Peucedanum galbanum 30CH would produce symptomatology in healthy individuals which would correlate to the doctrine of signatures of the plant.