Knowledge on plants used traditionally in the treatment of tuberculosis in Uganda
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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Tuberculosis(TB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and
mortality globally.The disease is especially important because of increasing drug resistant strains and
co infection with human immune virus(HIV) and acquired immune disease syndrome(AIDS). Because of
this there is need to identify new leads that can be developed in to new drugs. The objectives of this study
were to document plant species commonly used by traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) to treat
TB, methods of preparation and administration of drugs(2) document disease recognition by TMPs and
(3) document medicine preservation and packaging practices by TMPs.
Materials and methods: We interviewed 40 TMPs from Mpigi and Butambala districts using a guided
questionnaire. Results: A total of 90 plant species, distributed within 44 families were documented. Priority plants
identified include Zanthoxylumleprieurii, Piptadeniastrumafricanum, Albiziacoriaria and Rubia cordifolia
which were most mentioned by TMPs. TMPs had knowledge of how TB is transmitted and they admitted
that it is closely associated with HIV. Decoctions of multiple plant species were commonly used. Plant
parts frequently used were leaves followed by the stem bark and root bark. The TMPs had insufficient
knowledge about packaging and preservation techniques.
Conclusion: Plant based therapies for treating TB have been identified in this study and further investigation of these plants is appropriate as these, may be developed in to new drugs to curb the resistant
strains of TB.
Description
Keywords
Traditional knowledge, Ethnobotany, Herbal medicine, Tuberculosis
Citation
Bunalema, L., Obakiro, S., Tabuti, JR, & Waako, P. (2014). Knowledge on plants traditionally used in the treatment of tuberculosis in Uganda. Journal of Ethnopharmacology , 151 (2), 999-1004. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.020