Medicinal Monographs
We are proud to be hosting the results of the Pharmacopoeia Monographs Project developed by the South African Traditional Medicines Research Group of the School of Pharmacy at the University of the Western Cape with support from the Medical Research Council and other participants. The monographs are presented as .pdf files.
Copyright in these monographs resides with the authors, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the South African Medical Research Council and the University of the Western Cape. They may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the copyright holders. These monographs were loaded in 2005.
These monographs may be cited in publications as follows:
Scott, G. and Springfield, E.P. (2004). Pharmaceutical monographs for 60 South African plant species used as traditional medicines. South African National Biodversity Institute (SANBI) Plant Information Website at http://www.plantzafrica.com
Plant profiles of many of these plants containing more information and images form part of the Plants of the Week section of this website.
All natural remedies should be used with caution and your doctor's consent.
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Medicinal Monographs 2004
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Traditional use encompasses the treatment of kidney and urinary tract infections, colds, stomach ailments, rheumatism, gout and fever. Externally it is applied as an antiseptic wash to infected wounds and as a compress to relieve swelling, bruising and sprains.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
In South Africa, A. crenulata is used the treatment of urinary and respiratory tract infections, rheumatism, sprains and bruising, fever and as a diuretic.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
This species is highly regarded as a remedy for respiratory tract infections, asthma, sore throat, gastro-intestinal complaints, fever, rheumatism, bleeding wounds and headache.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
A leaf infusion, taken by mouth, is used to treat intestinal troubles (diarrhoea and stomach pain) in children and, given per rectum, as a purgative. Dried powdered leaf is inhaled as a snuff for the relief of headache, coryza and tuberculosis.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
For the treatment of cough, croup, whooping cough, influenza, fever, diabetes, gastro-intestinal disorders and intestinal worms. For external use as an inhalation for the relief of headache and nasal congestion or a lotion to treat haemorrhoids.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Used for the treatment of coughs and colds by the Zulu, Tswana and Kwena people and in the Montagu district for diabetes and tuberculosis, as well as for thrush and sores.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
This herb was traditionally used to treat measles and fevers. It has also been regarded as a useful remedy for chronic pulmonary disease, persistent cough and asthma. Other traditional uses of Ballota africana include the treatment of insomnia or nervous stress. In some districts Ballota africana is used as a remedy for influenza, cough and sprue or applied externally to sores.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Preparations of the fruit are taken orally for the treatment of tuberculosis and other pulmonary infections. Leaf juice is applied to sores or burn/scald wounds and used as a styptic. Preparations of leaf juice, taken orally, are said to be diuretic and to relieve dysentery. Preparations of both leaf and fruit are taken internally to treat heart conditions and used as a mouthwash or gargle for sore throat and sores in the mouth.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
The leaf gel of some species is used as an external application for the treatment of sores, wounds, skin rashes, cracked lips, eczema and ringworm; less often also to relieve sciatica. The underground parts of some species are used to prepare enemata or infusions for oral administration to treat diarrhoea, colic, urinary tract infections and venereal diseases.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Taken orally, an infusion of this herb is used as a purgative in the treatment of haemorrhoids and as a blood purifier in cases of recurrent boils, acne or veld sores.
