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.
Visitors use this site at their own risk and the SANBI is not liable for any of the consequences resulting theretofrom
Medicinal Monographs 2004
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
For the relief of bronchial congestion, fever, colds, cough, influenza and colic. Externally, it is used to treat sprains, joint pain and inflammation.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
This species is used traditionally to treat kidney and bladder disorders, menstrual problems, jaundice, tuberculosis and eczema. It is reputed to have both abortifacient and oxytocic properties.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
It is used externally for the relief of earache or as an antiseptic dressing for open sores or wounds. Internally it is used for the treatment of colic and diarrhoea.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Internal: For the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach upset. External: For the treatment of haemorrhoids; as an antiseptic gargle for sore throat.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
The fresh leaf juice is considered to be antiseptic and astringent and of use in the treatment of sore throat and ulceration of the oral mucosa. Preparations of fresh leaf in oil are used to relieve earache or toothache.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Bark preparations are used by the Zulu people to treat intercostal pains and elsewhere in Africa as a purgative and a remedy for stomach pains. In Europe, bark extracts are used in the treatment of BPH.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
A leaf decoction is used traditionally as a diuretic for the treatment of oedema, kidney and bladder ailments, kidney stones and gravel while a leaf infusion is taken orally or used as a douche or steam bath as a remedy for miscarriage or to aid expulsion of retained placenta.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Taken orally to treat respiratory tract problems, influenza, fever, headache, digestive disorders; used externally as a wash to treat minor burn wounds.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Applied externally as an antiseptic wash to treat ulcers or taken orally to relieve stomach-ache, headache and bronchial congestion associated with influenza or bronchitis.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
The use of Sceletium tortuosum by the Khoi-khoi and San peoples as a mood enhancer, sedative, analgesic for toothache and stomach pains, and appetite/thirst suppressant was noted and recorded by early settlers at the Cape, who adopted its use for similar purposes.
