Solanum incanum is used in Africa and other parts of world as a folklore remedy for various ailments that include; sore throat, angina, stomach ache, ear inflammation, snake bites, wounds, liver disorders, skin ailments (ringworm), warts, inflammatory conditions, painful periods and fever. Phytochemical studies of this herb indicate that it contains substances such as steroidal alkaloids, glyco-alkaloids, antioxidants (flavonoids and chlorogenics), saponins and even carcinogenic substances. The herbal extract posses' antinociceptive, antipyretic, antispasmolytic, orexic, anorexic, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anti-schistosomal, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer activity. The herb is therefore likely to be a major source of novel, affordable and effective therapeutic substances against myriad ailments afflicting people in the world. This review explores the phyto-pharmacological effects of the S. incanum and compiles vital information that may assist researchers on what is known about this herb and gaps for further investigation.

In Kenya various plant extracts are widely used as folklore remedies for various ailments including malaria etc. However, use of these traditional remedies poses a risk to the users due to the scarcity of data on their safety including their teratogenic potential. Hence this study evaluated the teratogenic and sub-acute toxic effects of methanol: dichloromethane extract of Toddalia asiatica in animal mice. In the study, young female mice aged between 6-7weeks were mated with mature males and conception confirmed using vaginal plug, maternal weight and breast enlargement. Administration of the dosed of the plant extract and controls was done from day 6 through 15 of gestation. The mice were euthanized on the 19th day of gestation. The weight of the gravid uterus, pups, number of pups and gross examination to identify any physical abnormalities was done. In the toxicity study male mice aged between 6-7 weeks received oral administration of high doses of plant extract and the control daily for 28days. On the 29th day animals were sacrificed, cardiac puncture conducted and collected blood for hematology and biochemistry analysis. The data obtained was analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey as the post hoc test. Statistical significance was set p < 0.05. The extracts caused significant reduction (p<0.001) in head size, birth weights and length of the limbs but no effects on hematology parameters. Hence the plant extract exhibited teratogenic effects and thus should be used with care during pregnancy.

Carissa spinarum (mũkawa in Kikuyu, lamuriak in Maasai) and Azadirachta indica (neem, mwarubaini in Kiswahili) are widely used in African communities. C. spinarum is used as food and as treatment for gonorrhoea, cancer, and abnormal pain in pregnancy. A. indica is used as a mosquito-repellent and as treatment for malaria and dental carries. Both plants have broad biological activities including anticancer, hypoglycaemic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activity. However, data on their safety for use during pregnancy is scarce. This study aimed to determine the teratogenic effects of C. spinarum and A. indica in mice. FDA guidelines for reproduction studies were used. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=5) for the assay. Plant extracts were prepared in the doses 100, 250, and 500mg/kg body weight. Phenytoin sodium 100mg/kg body weight was used as the positive control and distilled water was used as the negative control. Treatments were administered orally and began from gestation day 6 and ended on gestation day 15. On gestation day 18, the mice were weighed and euthanized and the pups were recovered. Weights of the gravid uteri, number of pups and their body measurements, and incidences of foetal resorption were also recorded. Data were expressed as means and their standard errors and analysed using one-way ANOVA/Dunnett’s post hoc test. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Heavy metal concentrations in the plant samples were determined using flame photometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All doses of C. spinarum and A. indica caused significant (p<0.001) weight loss and foetal resorption in the gravid mice. Reduced head sizes (microcephaly) and elongated limbs were observed in the C. spinarum 100mg/kg and A. indica 500mg/kg groups. Premature birth and high birth weights were also observed in the latter group. The plant samples were found to have high concentrations of lead, cadmium, iron, chromium, manganese, and zinc and this may have added to the teratogenicity observed. C. spinarum and A. indica exhibited significant teratogenicity and should be used with caution during pregnancy. In addition, the level of heavy metal contamination in Kenya should be assessed.