Correction: Antischistosomal, antionchocercal and antitrypanosomal potentials of some Ghanaian traditional medicines and their constituents

Ethnobotanical Survey and Cercaricidal Activity Screening of Medicinal Plants Used for Schistosomiasis Treatment in Atwima-Nwabiagya District, Ashanti Region, Ghana

“…In a recent study, the hydroethanolic and alkaloidal extracts from the stem bark of H. floribunda also showed potent cercaricidal activity against S. haematobium cercariae [ 41 ]. Others include preparations from Khaya senegalensis , V. amygdalina , A. indica , A. barbadensis , and T. officinale , which exhibited varying inhibitory effects against newly transformed schistomula [ 21 ]. These scientific reports, justifying the traditional claims of these plants in the treatment of schistosomiasis, confirm the important relationship between therapeutic agents derived from plants and their ethnomedicinal applications.…”

“…Unfortunately, the significance of these medicinal plants in the bioeconomy has so far not been realized. Traditional medical approaches to the treatment of schistosomiasis in Ghana are not well documented, and only a few studies exist on the anti-schistosomal activities of Ghanaian medicinal plants [ 21 , 29 , 30 ]. This research was thus undertaken to document herbal remedies used to treat schistosomiasis in selected communities surrounding the Barekese dam in the Atwima-Nwabiagya district, where the disease was reported to be endemic [ 16 ].…”

“…As usual, the efficacy claims for most of these herbal remedies are based on past experiences without any scientific proof. In recognizing the importance of medicinal plants in the health care system of developing countries, the WHO encouraged the inclusion of herbal medicines with sufficient data on efficacy and safety into mainstream clinical practice [21]. Given this, the 21st century witnessed several research reports from the African Continent, focusing on the validation of the efficacy of traditionally used anti-schistosomal plants [21][22][23][24][25].…”

“…In recognizing the importance of medicinal plants in the health care system of developing countries, the WHO encouraged the inclusion of herbal medicines with sufficient data on efficacy and safety into mainstream clinical practice [21]. Given this, the 21st century witnessed several research reports from the African Continent, focusing on the validation of the efficacy of traditionally used anti-schistosomal plants [21][22][23][24][25]. The artemisinin derivatives, artesunate and artemether from Artemesia annua, and myrrh from Commiphora momor are examples of plant-based products that are currently registered for the treatment of schistosomiasis in some African countries [26,27].…”

“…of H. floribunda also showed potent cercaricidal activity against S. haematobium cercariae[41]. Others include preparations from Khaya senegalensis, V. amygdalina, A. indica, A. barbadensis, and T. officinale, which exhibited varying inhibitory effects against newly transformed schistomula[21]…”