Kirkia Acuminata Oliv.: A Review of Its Ethnobotany and Pharmacology

Abstract

Background: Local communities in sub-Saharan Africa have a long history of medicinal plant usage. Like in other parts of the developing world, rural and urban communities are still dependent on herbal medicines for primary health care, and the use of herbal medicines is still an integral part of their daily life and socio-cultural life style. The objective of this paper is to summarise information on the ethnobotany and pharmacology of Kirkia acuminata Oliv. throughout its distributional range. Materials and Methods:The information documented in this article is derived from books, theses, scientific journals and reports obtained from library collections, Scopus, Pubmed, MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Results: Kirkia acuminata is the most known and widely distributed Kirkia species in the genus and is one of the most popular and promising plant resources due to its several beneficial uses. Kirkia acuminata is used to treat abdominal pains, backache, cholera, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, snake bites, toothache and wounds. Other applications include its use as charcoal; hedge, ornamental or shade; stock feed, timber and source of water during drought periods. Preliminary phytochemical assessment of roots and stem bark of K. acuminata showed presence of lignans, neo-lignans, nor-carotinoids and other compounds. The extracts of K. acuminata exhibited antibacterial and antimycobacterial activities. These phytochemical compounds may be responsible for the medicinal uses and biological activities demonstrated by K. acuminata. Conclusion: Detailed research is required aimed at exploring mode of action of bioactive compounds of Kirkia acuminata that are responsible for the documented pharmacological effects. Kirkia acuminata is an important plant species that has potential to contribute to the primary health care and livelihood improvement of local communities in the geographical areas where it is indigenous and found in abundance.

Crude extracts activity of three selected medicinal plants from the Venda region against some pathogenic organisms

“…Kirkia acuminata has been used as a source of traditional medicine in Central and Southern Africa to treat most common human diseases such as cough, cholera, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea and toothache. It was reported that phytochemicals such as tannins, flavones, quercetin, gallic acid, phenols, acetic acid, propionic acid and isocoumarin were identified in K. acuminata and Kirkia wilmsii leaves, roots, seeds and twigs that can be responsible for a wide use of Kirkia species in traditional medicines 17,18 . This also correlates with the results of phytochemical screening found in this study as they indicate that K. acuminata barks contain phenols, tannins and flavonoids that may be responsible for inhibiting both M. smegmatis and S. aureus in lower concentrations.…”

Medicinal plants used for the management of respiratory diseases in Zimbabwe: Review and perspectives potential management of COVID-19

“… Tree Lavender tree, natal lavender (Eng) Mudedede (Venda) Inkunzi, Inkhuzwa (Zulu) Bark, leaves and Roots Colds and respiratory disorders Aphrodisiac, bleeding disorders, bleeding gums, blood purifier, gum infections, toothache, wounds, weaning and menorrhagia E Maroyi (2019f) Hyacinthaceae Urginea sanguinea (Schinz) Jessop Herb Chitupatupa (Sh) Isigenama (Nd) Bulb Decoction taken orally Pneumonia W, C, S Gelfand et al (1985) Kirkiaceae Kirkia acuminata Oliv. Tree Mubvumira, Mutsakatidze, Mutuhwa, Mutuva (Sh) White seringa (Eng) Modumela (Tswana) Mubvumala (Venda) Roots Extract drunk Infusion Cough Diarrhoea, malaria, cholera, dysentery, constipation and wounds N, W, C, E, S Least Concern Maroyi (2011 , 2016 , 2017a) Lamiaceae *Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds Herb Horsemint (Eng) Leaves Extract Infusion Colds and cough N, W, C, E Least Concern Chigora et al (2007) ; Maroyi (2011 , 2014) Lamiaceae *Mentha spicata L. Herb Spearmint (Eng) Leaves Added to tea or hot infusion taken by mouth Tea and Infusion ...…”

“… Cough Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-mycobacterial, antioxidant and anti-plasmodial activities. no records found Recio et al (1995) ; Maroyi (2016 , 2017a) Lamiaceae *Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds Colds and cough Anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antispasmodic and antibacterial activities. Safe LD 50 - 3200 mg/kg in rats Mikaili et al (2013) ; Dawang (2015) ; Farzaei et al (2017) ; Sevindik (2018) Lamiaceae *Mentha spicata L. Cough and flu Strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, carminative, antispasmodic, antiradical, chelating and diuretic activities.…”

Assessment of Drimia delagoensis (Jessop) Baker Total Phenol, Flavonoids Content and Antioxidant Activity of Both Bulb and Leaves

“…In a study conducted by Koorbanally et al, [18] they successfully reported the separation of 7-dihydroxy-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one from the bulb of D. delagoensis using a combination of dichloromethane and methanol in equal proportions. Maroyi et al [19] revealed that D. delagoensis is one among other herbal remedies used for the treatment of ulcers, heartwater and shingles. [19] Literature also reports that D. delagoensis has been historically used to protect animal skin from destruction, showing the occurrence of constituents with an irritant or distasteful quality.…”

“…Maroyi et al [19] revealed that D. delagoensis is one among other herbal remedies used for the treatment of ulcers, heartwater and shingles. [19] Literature also reports that D. delagoensis has been historically used to protect animal skin from destruction, showing the occurrence of constituents with an irritant or distasteful quality. In a recent study conducted by Brueton et al, it has been suggested that vendors are promoting the combination of D. delagoensis with either D. altissima or Urginea epigea R. A Dyer as a potential remedy for asthma and blood impurities.…”