Medicinal utilization of exotic plants by Bapedi traditional healers to treat human ailments in Limpopo province, South Africa

Diversity, Knowledge, and Use of Plants in Traditional Treatment of Diabetes in the Republic of Benin

“…The available information is on the antidiabetic plants sold by plant traders in two communal districts of southern Benin. Hence, other potential groups of informants such as traditional healers, diabetic patients, or agricultural farmers who can readily provide reliable details on potential antidiabetic plants were not considered (Bhattarai et al 2006, Ocvirk et al 2013, Semenya et al 2012b). …”

“…In general, traditional heal-ers mentioned more species than farmers, followed by traders. This was not a surprise since traditional healers are always included in many ethno-medicinal studies for their potential knowledge of medicinal plants and recipes (Cheikhyoussef et al 2011, Semenya et al 2012b. They have acquired extensive knowledge of medicinal plant use (WHO 2002) and practice the art of healing through the use of plants, animals, and mineral substances with social, cultural, and religious background (Van Rensburg et al 2002).…”

Useful Plants Grown and Maintained in Domestic Gardens of the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…Five invasive species documented in this study: Agave americana (medicinal), Catharanthus roseus (medicinal/ornamental), Eriobotrya japonicaand Psidium guajava (edible fruits) and Opuntia ficus-indica (edible fruit/ornamental) are all used as herbal medicines by Bapedi traditional healers in the Limpopo Province (Semenya et al 2012;Semenya and Potgieter 2014). Similarly, Dold and Cocks (2002), noted that of the 130 plant species used as traditional medicine by Xhosa traditional healers in the Eastern Cape Province, 33 are declared exotic species.…”

“…This cost is further compounded by follow up clearing programs (Maraiset al2004). Studies by Zimmermann and Neser (1999), Stepp and Moerman (2001), Njoroge et al (2004), Bigirimana et al (2011Bigirimana et al ( , 2012, Semenya et al (2012) andMaroyi (2013a showed that invasive plants may also have positive economical, social and ecological significance and these need to be taken into account when assessing the costs resulting from invasions.…”

“…The results of this study, therefore, calls for a review of the socio-economic benefits of exotic plants to local communities in South Africa before blindly advocating for their eradication. In addition, the extensive use of exotic plants is seen as imperative for their ultimate control and should ultimately form part of their management strategy (Semenya et al 2012). As part of this management strategy, garden owners should be educated on the management of some of the invasive species, especially those listed in category 1 of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (1983) No.…”