Possible implications of climate change on the medicinal properties of Bulbine species with a particular focus on Bulbine abyssinica, Bulbine frutescens and Bulbine natalensis in South Africa

Abstract

Bulbine abyssinica, Bulbine frutescens and Bulbine natalensis of the Asphodelaceae family have been used for many years, traditionally for the treatment of skin related conditions such as wounds, scars, burns ad rashes. To date, these plants have been studied for various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and even anti-platelet activity. This review article aims to discuss the ethnobotanical uses and medicinal activity from the perspective of abiotic stress impacts, specifically elevated carbon dioxide and high temperature. Literature sources obtained from Google Scholar, Science Direct, theses and books were used to search for the ethnobotanical, traditional uses, and pharmacological studies of the species. In addition, articles around the concurrent and separate studies of elevated CO₂ and temperature impacts on medicinal activities of other medicinal plant species were also sourced for reference purposes because there have not been any reported studies discussing the impacts of the aforementioned abiotic factors on the species.

Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of various parts of Bulbine natalensis (Baker): A comparative study

“…Bulbine natalensis (Baker) is a perennial succulent native to South Africa, characterised by its close resemblance to Aloe, with its broad, fleshy yellow-green leaves (1,2). The plant species is commonly referred to as the broadleaved "Bulbine" (English), "ibhucu" (Zulu), "ingcelwane" (Xhosa), and "rooiwortel" (Afrikaans) (3).…”

“…B. natalensis is regarded as a medicinal plant because of its wide range of uses in traditional medicine. The leaves are mostly used for the treatment of wounds, rashes, ringworms, and other skin ailments due to the presence of gel fluid (2). The underground stem is commonly used as a fertility booster for men (2,5).…”

“…The leaves are mostly used for the treatment of wounds, rashes, ringworms, and other skin ailments due to the presence of gel fluid (2). The underground stem is commonly used as a fertility booster for men (2,5). The roots of B. natalensis are used to treat vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, venereal diseases, blood disorders, and diabetes-related illnesses (1,2,5,6).…”

Effect of concurrent extreme temperatures and water deficit on the phytochemistry, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Portulacaria afra using four extraction solvents

“…The impact of abiotic factors, notably temperature uctuations and water de cits, presents a signi cant impediment to the reproductive processes of medicinal plants. This interference consequently disrupts biosynthetic pathways, which in turn affects secondary metabolites accumulation and subsequent alterations in phytopharmacological activities (Teffo et al, 2021).…”

“…The impact of abiotic factors, notably temperature uctuations and water de cits, presents a signi cant impediment to the reproductive processes of medicinal plants. This interference consequently disrupts biosynthetic pathways, which in turn affects secondary metabolites accumulation and subsequent alterations in phytopharmacological activities (Teffo et al, 2021).The in uence of temperature, a signi cant abiotic factor, on medicinal plants is profound. Elevated temperatures induce heat stress, while reduced temperatures result in cold stress.…”