Multi-drug resistant forms of tuberculosis and severe non-compliance is impeding total
eradication of this infectious bacterial disease. Many people have been relying on
traditional remedies
together with the current drug regimen for the treatment of associated symptoms of
tuberculosis such as coughing and chest related complaints. Euclea natalensis A. DC. (EN) has
traditionally been used in South Africa for the treatment of tuberculosis and its
associated symptoms, stomach ailments and dysentry amongst others. Investigations
into the pharmacodynamic
properties of EN substantiated the antibacterial, antimycobacterial and hepatoprotective
activity of the ethanolic shoot extract. Additional analysis included for the possible
product
development of EN included cytotoxicity, inhibition and/or stimulation of major CYP
P450 enzymes, the nutritional content, heavy metal analysis, microbial content, antimutagenicity
and
antifibrotic activity of the ethanolic shoot extract. Many other projects have since
started looking into the PLGA nanoparticle formulation of the extract and the main
active ingredient,
propagation trials and a polyherbal combination with other indigenous South African
medicinal plant species. The development of EN has had the ability in stimulating
the bioeconomy through
capacity building and community development. Results obtained from the previous studies
conducted and current ongoing investigations can be used to support the further development
of the
extract and the main active ingredient as a possible adjuvant to be taken in conjunction
with conventional treatment.
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
