Short Lecture “Evidence-based ethnopharmacology – an important step in the globalisation of African traditional medicines”

Southern Africa harbours an impressive floral diversity and ranks as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Interweaved within this botanical tapestry is a cultural heritage characterised by rich indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) which have moulded one of the oldest healing modalities, African Traditional Medicines (ATM). This unique blend of medicinal plant use and IKS has created a unique research opportunity in ethnopharmacology. Over the past 20 years, our group has endeavoured to provide a scientific rationale for medicinal plant use through an evidence-based research approach of traditional medicines. Several examples will be presented to demonstrate the challenging yet rewarding workflow to explore the chemistry and biological properties of the ethnomedicinal flora of South Africa. Using various in vitro and in vivo approaches, complemented by analytical methods and multivariate data analysis, we aim to contribute to the fundamental research base required to convert these botanical assets into tangible consumer products. The various challenges facing the globalisation of ATMs will be highlighted.

 

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. November 2023