Preliminary Medicinal Value Evaluation of Some Plants Used by the Ogiek in Management of Microbial Related Infections
Journal Title: European Journal of Medicinal Plants - Year 2015, Vol 9, Issue 4
Abstract
Aim: The survey was targeted at documenting the indigenous plants that are used in the management of microbial related medical conditions within the Ogiek communities of Kenya. Study Design: Purposive sampling approach was used to interview the traditional herbalist with the help of a questionnaire. Place and Duration of the Study: Some 49 plants species used by the Ogiek, who are indigenous forest and forest product dwellers and users, in the management of microbial related conditions in human maladies were collected from the Mau Forest complex and prepared, for extractions and screened for antimicrobial activities at Kenyatta University and National Public Health Laboratories, Nairobi respectively. The plants were screened to ascertain their activities against selected human microbial infections. Results: Crude methanol extracts from 16 species showed activities against various pathogenic organisms. There was also marked activities from two of the oils extracted from three species of the 16 plants. Conclusion and Recommendations: Some plants have activities against selected microorganisms and this validates their continued use as medicine by the Ogiek communities and their neighbours as medicine. It has been suggested that further studies be done on the bioactive plant species to establish their bactericidal and fungicidal abilities; and their safety to humans to justify their continued use as medicine.
Authors and Affiliations
O. Amuka, A. K. Machocho, P. O. Okemo, P. K. Mbugua
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP350290
- DOI 10.9734/EJMP/2015/16295
- Views 135
- Downloads 0
Types of Herbal Medicine Used for HIV Conditions in Vihiga County, Kenya
Aim: To identify types of herbal medicine used for HIV conditions in Vihiga county, Kenya. Study Design: Qualitative ethno botanical survey. Place and Duration of Study: Hamuyundi sub-location, west Sabatia location, Sa...
In vitro Antioxidant Activities and Phytochemical Analysis of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Stems of Lumnitzera racemosa
Aim: To study antiradical and the reducing power activities in the leaves and stems methanol extracts of Lumnitzera racemosa mangrove species. Design: Soxhlet extraction of leaves and stems using methanol for in vitro an...
Casearia sylvestris Swartz Extract Release Using Natural Rubber Latex Biomembranes as Carrier
The Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis has shown promise in biomedical applications due to its low cost, easy handling, mechanical properties and biocompatibility, being used for bone regeneration and wou...
Effect of Natural Cocoa Powder Supplementation on Oxidative Stress in Healthy Ghanaians
Introduction: Natural cocoa powder (NCP) has been recognized to possess significant amounts of flavonoids and methylxanthines with healthful benefits. Little or no work has been done on adult Ghanaians involving suppleme...
Toxicological and Biochemical Studies of Myristica fragrans Hydroalcoholic Extracts in Albino Rats
Aims: Myristica fragrans is one of the plants used as a herbal medicine. This plant includes some components that can treat many diseases. This study was done to evaluate the M. fragrans hydroalcoholic effects...