Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of HIV and AIDS-Related Conditions in Makete District, Southern Highlands of Tanzania

Aims: Plants used in traditional medicine have contributed to the development of modern medicines, but in order to boost the discovery of novel drugs to fight diseases such as HIV/AIDS and emerging new diseases, systematic evaluation of many more plants needs to continue. The aim of the present study was to document medicinal plants used in the management of HIV and AIDS-related conditions in Makete District, Tanzania.

Study Design: This was qualitative ethnopharmacological survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Makete District in Njombe Region, Tanzania between March and April 2019.

Methodology: This ethnopharmacological survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study focused only on traditional health practitioners (THP) registered by government health authorities in Makete District. The HIV and AIDS-related conditions considered in this study were tuberculosis, Herpes zoster, candidiasis, sexually transmitted infections, cough, skin rashes, frequent fevers, chronic diarrhea, chronic wounds, warts, oral thrush and weight loss. Literature survey was carried out to evaluate strength of the THP claims based on similar ethnopharmacological claims and proven pharmacological activities of the plants.

Results: Among the ten THP interviewed seven were male and three were female. The average age and years of practice were 57.5 and 26.5 years, respectively. Thirty-seven plant species representing 36 genera and 27 families were reported to be used for the treatment of different HIV and AIDS-related conditions. Twelve (32.4 %) and 15 (40.5 %) species did not have previously reported ethnopharmacological and pharmacological activities, respectively. Among the 37 plant species identified 13 species (35%) have been previously reported for similar ethnopharmacological uses and 12 (32%) species had literature reports on respective biological activities. Nine species have reported antiviral activity and seven of them displayed specific activities against HIV-1.

Conclusion: A significant number of medicinal plants identified in this study are reported here for the first time in relation to their use for HIV and AIDS-related conditions. The study also provides information that correlates well with previously published ethnopharmacological information or laboratory results of tests against HIV-1 or related conditions, thus justifying the need for screening and detailed studies intended to isolate and characterize compounds active against HIV and related conditions.