Medicinal properties of triple-combination plants used by the Khoisan community for common cold and influenza-like illness

Abstract

The KhoiSan society in the last 2000 years depended on nature for their basic needs, such food, clothing and shelter, and of the most significant for the research study, the management and the treatment of ailments by the use of the medicinal plants. The decoction of Artemisia afra, Ruta graveolens and Sutherlandia frutescens and the triple-combination therapy concoction of these medicinal plants are used to treat upper respiratory track disease such as common cold and influenza-like (flu) illness. The medicine is indigenously harvested and prepared by the KhoiSan community for medicinal use. This prompted the researchers to explore how medicinal plants are harvested, prepared, stored and conserved by the KhoiSan community for the treatment of common cold and influenza-like illness. This research deployed two phases. In the first phase of the research a clinical ethnography method was used to explore this phenomenon with specific emphasis on respectful engagement with the KhoiSan Community's medicine men and women to guide the process. This research employed a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using clinical ethnography and analyzed thematically. The results yield inexpensive preparation, time-saving and easily manageable method that is unique and acceptable to this indigenous community. In the second phase, an In vitro study by making use of NA-XTD influenza neuraminidase assay kit was conducted to test the antiviral properties of this medicine, and to determine the 50% reduction of the neuraminidase activity and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) of each medicinal decoction and triple-combination concoction. Conclusively, the findings confirms with the community medicinal utilization of these medicinal plants for common cold and influenza-like illness. This medicine has antiviral properties as reflected by the reported results of the research study.