https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5636 2026-04-09T09:05:12Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6544 Title: Medicinal plants used for the treatment and management of malaria in Zimbabwe - review and perspectives Authors: Nyagumbo Elliot; Nyirenda Trust; Mawere Cephas; Mutaramutswa Alfred Munyaradzi; Kapanga Donald Tafirenyika; Ngorima Godwins; Nhari Leroy; Maunganidze Fabian; Pote William; Bhebhe Michael; Alfred Maroyi; Mabaya Lucy Abstract: Background: Malaria is a global health problem that has been bedeviling many countries for millennia. Estimates suggest that over 90% of all malaria infections and deaths occur in Africa, with a 75% mortality in children. The world is struggling to effectively respond to this malaria crisis in part due to the growing Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance. Traditional medicinal plants have been used as alternative and complementary medicine, due to their ease of accessibility and low cost. Methods: Extensive literature search focused on published abstracts and papers accessed from online databases, scientific reports, book chapters, textbooks and theses available in repositories at Zimbabwe Universities. Results: In total, 70 species of plants belonging to 35 families have been used to treat and manage malaria in Zimbabwe. The family with the highest number of medicinal plants used in Zimbabwe was the Fabaceae family, represented by a total of 10 species. The dominant plant parts used in the preparation of remedies were roots (43%). About 75.7% of the antimalarial plants reported have been scientifically validated and documented to exhibit anti-plasmodial activity. In-vitro anti plasmodial activity reports of 22 of the plants extracts exhibiting high anti-plasmodial activity towards P. falciparum. Conclusions: While this review concentrates on the identification of antimalarial plants documented in previous studies in Zimbabwe including their pharmacological and toxicological profiles. More definitive research into the mechanisms of action, as well as pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles, could significantly contribute to the standardisation of herbal preparations. 2025-04-16T00:00:00Z Nyagumbo Elliot Nyirenda Trust Mawere Cephas Mutaramutswa Alfred Munyaradzi Kapanga Donald Tafirenyika Ngorima Godwins Nhari Leroy Maunganidze Fabian Pote William Bhebhe Michael Alfred Maroyi Mabaya Lucy https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6537 Title: A systematic review and perspective analysis of medicinal plants used in Zimbabwe for the treatment and management of Genitourinary Infections Authors: Nyagumbo Elliot; Nyirenda Trust; Mawere Cephas; Mutaramutswa Alfred M.; Ngorima Godwins; Kapanga Donald T.; Nhari Leroy; Matsheza Marvellous; Maunganidze Fabian; Pote William; Mabaya Lucy; Bhebhe Michael Abstract: The use of traditional medicinal plants for healthcare in Zimbabwe is widespread, with approximately 80% of the population relying on these plants for primary healthcare needs. This practice is supported by the World Health Organization's endorsement of their safety and efficacy. Notably, plant-based medicines are commonly employed in the management of genitourinary infections (GUIs), a significant health concern, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. This study reviews the documented properties of medicinal plants traditionally and currently used for managing GUIs in Zimbabwe. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through online databases such as ScienceDirect and PubMed. Medicinal plants used for GUIs were identified and compiled from various published sources, including abstracts, journal articles, scientific reports, book chapters, textbooks, and theses from Zimbabwean and international university repositories. An ethnobotanical survey identified 119 medicinal plant species belonging to 44 families and 100 genera. Of these, 82% have undergone scientific validation, demonstrating pharmacological efficacy and potential as sources of novel therapeutic agents. Approximately 55% of the identified plants have been subjected to toxicological evaluation, while 45% remain unassessed. Among 65 plants tested for toxicity, 63.08% were found to be non-toxic and safe for therapeutic use. However, a few traditionally used plants have shown high toxicity. Given the widespread use of these plants, there is an urgent need for comprehensive toxicological studies to ensure their safety. While most traditionally used plants have been reported as effective for managing GUIs, elucidating the toxicological profiles of all these plants remains critical to mitigate potential health risks 2024-12-31T00:00:00Z Nyagumbo Elliot Nyirenda Trust Mawere Cephas Mutaramutswa Alfred M. Ngorima Godwins Kapanga Donald T. Nhari Leroy Matsheza Marvellous Maunganidze Fabian Pote William Mabaya Lucy Bhebhe Michael