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Table 2 Specific herbal medicines nominated by 176 out of 762 hospitalized patients at Mulago Hospital, Uganda, 2014

From: Herbal medicine use and linked suspected adverse drug reactions in a prospective cohort of Ugandan inpatients

Traditional herbal medicine

No. of citations

Commentary

Local name

Botanical name

GYN (N = 191)

Medical Wards IDGI, HNE & CPN (N = 571)

Total

  

Abortion-related admissions (n = 107)

Other admissions (n = 84)

Female (n = 343)

Male (n = 228)

 

Avocado leaves

Persea americana

1

1

17

11

30

Local knowledge: Used mainly in patients with anaemia to raise their haemoglobin levels

Mumbwa

–

6

7

5

5

23

Local knowledge: multiple herb-containing clay rods administered orally. Assumed to serve as wellbeing supplement for the foetus and mother.

Kigagi (Aloe vera)

Aloe barbadensis

0

0

12

10

22

Treats fever

Beet root

Beta vulgaris

0

0

7

5

12

For treatment of anaemia

Mululuza

Vernonia amygdalina

0

0

6

5

11

Local knowledge: Treats fever, malaria

Nanda

Commelina africana

2

2

1

2

7

Local knowledge: Induces abortion. Inserted adjacent to the cervix to induce it to dilate.

Literature: Hypoglycaemic properties

Sere (Blackjack)

Bidens pilosa

1

0

4

2

7

Wide range of biological properties including significant antibacterial and antifungal activity

Kamunye

Hoslundia opposita

3

1

1

1

6

Locally: Cleanses uterus, treats vaginal lacerations after childbirth and fever.

Literature: Anti-inflammatory and wound healing

Mango leaves/mangoes

Mangifera indica

0

0

4

0

4

For anaemia

Muzukizi

Dicliptera laxata

0

0

2

2

4

Local knowledge: Treats colorectal cancer, poison antidote

Kiyondo

Kalanchoe pinnata Lam

1

0

0

0

1

None of these three herbs was mentioned by any of the inpatients on the IDGI, HNE and CPN wards.

Local knowledge: Kiyondo is aphrodisiac

Literature: Kiyondo - anticonvulsant, antidiabetic and wound healing.

Gwalimu - antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Gwalimu

Maytenus senegalensis (Lam) Exell

1

0

0

0

1

Ekigaranga

 

1

0

0

0

1