Survey on Traditional Tanzanian Medicinal Plants Used in Treating AIDs-related Illnesses

Abstract

Traditional healers in Morogoro. region, Tanzania, were interviewed for plants they use in treating AIDS related illnesses. A total of 64 plant samples were collected. Most frequently used plant families are Compositae, Caesalpiniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Rubiaceae, Papilionaceae, Combretaceae and Anacardiaceae. A survey of chemical constituents in the families showed the presence of various types of compounds whose reported pharmacological activities also vary. The fact that most of preparations from traditional healers are decoctions means that polar compounds are the only active compounds extracted. An efficient screening method to identify the active plants followed by biologically guided isolation of active ingredients is required.