1. Traditional practices in South Africa Vanessa Steenkamp Department of Pharmacology University of Pretoria

2. 200 000 healers 80% population

5. Callilepis laureola DC. Ox-eye daisy Impila • Decongestant • Induce fertility • Ward off “evil spirits”

6. Atractyloside Carboxyatractyloside Inhibits transport of ADP into mitochondria No synthesis of ATP Cell death Presentation: Hepatocellular failure Nephrotoxicity 80% confused/ coma 95% hypoglycaemia 87% metabolic acidosis

7. Senecio latifolius DC. Ragwort, groundsel • Induce abortion • Skin eruptions • Chest pains • Palpitations

8. Retrorsine (pyrrolizidine alkaloid) Damages vascular endothelium VOD Presentation 96% ascites 85% hepatomegaly 92% liver enzymes

9. Urginea sanguinea Shinz. Squill (slangkop) • Veneral diseases • Blood purifier

10. Scillaren A Digitalis-like effect AV block Rhythm disturbance Presentation Gastrointestinal symptoms Nausea Vomiting

11. Aloe ferox Mill. Cape aloe T: Laxative Arthritis Eczema Conjuctivitis Hypertension Stress Wounds C: laxative

12. Aloin Aloeresin Aloe-emodin anthrone Laxative action Wound-healing - glycoproteins

13. Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pill. Buchu T:stomach complaints kidney urinary tract rheumatism C: urinary tract

14. Pulegone Isomenthone Diosphenol Antiseptic + diuretic

15. Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. & CA Mey. African potato T: Emetics, dizziness Bladder disorders Insanity Prostate problems C: BPH Urinary infections

16. Rooperol Anti-cancer Anti-HIV Anti-inflammatory Sitosterols Inhibition 5α-reductase Less DHT

17. Harpagophytum procumbens DC. Devil’s claw T: Rheumatism, arthritis C: General health

18. Harpagoside Harpagide Analgesic Anti-inflammatory

19. Sutherlandia frutescens (L.)R. Br. Cancer bush T: Cancer gastric ailments oedema blood purifier C: general health tonic

20. Canavanine L-arginine antagonist Anticancer Antiviral Pinitol – anti-diabetic agent GABA:- inhibitory neurotransmitter – anxiety and stress

21. Current research: • Toxicity in vervet monkeys: biochemical, haematological, • physiological and physical variables : Seier et al. 2002 • Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic effects: • Ojewole 2004 • Antioxidant potential: Fernandes et al. 2004 • Effect on COX-2 expression: Kundu et al. 2005 • Anti-HIV activities: Harnett et al. 2005

22. Sutherlandia has earned the reputation of being an excellent tonic for bringing about a general feeling of wellbeing and calmness, for boosting the immune system and bolstering energy levels during illness or convalescence.

23. Indigenous systems of medicine are dynamic and adaptive, although firmly rooted in the traditions of the past. This is evident from the incorporation of medical herbs into materica medica.