S Takaidza, M Pillay and F Mtunzi
Vaal University of Technology, South Africa
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Nat Prod Chem Res
Since time immemorial, plants have been used by several communities to treat a large number of diseases. Numerous studies on the pharmacology of medicinal plants have been done. Medicinal plants constitute a potential source for the production of new medicines and may complement conventional antimicrobials and probably decrease health costs. Phytochemical compounds in plants are known to be biologically active aiding, for example, as antioxidants and antimicrobials. The overwhelming challenge of drug resistance has resulted in an increasing trend towards using medicinal plants to treat various diseases, especially in developing countries. Species of the genus Tulbaghia has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such rheumatism, fits, fever, earache, tuberculosis etc. It is believed that the species possess several therapeutic properties. This paper evaluates some of the biological activities of the genus Tulbaghia. It is evident from current literature that T. violacea is the most promising species. The other species of Tulbaghia still require further studies to ascertain their medicinal potential.
S Takaidza is currently pursuing her PhD in Biotechnology and works as a Research Technician at Vaal University of Technology where she has completed MTech in Biotechnology in 2012. She has graduated in 2005 with a BSc degree in Microbiology from University of Limpopo, South Africa. Her first degree was BSc in Science with Education at Bindura University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe.
Email: samkelisot@vut.ac.za
