Chapters authored
The Potential Effect of Medicinal Plants for Cartilage Regeneration
Any trauma to a joint such as sports injury can lead to osteoarthritis especially injuries that include torn cartilage, dislocated joints and ligaments. In sports injury specifically, most of the ointments in the market are only applied after physical activity. Repair of the bone and cartilage continues to be a challenge. Autologous and allografts are the gold standard for the treatment of the bone and cartilage. They have an invasive, open surgical procedure that requires the tissue to be harvested from an alternative site within the patient. South Africa is rich in native flora that is currently tapped as medicine by traditional healers. However, little is known about the natural products of our native flora and their potential to serve as a remedy for sports injuries, fracture healing and osteoarthritis. The grand purpose of the project is to explore medicinal plants of South Africa as a potential source for bone and tissue engineering of articular cartilage.
Part of the book: Cartilage Tissue Engineering and Regeneration Techniques
The Use of Native Flora/Herbal Products in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection: A Global Perspective Study
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is associated with 99% cause of cervical cancer with 20.2 million women at risk of having it in South Africa. Vaccine is the major way to prevent HPV infection. However, the vaccination program is not within easy reach for all that need it. Plants are an important source of medicines for African people, some herbal medicines are widely used for many ailments such as malaria, respiratory problems, pains, infection, and inflammation. There is limited information regarding the efficacy of medicinal plant use as there lack human studies, and no proper dosing measures are available. This study evaluated the global perspective of people over using medicinal plant products/plant-derived bio-therapeutics in the management of HPV infection. A survey method (Survey Monkey) distributed through social media was used for 3 months. 117 people participated and data realized from the study indicated their approval and readiness to use medicinal plant products.
Part of the book: Medicinal Plants