Kampala, Uganda – A groundbreaking study conducted by a team of Ugandan researchers has unveiled the anti-cancer potential of 28 indigenous medicinal plants commonly used in traditional cancer management in rural Uganda.
The study, titled “Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Management of Cancer in Uganda: A Review of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Studies,” sheds light on the promising therapeutic properties of these plants in the battle against cancer.
Cancer is a pressing global health concern, and Uganda is no exception, with approximately 32,617 reported cancer cases in 2018 alone, leading to 21,829 deaths.
In response to this health crisis, the research team, led byTimothy Omara, embarked on an extensive review of ethnobotanical surveys, phytochemistry, and anticancer studies to identify plants traditionally used for cancer management in Uganda.
The other members of the research team were, Ambrose K Kiprop, Rose C Ramkat, Jackson Cherutoi , Sarah Kagoya, Decrah Moraa Nyangena , Tsedey Azeze Tebo, Papias Nteziyaremye, Lucy Nyambura Karanja, Abigael Jepchirchir, Alfayo Maiyo, Betty Jematia Kiptui, Immaculate Mbabazi, Caroline Kiwanuka Nakiguli , Brenda Victoria Nakabuye andMargaret Chepkemoi Koske
Their investigation revealed that 29 plant species belonging to 28 genera across 24 different families have been documented as playing a role in the management of cancer in Uganda. Notably, these anticancer plants are predominantly found in the Bignoniaceae, Caricaceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, and Rutaceae families.
“The majority of these species grow in the wild (52%), while others are cultivated (48%), reflecting the rich biodiversity of Uganda. These plants come in various forms, with 55% classified as trees and 45% as herbs,” the study conducted in 2020 reveals.
The study further says that extracts with potential anti-cancer properties are primarily derived from leaves (29%), bark (24%), roots (21%), and fruits (13%). They are then processed through various methods, including decoctions (53%), use as food spices (23%), or pounded to create ointments for topical application (10%).
The findings
The study names some of the most frequently encountered anticancer plant species which include; Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, Opuntia species, Albizia coriaria (Welw. ex Oliver), Daucus carota L., Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell., Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K. Schum., and Oxalis corniculata L.
However, it is worth noting that these findings are in line with global research, which has recognized Allium sativum L., Annona muricata L., Carica papaya L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Opuntia species, Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, and Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. as some of the most extensively studied species. The latter has even contributed to the development of anticancer drugs, vincristine and vinblastine.
Traditionally, these plants have been used to manage various forms of cancer, including prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers.
The study emphasizes the importance of further exploring the bioactive compounds within unstudied plants, such as Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell., Ficus dawei Hutch., Ficus natalensis Hochst., and Lovoa trichilioides Harms, and elucidating their mechanisms of anticancer activity. These findings hold significant promise for the development of novel anticancer treatments based on traditional medicinal knowledge.
The study, published in a scientific journal, PubMed, has already garnered attention from the global scientific community and is seen as a potential breakthrough in the fight against cancer, both in Uganda and beyond.
It highlights the importance of preserving and harnessing traditional knowledge of medicinal plants for the benefit of public health.
The researchers hope that their work will pave the way for further investigations, leading to the development of effective anticancer drugs from these natural sources. The rich biodiversity of Uganda’s flora could hold the key to combating one of the world’s most prevalent and deadly diseases.
Cancer incidence in Uganda
The level of cancer incidence in Uganda has been a significant public health concern. According to the information provided in the news story you provided, in 2018, approximately 32,617 cancer cases were reported in Uganda.
This represents the number of new cancer cases diagnosed within that year. This number of reported cases reflects a considerable burden of cancer in the country.
It’s important to note that cancer incidence rates can vary over time, and there may have been changes since the data cited in the news story.
For more on this story, click here
About The Author
