The Use of Native Flora/Herbal Products in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection: A Global Perspective Study

Abstract

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.