Are Plants Used as a Combating Strategy against Tuberculosis in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa?

Abstract

The burden of tuberculosis (TB) disease is a global health challenge accounting for thousands of deaths. TB is unevenly distributed in South Africa, with some provinces having more than 70% of the TB burden. In Mpumalanga Province, TB is ranked as the sixth leading cause of death. Antituberculosis agents are usually costly, with numerous unwanted side effects. This has prompted the major use of herbs which have an imperative biological role against tuberculosis and are easily accessible. A comprehensive review of plants used as a combating strategy against tuberculosis in Mpumalanga Province was conducted. An in-depth literature search was performed using scientific databases, theses, dissertations and ethnobotanical books. Twenty-four (24) plant species were reported by the people of Mpumalanga for the treatment of tuberculosis. Fifteen (15) plant species have been investigated for antituberculosis activities, and seven antimycobacterial compounds were successfully isolated. This review validates the use of plants against tuberculosis in Mpumalanga Province and, thus, identified species that may be explored for further scientific studies.