Evaluation of Herbal Concoctions Sold at Ga Maja (Limpopo Province) in South Africa and In Vitro Pharmacological Evaluation of Plants Used to Manufacture the Concoctions

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological activities and safety of commercial herbal concoctions manufactured in Ga Maja (Limpopo province). Microbial contamination was evaluated by spread-plating the concoctions on agar plates. The VITEK 2 instrument was used for identification of the pure cultures. Nutritional content of the concoctions was determined. Thin layer chromatography was used to analyze the chemical constituents of the extracts. The microdilution assay and bioautography were used to evaluate antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. Sodium, potassium, and zinc were elements most abundant in the concoctions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents. Acetone extracts of Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Kirkia wilmsii extracts had antioxidant activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations values against test bacteria ranged between 0.02 and 0.63 mg/mL. Further studies are required to isolate bioactive compounds and evaluate their cytotoxicity. Caution in the consumption of the herbal mixtures should be adhered to.