Articles
Ethnographic account of Sutherlandia frutescens as a herbal beverage for nutritional and therapeutic uses
Article number
1466_14
Pages
105 – 112
Language
English
Abstract
Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) W.T. Aiton, commonly known as cancer bush, is a shrub indigenous to southern Africa, and distributed in Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
Traditionally, it is used as a remedy for various health issues such as alleviation of stress, inflammation, and immune deficiencies.
This study analysed the ethnographic account of S. frutescens with a focus on its uses as a herbal beverage.
The study drew on ethnographic accounts to provide a comprehensive appraisal of cancer bush as a herbal beverage.
Diverse sources such as journals, textbooks, and periodicals extracted from scientific databases were consulted for information on S. frutescens to capture its associated indigenous knowledge.
It was evident that the role of cancer bush is overlooked as a herbal beverage despite extensive studies in pharmacological assessments.
Compounds such as triterpenoid glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins that have been identified may contribute to the reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune boosting properties of cancer bush.
These findings suggest that S. frutescens has potential to be developed into teas, tonics, and wellness beverages.
However, further research needs to be done to substantiate its efficacy and accessibility within traditional and modern contexts.
It is important to integrate indigenous knowledge approach into such investigations, as it ensures cultural preservations and provides a foundation for sustainable community empowerment.
Traditionally, it is used as a remedy for various health issues such as alleviation of stress, inflammation, and immune deficiencies.
This study analysed the ethnographic account of S. frutescens with a focus on its uses as a herbal beverage.
The study drew on ethnographic accounts to provide a comprehensive appraisal of cancer bush as a herbal beverage.
Diverse sources such as journals, textbooks, and periodicals extracted from scientific databases were consulted for information on S. frutescens to capture its associated indigenous knowledge.
It was evident that the role of cancer bush is overlooked as a herbal beverage despite extensive studies in pharmacological assessments.
Compounds such as triterpenoid glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins that have been identified may contribute to the reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune boosting properties of cancer bush.
These findings suggest that S. frutescens has potential to be developed into teas, tonics, and wellness beverages.
However, further research needs to be done to substantiate its efficacy and accessibility within traditional and modern contexts.
It is important to integrate indigenous knowledge approach into such investigations, as it ensures cultural preservations and provides a foundation for sustainable community empowerment.
Publication
Authors
T. Nkaliseng, P. Moeletsi, J.L. Mwinga, A.O. Aremu
Keywords
anti-inflammatory, beverage industry, biodiversity, cancer bush, indigenous knowledge, phytochemicals
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