Articles
Myrothamnus flabellifolius: ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical composition and therapeutic potential as a traditional southern African herbal beverage
Article number
1466_40
Pages
329 – 338
Language
English
Abstract
Plants contribute significantly to cultural practices and functional food systems in southern Africa, yet the potential of traditional herbal beverages remains underexplored.
This study investigated the use of Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. as a traditional herbal tea in rural communities of Dr.
Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, North West Province, South Africa.
Surveys were conducted across eight study sites namely Monethe, Tseoge, Maheng, Gamontshonyana (Morokweng area), Ganyesa, Kundunkgwane, Tlakameng, and Phaposeng.
These study sites were purposively selected because the region is characterised by rich plant biodiversity.
An ethnobotanical survey involving 345 participants, including herbalists, traditional healers, and elderly knowledge holders, was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews.
Descriptive statistics were used to assess the cultural significance of the plant, while phytochemical composition and therapeutic properties were evaluated through a review of existing literature.
In the study area, M. flabellifolius was the most frequently cited plant (109 mentions) used as tea for good health and well-being.
Leaves and stem are used to produce a bitter and aromatic infusion consumed for digestion support, fatigue alleviation, and respiratory health.
Literature findings revealed that the plant contains diverse bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which contribute to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Variability in phenolic composition across different habitats reflects the plant’s adaptation to desiccation stress and influences both tea potency and flavor.
The findings demonstrate significant ethnobotanical and therapeutic relevance of M. flabellifolius infusions and support their potential for development as culturally important and functional herbal beverage.
This study investigated the use of Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. as a traditional herbal tea in rural communities of Dr.
Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, North West Province, South Africa.
Surveys were conducted across eight study sites namely Monethe, Tseoge, Maheng, Gamontshonyana (Morokweng area), Ganyesa, Kundunkgwane, Tlakameng, and Phaposeng.
These study sites were purposively selected because the region is characterised by rich plant biodiversity.
An ethnobotanical survey involving 345 participants, including herbalists, traditional healers, and elderly knowledge holders, was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews.
Descriptive statistics were used to assess the cultural significance of the plant, while phytochemical composition and therapeutic properties were evaluated through a review of existing literature.
In the study area, M. flabellifolius was the most frequently cited plant (109 mentions) used as tea for good health and well-being.
Leaves and stem are used to produce a bitter and aromatic infusion consumed for digestion support, fatigue alleviation, and respiratory health.
Literature findings revealed that the plant contains diverse bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which contribute to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Variability in phenolic composition across different habitats reflects the plant’s adaptation to desiccation stress and influences both tea potency and flavor.
The findings demonstrate significant ethnobotanical and therapeutic relevance of M. flabellifolius infusions and support their potential for development as culturally important and functional herbal beverage.
Publication
Authors
K. Mokgau, J.L. Mwinga, T.G. Mpolokeng, M. Lekhooa, S.O. Amoo, A.O. Aremu
Keywords
antioxidant, functional beverage, herbal tea, phytochemicals, traditional medicine
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