Title: Reconnoitring indigenous knowledge and industrial ethnophamacologic plants used in Tuberculosis treatment in Uganda
Authors: Raphael Kityamuweesi, Dr. Mark Kiiza, Prof. Salvatore Fava
Volume: 9
Issue: 7
Pages: 95-102
Publication Date: 2025/07/28
Abstract:
Ethno-pharmacological plant virtues and relevance: wisdom of treating killer diseases in Uganda. Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. The medicinal plants are very important because of increasing drug resistant strains and co-infection with human immune virus and acquired immune disease syndrome Because of this, there is a need to identify new strategies leading to the development of new drugs for tuberculosis treatment. The objectives of this study were to document plant species commonly used by traditional medicine practitioners, examine the methods of preparation and administration of drugs, and lastly document medicine preservation practices for the drugs used in the treatment tuberculosis. The study adopted a descriptive methodology that enabled collection of both sets of data, which included quantitative and qualitative. The study used a case research design that enabled in-depth and clear understanding of the variables under investigation. The study engaged 40 families from Kakumiro and Kibaale districts using a guided by survey, interviews and focused group discussion in data collection A total of 90 ethnomedecinal plant species, distributed within 40 families, were documented as having used these ethnomedicinal plants for the treatment of people. These had knowledge of how tuberculosis is transmitted and treated; they also admitted that it is closely associated with HIV. Decoctions of multiple plant species were commonly used. Plant parts frequently used were leaves, followed by the stem bark and root bark. The representatives had sufficient knowledge about preservation techniques and usage of the drugs in the treatment process of tuberculosis. Plant-based therapies for treating tuberculosis have been identified in this study, and further investigation of these plants is appropriate, as these may be developed into new drugs to curb the resistant strains of tuberculosis in Uganda.