Hypoxis and Sutherlandia Potent African Traditional Medicines

Abstract

Traditional medicine (also known as indigenous or folk medicine) comprises medical knowledge systems that developed over generations within various societies before the era of modern medicine. 80% of the population in Sub Saharan Africa still relies on these complementary and alternative medicine for their primary health care needs .A wealth of medicinal and aromatic plants ensures the primary healthcare and livelihoods of the poor in sub-Saharan Africa. The current Review deals with the evidence and safety concerns related to the use of two specific African herbals, African Potato and Sutherlandia for their use in HIV/AIDS patients. currently no clinical trials of efficacy exist, and low-level evidence of harm suggest the potential of these two plants as antiretroviral drugs. The widespread use of herbals should be of concern to clinicians and policy makers.

Keywords: HIV, AIDS, Hypoxis, Sutherlandia