Ethno-medical and veterinary uses of Tephrosia vogelii hook. F.: a review

Abstract

All parts of Tephrosia vogelii Hook. f. (Fabaceae) is used in tropical Africa for numerous ethno-medical and traditional veterinary practices. The leaf is ichthyotoxic and has been used as insecticide, rodenticide and anthelminthic. It has also been used as abortifacient and to induce menses. The leaf macerate is purgative and emetic, while the sap is used to treat diarrhoea. The leaf-sap and root scrapings are used as ear and tooth ache remedies, respectively. Extracts from the roots have been used as molluscicide. The plant extracts have also been used in the treatment of tuberculosis, typhoid fever and localized fungal infections. The biological activities are due mainly to rotenoids isolated from the plant. In conclusion, T. vogelii has a great potential in the therapy and prophylaxis of animal and human diseases.



Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 28 (3) 2007 pp. 24-39