Evaluation of ethnomedical claims and brine shrimp toxicity of some plants used in Tanzania as traditional medicines.

Abstract

Using information from the literature it has been demonstrated that twenty one (21) plants out of 60 (35%) which are used in traditional medicine, in Tabora region (Western Tanzania), are used elsewhere for the treatment of similar conditions or their claims have proven biological results. Ethanol extracts of some of the plants exhibited low, some intermediate, and some high toxicity against brine shrimps. The brine shrimp assay results for Psorospermum febrifugum Spach (Guttiferae) [LC50 12.7μg/ml], agreed with previous reports of established anticancer activity, while for Phyllanthus engleri Pax. (Euphorbiaceae) [LC50 0.47μg/ml] they supported literature reports that it is toxic to rabbits and fish. Despite the therapeutic claims, literature reports, and brine shrimp assay results, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic utility of the plants.