Medicinal plants used for treating cancer in Kenya: an ethnopharmacological overview

Omara, Timothy; Odero, Mark Peter; Obakiro, Samuel Baker

doi:10.1186/s42269-022-00840-x

Bulletin of the National Research Centre

Table 1 Ethnomedicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Kenya

From: Medicinal plants used for treating cancer in Kenya: an ethnopharmacological overview

Family	Local name	Botanical name	Part used	Life form	Mode of preparation (administration)	Cancer treated	Author (s)
Acanthaceae	Ndakariat (Nandi)	Acanthus pubescens (Oliv.) Engl	L	H	Ash used	Not specified	Jeruto et al. (2008)
	Likhundu/Eshitoo	Dicliptera laxata C. B. Clarke	L	H	Infusion taken (4.5 g) twice daily for 1 week. Often prepared with A. gummifera and S. coccinea (leaves)	Colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Shikuduli	Justicia betonica L	WP	H	Infusion taken. Often prepared with M. pyrifolia (leaves & SB), H. africana (leaves & Rt) and P. africana (leaves, Rt & SB)	Breast, skin colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Cheptereret (Nandi)	Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims	Bk	H	Pressed on the site, leading to production of a thick black substance	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2014)
Aloeaceae	Linakha	Aloe volkensii Engl	L	S	Infusion taken half a glass daily for 2 months. Topically applied on breast cancer wounds thrice daily until recovery	Breast, colorectal, prostate, oesophageal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Kibiricha, Murucha, Sukurui (Meru)	Aloe species	NS	H	Not reported	Prostrate	Muriuki, (2011)
Amaranthaceae	Beetroot (English)	Beta vulgaris L	Blb	H	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki, (2011)
	Mbogiat (Nandi)	Amaranthus graecizans L	L	H	Paste applied topically	Not specified	Jeruto et al. (2008)
Anacardiaceae	Mubindabindi (Mbeere)	Lannea species	NS	T	Not reported	Prostate	Muriuki, (2011)
	Liembe	Mangifera indica L	Rt, L, SB	T	Infusion (300 ml) taken thrice daily for 7 days. Often prepared with H. madagascariensis (SB), V. lasiopus (SB) and S. campanulata (SB & Rt)	Skin, breast, throat	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Sungula	Rhus vulgaris Meikle	Rt, L, Fr	T	Pounded and boiled with C. papaya roots, taken 300 ml daily until recovery	Breast, skin, stomach	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Annonaceae	Mũtomoko (Kikuyu)	Annona cherimola Mill	Bk	T	Decoction taken	Not specified	Kamau et al. (2016)
	Not reported	Anona muricata L	Fr	T	Not reported	Breast, cervical	Gathura (2017)
	Ndonga (Mbere)	Ovariodendron anisatum Verdc	Rt	S	Decoction taken	Breast, prostate	Kareru et al. (2007)
Apocynaceae	Kelwo/Ng’wono (Marakweta)	Acokanthera oppositifolia (Lam.) Codd	Bk, Rt	S	Decoction taken. Powdered bark and roots applied topically for cancerous wounds	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2017)
	Legetetiot, Tamuryekiat (Nandi)	Carissa edulis (Forsk.) Vahl	Rt	H	Decoction	Not specified	Jeruto et al. (2008)
	Mukamuria (Meru), Mukawa (Embu, Mbeere)	Carissa spinarum L	L	S	Decoction taken	Breast	Mbuni et al. (2020) and Muriuki (2011)
	Olubinu	Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don	WP	H	Infusion (150 ml) taken or powder topically applied. Usually taken with Sesbania sesban (whole plant)	Oesophageal, stomach, throat	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Kaparar (Markweta), Mdondo	Tabernaemontana stapfiana Britten	SB, Rt	T	Powder mixed with alcohol and used topically in washing the wounds once daily for 1 month. Boiled, dried, powder burnt to soot and licked. Decoction taken	Breast	Kigen et al. (2017), Mbuni et al. (2020) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Asclepiadaceae	Sinendet (Nandi)	Periploca linearifolia Dill. & Rich	Rt	L	Milky latex decoction/exudate used	Not specified	Jeruto et al. (2008)
Asphodelaceae	Soap aloe (English)	Aloe saponaria (Synonym: A. maaculata)	NS	H	Not reported	Breast, colon, lung, liver	Gathura (2017)
Asteraceae	Chepkotiwot (Marakwet), Chepaswoi (Pokot), Ologoye (Luhya), Igwisi	Bidens pilosa L	L, Rt, St	H	Decoction drunk. Infusion (150 mL) prepared with O. sinuatum (Rt, leaves and stem) taken thrice a day for 2 weeks	Skin, throat	Mbuni et al. (2020) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Liposhe	Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E.H Walker	L	H	Infusion (150 mL) taken twice daily until recovery. Also used with A. gummifera and M. lutea stem barks	Breast, throat, squamous cell carcinoma of the gums	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Oulfuta	Galinsoga parviflora Cav	L	H	Infusion (300 mL) taken twice daily for 2 weeks. Usually taken with O. gratissimum, T. rhomboidea and S. didymobotyra leaves	Colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Mũthũnga (Kikuyu, Embu), Kipche (Nandi)	Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern) C. Jeffrey	Rt, L, St, WP	H	Decoction taken. For throat cancer, Rt prepared with R. myriocoides and T. asiatica roots. Stem chewed for the same. For breast cancer, aerial parts (L & St) are boiled and steam inhaled	Throat, breast, prostate	Kamau et al. (2016), Kareru et al. (2007), Kigen et al. (2014) and Onyancha et al. (2019)
	Ingwe, Ingoyi, Enguu	Microglossa pyrifolia (Lam.) Kuntze	L, SB, RB	S	Leaf powder taken as an infusion (4.5 g) in hot water for a month. SB infusion (150 mL) taken twice daily until recovery. Used with S. campanulata (Rt & SB), C. sumatrensis (leaves) and J. procera (SB)	Breast, skin, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Muturutwa (Meru)	Solanecio angulatus	NS	T	Not reported	Prostate	Muriuki (2011)
	Livokho	Solanecio mannii (Hook. f) C. Jeffrey	L	S	Infusion (150 mL) taken once daily. Often taken with M. pyrifolia (SB & leaves), Z. rubescens (leaves & RB), C. macrostachyus (leaves) and S. procera (leaves)	Breast, skin, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Not reported	Solanecio nandensis (S. Moore) C.Jeffrey	L, St	H	Steamed in a water bath while in a nylon paper and then topically applied on breast cancer wounds by rubbing. Used with C. serpens (SB & leaves)	Breast, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Mũthũnga (Kikuyu)	Sonchus oleraceus L	Rt, L	H	Decoction taken	Not specified	Kamau et al. (2016)
	Not reported	Vernonia adoensis	WP	S	NP	Breast, cervical, prostate	Gathura (2017)
	Mucatha (Embu, Mbeere), Shiroho	Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm	SB	S	Infusion of 30 g is taken twice daily for a week. Often used with H. madagascariensis (SB) and S. campanulata (SB & Rt)	Colorectal	Muriuki (2011) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Bignoniaceae	Omurabe, Morabe	Kigelia africana Lam. Benth	SB, L	T	Leaf powder applied topically. Infusion (300 ml) taken twice daily for 3 months	Breast, skin, uterine	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Lusiola, Shisimbali	Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K.Schum	SB	T	Infusion (150 ml) taken twice daily until recovery. Often prepared with A. gummifera (SB) and C. sumatrensis (leaves)	Colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Muthulio/Nandi flame/Mutsuria	Spathodea campanulata P Beauv. ssp.nilotica (Seem)	L, Rt, SB	T	Decoction/decoction in meat soup taken/an alcohol infusion taken, 4.5 g (1 tsp) thrice daily for 4 weeks. Sometimes used with P. africana (Rt & SB), M. pyrifolia (leaves) and H. madagascariensis (Rt & SB)	Bone, breast, cervical, colorectal, skin	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Boraginaceae	Muringa (Embu, Mbeere, Meru)	Cordia africana Lam	NS	T	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
Canellaceae	Not reported	Warburgia stuhlmannii Engl	SB	T	Not reported	Colon	Gathura (2017)
	Muthiga (Embu, Mbeere), Musunui, thurunui (Meru)	Warburgia ugandensis Sprague	Bk, Rt, L	T	Decoction taken	Prostate	Kamau et al. (2016) and Muriuki (2011)
Capparaceae	Kiare (Mbeere), Muthangira (Meru)	Boscia coriacea Pax	NS	H	Not reported	Prostrate	Muriuki (2011)
Capparidaceae	Mukarakara (Mbeere, Meru)	Capparis tomentose Lam	NS	S	Not reported	Prostrate	Muriuki (2011)
Caricaceae	Lipopayi	Carica papaya L	L, Fr, Rt	H	Milky tree juice used to wash the wound. Leaf powder topically applied daily for 7 days. Infusion taken (300 ml) thrice daily for 1.5 months. Often prepared with S. campanulata (SB & Rt), C. sumatrensis (leaves), B. micrantha (SB & roots) and Aloe spp (leaves)	Breast, cervical, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Celastraceae	Shikhalikhanga	Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes	L, Rt	S	Leaf powder mixed with root infusion (150 ml) taken once daily until recovery. Usually prepared with Z. rubescens (leaves & RB), B. micrantha (leaves & SB), S. campanulata (leaves & SB) and T. emetica (SB & Rt)	Breast, skin, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Muthuthi (Kikuyu), Muraga (Mbere, Embu)	Maytenus obscura (A. Rich)	L, Rt	S	Decoction mixed with soup drunk	Breast, prostate	Kareru et al. (2007), Kokwaro (1993), and Onyancha et al. (2019)
	Muthuthi (Kikuyu)	Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Exell	L	S	Not reported	Colon	Gathura (2017)
Combretaceae	Not reported	Combretum tanaense	R	T	Not reported	Breast	Onyancha et al. (2018)
	Kaloswet (Nandi), Muuku (Kamba)	Terminalia brownii Fresen	Bk	T	Pressed on the site, leading to production of a thick black substance	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2014)
Convolvulaceae	Ndirande/Lilande	Ipomoea cairica (L.)	L, Rt	S	Powder applied topically	Breast, skin, cervical	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Cucurbitaceae	Marenge (Embu, Mbeere, Meru), Kirenge (some Mbeere)	Curcubita maxima Duschesne	NS	H	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
	Cheserya (Marakwet) Lilande (Luhya), Libobola	Momordica foetida Schumach	L, AP	C	Crushed and mixed with water used to take a bath. Infusion (4.5 g) taken daily in tea leaves until recovery. Usually prepared with I. cairica (Rt) and S. aculeastrum (Fr & Rt)	Cervical, breast	Mbuni et al. (2020) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Cupressaceae	Muthithinda (Mbeere)	Cupressus lusitanica	NS	T	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
	Torokwo (Marakwet), Omusembe	Juniperus procera Endl	Bk, Rt, SB	T	SB made into capsules and infusion taken (1 capsule/day) for 10 days. Usually used with C. papaya (Rt & leaves), C. sumatrensis (leaves), M. pyrifolia (leaves) and C. frutescens (fruit cover)	Breast, throat, squamous carcinoma of the gum	Kigen et al. (2017) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Dracaenaceae	Kithare (Embu)	Dracaena steudneri Engl	NS	T	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
Ebernaceae	Kelelwa (Tugen)	Croton dichogamus Pax	NS	S	Not reported	Not specified	Rufford (2020)
	Kapcheptuin (Marakweta)	Euclea divinorum Hiern	Fr	T	Chewed	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2017)
Euphorbiaceae	Mukwego (Embu, Mbeere, Meru), Shikangania	Bridelia micrantha Baill. (Hochst)	L, Rt, SB	T	Powder infusion (300 mL) taken thrice daily for 3 months. Used often with P. africana (SB & Rt), S. guineense (Bk), S. campanulata (SB & Rt) and C. serpens (SB)	Cervical, breast, skin, colorectal	Muriuki (2011) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Musutsu	Croton macrostachyus Delile	L, SB	T	Powder infusion (300 mL) taken thrice daily for 2 months. Taken with Z. rubescens (RB & leaves), P. africana (Rt & SB) and H. madagascariensis (SB)	Colorectal, skin, breast	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Gikega, mukega (Mbeere), kariaria (Embu)	Euphorbia tirucalli L	NS	S	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
	Mukururu (Embu, Mbeere)	Flueggea virosa (Willd.) Voigt	Rt	T	Decoction taken	Prostate, breast	Kareru et al. (2007), Muriuki (2011), Onyancha et al. (2019)
	Mukarati	Macaranga kilimandscharica	NS	S	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
	Lusarisari	Phyllanthus fischeri Pax	L, SB	S	Infusion (150 mL) taken once daily until recovery. Used with M. pyrifolia (leaves & SB), C. macrostachyus (leaves), H. madagascariensis (SB) and S. campanulata (SB)	Breast, skin, colorectal	Kokwaro (1993) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Musasa	Shirakiopsis elliptica (Hochst.) Esser. Synonym: Sapium ellipticum (Hochst.krauss) Pax	Bk, L	T	Powder (4.5 g) infusion taken for a month. Often prepared with M. azedarach (leaves), M. pyrifolia (leaves), Z. rubescens (bark), and S. campanulata (bark)	Colorectal, oesophageal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Isambakhalu	Tragia brevipes Pax	L	S	Powder in hot water taken (900 mL) daily until recovery	Prostate, breast, leukemia	Gathura, (2017) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Fabaceae	Ndirakalu	Abrus precatorius L. sspafricanus Verdc	Rt, Sd	T	Infusion (150 mL) taken twice daily until recovery. Often prepared together with S. aculeastrum leaves and fruits	Skin	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Omubeli (Luo)	Albizia coriaria (Welw. Ex) Oliver	Bk, L	T	Poultice from leaf powder applied topically twice daily for skin cancer. Bark infusion taken (600 ml) daily for a week	Breast, skin, uterine	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Musenzeri/Mukhonzuli	Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.)	L, SB	T	Infusion (150 mL) taken twice daily until recovery. Used with M. lutea (SB) and C. sumatrensis (leaves)	Throat, skin	Dharani and Yenesew (2010) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Not reported	Albizia schimperiana	SB	T	Not reported	Not specified	Kokwaro (1976)
	Chuiya (Marakweta)	Acacia hockii De Wild	Bk, Rt	T	Decoction/ powder used	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2017)
	Not reported	Acacia mearnsii De Wild	WP	T	Not reported	Breast, cervical, prostate	Gathura (2017)
	Olunyili	Aeschynomene abyssinica (A. Rich.) Vatke	L	H	Powder applied topically at 3-day interval or infusion (75 ml) taken daily for 2 weeks. Usually boiled with leaves of T. rhomboidei and S. rhombifolia	Uterine, skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the gums	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Not reported	Cassia abbreviata Oliv	RB	T	Not reported	Breast, cervical, prostate	Gathura (2017)
	Mkithunga (Giriama)	Cassia afrofistula Brenan	Rt, B	T	Boiled and taken	Ovarian, prostate	Muniafu et al. (2014)
	Mubuti, (Embu, Mbeere), Muuti (Meru)	Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC	NS	T	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
	Maua kulanganya	Glycine wightii (wight &Arn.)	L	C	Powder applied topically. Possess high preventive ability	Breast	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Not reported	Indigofera arrecta A. Rich	L	H	Not reported	Breast, cervical, prostate	Gathura (2017)
	Not reported	Indigofera swaziensis Bolus	Rt	S	Decoction drunk	Throat	Onyancha et al. (2019)
	N’gechebchat (Nandi)	Leucas calostachys Oliv	Rt	S	Decoction with roots of T. asiatica, R. myriocoides and T. grandifolia taken	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2014)
	Mukui (Embu, Mbeere)	Newtonia buchananii	NS	T	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
	Omuvinuvinu, Luvinu	Senna didymobotrya (Fresen) Irwin & Barney	L	T	Infusion (300 ml) taken twice daily for 2 weeks. Used with leaves of O. gratissimum, G. parviflora and T. rhomboidei	Colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Omukhule, Olukhulila mbusi, Lohori	Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr	WP	S	Powder applied topically. Concoction (150 ml) taken twice a day for 3 weeks	Throat, uterine, skin	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Mkwadzu (Swahili)	Tamarindus indica L	Fr	T	Used with Pennisetum glaucum (grain)	Liver, prostate	Gathura (2017)
	Len’gnet (Nandi)	Vachelia xanthophloea	Bk	T	Pressed on the site, leading to production of a thick black substance	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2014)
Francoaceae	Kipset (Markwet)	Bersama abyssinica Fresen	Rt	T	Decoction taken	Not specified	Mbuni et al. (2020)
Hydnoraceae	Ndonga or Mutumurathi (Embu)	Hydnora abyssinica Schwein f	RZ	H	Whole RZ decoction drunk with soup	Prostate, breast	Onyancha et al. (2019)
Hypericaceae	Musila, Munamusayi	Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir	SB, Rt	T	Infusion (300 ml) taken thrice daily for 3 months. Used with Z. gilleti (SB), S. campanulata (SB & Rt), P. africana (SB) and V. lasiopus (SB)	Breast, skin, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Lamiaceae	Kwamatsai	Fuerstia africana T.C.E. Fr	L, St, Rt	S	Powder (30 g) infusion taken (75 ml) twice a day until finished. This is repeated until recovery. Powder may be applied topically	Colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Ouwali	Ocimum gratissimum L	L	H	Infusion from shade-dried leaves (300 mL) taken twice daily for 2 weeks. Used sometimes with leaves of G. parviflora, S. didymobotyra and T. rhomboidea	Colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Liavacado	Persea americana Mill	L	T	Powder (0.45 g) taken orally thrice daily until recovery or powder is licked	Prostate, breast, colorectal, skin	Muriuki (2011) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Muonyi	Salvia coccinea (L.) Murr	L	H	Infusion taken, twice daily for a month. Maybe dried indoors and powder applied topically. Often boiled with D. laxata and A. gummifera leaves	Breast, oesophageal, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Not reported	Tetradenia riparia	L	H	Not reported	Prostate	Gathura (2017)
Lauraceae	Muthaiti (Embu, Mbeere), Kivumba, Manyodo (Taita), Miseri (Chagga), Muura (Meru)	Ocotea usambarensis Engl	Bk, Rt	T	Paste applied on the swollen area or even to the swollen glands in the throat	Throat	Kokwaro (1993) and Muriuki (2011)
Loranthaceae	Mondoiwet (Sabot)	Phragmanthera ussuiensis (Oliv) M.Gilbert	Bk	S	Decoction	Not specified	Okello et al. (2010)
Malvaceae	Not reported	Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench	Fr (pods)	H	Not reported	Breast	Gathura (2017)
	Mubuu (Mbere, Embu)	Grewia villosa Willd	Rt	S	Decoction taken	Breast, prostate	Kareru et al. (2007) and Onyancha et al. (2019)
	Lusatsa	Sida cordifolia L	L	H	Powder applied until it sticks and covers the lesions; used daily until recovery, usually with W. indica leaves	Skin sarcoma	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Omukusa	Sida rhombifolia L	L	H	Powder infusion (75 ml) taken once daily for 2 weeks. Used with A. abyssinica and T. rhomboidei leaves. Maybe topically applied at 3-day intervals	Uterine, skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the gums	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Likhambi/Imbululusia (male & female)/Oluyasi	Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq	L	S	Powder infusion (300 mL) with P. abyssinica (leaves & Rt), G. parviflora (leaves), O. gratissimmu and S. didymobotyra (leaves) taken twice daily for 2 weeks. Topically applied at 3-day interval	Colorectal, uterine, squamous cell carcinoma of the gums	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Olundu lukhasi	Waltheria indica L	L	H	Powder applied until it sticks and covers the lesions; used daily until recovery, usually with S. cordifolia leaves	Skin sarcoma, uterine, breast	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Meliaceae	Kerbut (Markwet), Eshiruma	Ekebergia capensis (Fresen. A. Rich)	SB, L	T	Infusion (300 ml) taken thrice a day for a week. Decoction drunk	Breast, skin, throat	Mbuni et al. (2020) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Mwarubaine	Melia azedarach L	L	T	Powder licked or taken orally (4.5 g in 150 ml of water)	Colorectal, oesophageal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Munyama, Irojo, Musinzi	Trichilia emetica Vahl	SB, RB, L	T	Infusion (150 mL) taken once daily until recovery. Used with P. africana (SB & Rt), S. campanulata (leaves & SB), A. volkensii (leaves) and H. madagascariensis (SB)		Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Moraceae	Simotwet nebo chego (Nandi)	Ficus thonningii Blume	Bk	T	Pressed on the site, leading to production of a thick black substance	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2014)
	Mururi (Embu)	Milicia excelsa	NS	T	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
Moringaceae	Moringa (vera)	Moringa oleifera Lam	L, Sd	H	Seeds chewed; leaf decoction taken	Prostate, breast, cervical	Gathura (2017), Kamau et al. (2016) and Muriuki (2011)
Musaceae	Kiongoro kia irigu, Marigu (Embu, Mbeere, Meru)	Musa species	NS	S	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
Myrsinaceae	Kibabustanyiet (Nandi)	Maesa lanceolata Forssk	NS	S	Not reported	Breast, colon, lung, liver	Gathura (2017)
Myrtaceae	Lamaiwo (Markweta), Musiema	Syzygium guineense Wall	Rt, Bk	T	Bark powder taken with hot milk or in water with honey as an infusion with 4.5 g thrice a day for 3 weeks. Powder residues after extraction is used fir bathing. Taken with powders of P. africana (Rt & SB), S. mauritianum (bark), M. tetraphylla (bark) and S. campanulata (bark & Rt)	Skin	Kigen et al. (2017) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Oleaceae	Emtit (Nandi)	Olea africana	Bk	T	Pressed on the site, leading to production of a thick black substance	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2014)
	Omutukuyu, Mutukuyu	Olea hotch spp. Hochstetteri	St	S	Infusion (150 mL) taken thrice daily until recovery. Prepared usually with Z. gilleti (SB), H. madagascariensis (SB), S. campanulata (SB & roots) and P. africana (SB)	Skin	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Plumbaginaceae	Not reported	Plumbago zeylanica L	NS	H	Not reported	Breast, colon, liver, lung	Gathura (2017)
Poaceae	Lemon grass (English)	Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf	L, St	H	Freshly boiled stem (20 g) and leaf powder taken (300 mL) taken thrice a day for a week	Colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Pearl millet (English)	Pennisetum glaucum	Fr	T	Used with Tamarindus indica L. fruit	Liver, prostate	Gathura (2017)
	Wheat (English)	Triticum aestivum L	NS	H	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
Polygynaceae	Rakaro	Oxygonum sinuatum (Meisn.) Dammer	L, Fr, St	H	Infusion (150 mL) prepared with B. pilosa (Rt, leaves and stem) taken thrice a day for 2 weeks for breast, skin & throat cancers	Prostate, breast, skin, throat	Gathura, (2017) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Primulaceae	Mũgaita (Kikuyu)	Myrsine africana L	Bk, Fr	S	Decoction taken	Breast, colon, lung, liver	Gathura (2017) and Kamau et al. (2016)
	Kigeta, mugeta (Mbeere)	Myrsine melanophloeos	NS	T	Not reported	Prostate	Muriuki (2011)
	Not reported	Rapanea melanphloes (L.) Mez	NS	T	Not reported	Breast, colon, lung, liver	Gathura (2017)
Proteaceae	Muyundi	Macadamia tetraphylla L.A.S. Johnson	B	T	Infusion of powder (4.5 g) taken with hot milk or warm water with honey, thrice a day for 3 weeks. The residues from the extraction is used for bathing. Usually used with powder of S. guineense bark	Skin	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Rhizophoraceae	Muthaguta (Mbeere)	Cassipourea malosana (Baker) Alston	NS	S	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
Rosaceae	Mwiria (Embu), Muiri (Meru), Timonwo (Tugen), Mwilitsa	Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman	Rt, SB, Fr	T	Infusion drunk or decoction with soup drunk. Sometimes used with S. mauritianum bark	Blood, breast, skin, colorectal, prostate	Gathura (2017), Jeruto et al. (2015), Kareru et al. (2007), Mbuni et al. (2020), Muriuki (2011), Ochwang’i et al. (2014), Okello et al. (2010), Onyancha et al. (2019), Otieno and Analo (2012), Rufford (2020), Shiracko et al. (2016) and Welle (2020)
	Momonio (Markweta)	Rubus apetalus Poir	Fr	T	Chewed	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2017)
Rubiaceae	Muchunkwa (Meru), Mucungwa (Embu, Mbeere)	Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck	NS	T	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)
	Magilion (Markweta), Kopulwo (Pokot), Eshiuna	Gardenia volkensii K. Schum	Fr, Bk	S	Infusion (300 ml) taken thrice daily for 3 months	Skin, breast, uterine	Mbuni et al. (2020) and Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Olngeriantus (Maa)	Galium aparinoides Forssk	WP	H	Decoction/infusion given to cattle	Throat	Kigen et al. (2019) and Kokwaro (1993)
	Ombura	Pavetta abyssinica Fresen	L, Rt	S	Infusion (150 ml) taken daily until recovery. Often used with R. vulgaris (Rt, leaves & fruits) and T. rhomboidei leaves	Breast, skin, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Mukomari, Shekoye	Psydrax schimperiana (A. Rich)	SB	T	Infusion (30 g in 1 L of water) taken thrice daily until recovery. Applied topically on the wound	Breast	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Vikudhuli	Spermacoce princea (K. Schum.) Verdc	L, AP	S	Infusion (150 ml) taken once per day. Used with leaves of S. mannii	Breast, colorectal, skin	Ochwang’i et al. (2014) and Onyancha et al. (2018)
Rutaceae	Mukuria Hungu (Embu)	Fagaropsis angolensis (Engl.) Dale	SB	T	Decoction taken	Breast, prostate	Onyancha et al. (2018, 2019)
	Orongoriwe (Kuria), Osiro (Luo)	Harrisonia abbysinica Olive	Rt	T	Decoction taken	Breast	Onyancha et al. (2018) and Schmelzer et al. (2010)
	Ketemwo (Tugen), Ketemwet (Nandi)	Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam	Rt	S	Decoction taken. Sometimes used with roots of R. myriocoides, L. calostachys, and T. grandifolia. For throat cancer, Rt prepared with R. myriocoides and L. cornuta roots	Throat	Kigen et al. (2014) and Rufford (2020)
	Oloisuki (Maasai)	Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl	SB	T	Not reported	Not specified	Omosa et al. (2019)
	Shihumba, Shikuma	Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild.) P.G. Waterman	SB	T	Powder infusion (150 ml) taken thrice daily for 3 months. Maybe also be applied topically. Prepared with P. africana (SB), H. madagascariensis (SB), O. capensis (SB) and S. campanulata (SB & Rt)	Skin	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Not reported	Zanthoxylum paracanthum Kokwaro	St, Rt	T	Not reported	Not specified	Kaigongi et al. (2020)
	Shikhuma, Shigulutsu, Shughoma	Zanthoxylum rubescens Hook. f	L, SB, Rt	T	Infusion taken. Often prepared with S. campanulata (SB), A. erasifera stem bark, S. ellipticum (Bk & leaves) and M. pyrifolia leaves	Breast, skin, colorectal, oesophageal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Salicaceae	Chepkererlong	Trimeria grandifolia (Hochst.) Warb	Rt	S	Decoction with roots of R. myricoides T. asiatica, and L. calostachys taken	Not specified	Kigen et al. (2014)
Santalaceae	Mutero (Mbeere), Muchai (Meru)	Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steudel	NS	T	Not reported	Prostate	Muriuki (2011)
Sapotaceae	Mukurumuru, Tsikhulumuru	Synsepalum cerasiferum. Synonym: Afrosersalisia cerasifera (Welw.) Aubrev	SB	T	Infusion taken for 1 month. Used with S. campanulata (SB), S. ellipticum (SB & Rt) and M. pyrifolia (leaves)	Colorectal, oesophageal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Solanaceae	Pilipili (Kiswahili)	Capsicum frutescens L	Fr cover	H	Powder made into capsules and infusion taken. Sometimes prepared with S. campanulata (Stem bark), M. pyrifolia leaves, J. procera (SB) and C. papaya (leaves & Rt)	Breast, throat, squamous cell carcinoma	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Indalandalua	Solanum aculeastrum Dunal	Fr, Rt	S	Infusion (300 mL) with A. precatorius roots taken thrice daily for 1.5 months	Skin, breast, cervical	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Mutongu, ndongu (Embu, Mbeere)	Solanum incanum	NS	S	Not reported	Prostate	Muriuki (2011)
	Lifuye, Liavuya	Solanum mauritianum Scop	Bk	S	Powder infusion (1500–300 mL) taken thrice daily for 10 days to 1.5 months, usually after meals for appetence. Used with P. africana (SB & Rt)	Colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Murumbae (Kikuyu)	Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal	NS	S	Not reported	Breast, prostate	Gathura (2017)
Verbenaceae	Munjugairia (Kikuyu), Ketbaiyat	Rotheca myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke	Rt	S	Decoction taken. Sometimes used with roots of T. asiatica, L. calostachys, and T. grandifolia. For throat cancer, Rt prepared with T. asiatica and L. cornuta roots	Prostate, throat	Kamau et al. (2016) and Kigen et al. (2014)
	Muburu (Mbere), Mubiru (Embu)	Vitex doniana Sweet	L	T	Decoction taken	Breast, prostate	Kareru et al. (2007) and Onyancha et al. (2019)
Vitaceae	Mukoyegoye	Cyphostemma adenocaule (Steud.) Desc	L, RB	H	Infusion (150 mL) taken once daily until recovery. Used with P. fischeri (leaves & SB), H. africana (leaves and Rt), leaves of S. princea and S. mannii	Skin, breast, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
	Lithunzune, Maombola	Cyphostemma serpens (A. Rich)	L, RB, SB	H	Leaf powder infusion or in porridge taken, thrice daily for 3 weeks. Powder in nylon paper bag is steamed in water and applied topically by rubbing on the wounds	Skin, breast, colorectal	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Urticaceae	Thabai (Kikuyu), Elaila	Urtica massaica Mildbr	L	H	Powder of leaves dried indoors applied topically on lesions (of mainly skin cancer)	Skin, breast, uterine	Ochwang’i et al. (2014)
Zygophyllaceae	Chaparral	Larrea tridentate	NS	H	Not reported	Not specified	Muriuki (2011)

AP, aerial parts; Bk, bark; Blb, bulb; Fr, fruit; L, leaf; Rt, root; RZ, rhizome; Sd, seed; St, stem; WP, whole plant; NS, not specified; H, herb; T, tree; S, shrub

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