Table 2 Plants used in blood purification, cleansing, detoxification or strengthening in East Africa and their reported bioactivities
Plant family | Botanical name | Local name | Part used (preparation method) | Ethnobotanical uses (Ailments treated) | Reported bioactivities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alliaceae | Allium sativum L | Katunguluccumu (Luganda) | Bulb (chew & swallow) | Reduce heartbeat, blood cleanser, bad breath, stomach ache, constipation, swollen rib cage, snakebites (Tugume et al. 2016) | Antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and antihyperlipidaemic activities (Omara et al. 2020; Kaur et al. 2016), antiplatelet aggregation, cardioprotective and antiatherosclerotic effects (Sobenin et al. 2019; Silagy and Neil 1994; Bordia et al. 1996) |
Aloeaceae | Aloe tweediae Christian | Cheretwo (Markweta) | Leaves (Sap used) | Peptic ulcers, blood cleanser, infertility, arthritis, respiratory disorders, allergies, obesity, wounds (Kigen et al. 2017) | No relevant investigation |
Aloaceae | Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f | Rukaka | Leaves (Not specified) | Malaria, blood cleanser, allergy, typhoid, yellow fever, stomach ache, worms (Gumisiriza et al. 2019) | Antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, hypoglycaemic, anticancer, immunomodulatory and gastroprotective properties (Mukherjee et al. 2014) |
Amaranthaceae | Amaranthus graeciazans | Rwoga/terere (Embu, Mbeere, Meru) | Not specified | Blood purifier, immunity booster, increase blood, AIDS, diabetes (Muriuki 2011) | Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and protease inhibition activities (Ishtiaq et al. 2017) |
Amaranthaceae | Amaranthus retroflexus L | Tsimboka | Leaves (Not specified) | Blood purifier, brain health, constipation, wound healing (Advertiser 2020) | Antioxidant, antimicrobial activities (Pacifico et al. 2008; Poiată et al. 2016; Marinaş et al. 2014; Terzieva et al. 2019) |
Amaranthaceae | Beta vulgaris L | Beetroot (English), no local name | Bulb (Eaten/prepared juice from it is drunk) | Purifying blood and liver (Beetroot in Uganda 2019) | Cytotoxicity (Kapadia et al. 2011), cardioprotective, antihypertensive and renoprotective properties (Mirmiran et al. 2020) |
Anacardiaceae | Lannea schweinfurthii Engl | Mubindabindi (Mbeere), Mumbu (Swahili) | Leaves (Not specified) | Allergies, arthritis, back/bone joints problems, blood purifier, blood tonic, cough/colds/flu, diabetes, dislocation, gouts, joints, liver, pneumonia, prostate cancer (Muriuki 2011; Posthouwer 2015) | Antiviral, antigiardial, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antiapoptotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic properties (Maroyi 2019) |
Apiaceae | Centella asiatica | Mbutamu/ Kutukumu/Kabo Kabakyala (Luganda) | Whole plant (Decoction taken) | Blood purifier, leprosy, psoriasis, respiratory infections, ulcers, colds, eczema, hepatitis, epilepsy, fatigue, fevers, asthma and syphilis among others (Komakech 2017) | Hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antioxidant, antidepressant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory, antimycotic, sedative and anxiolytic properties (Das 2011) |
Asteraceae | Artemisia annua L | Artemesia (English) | Leaves (ingested with rock salt) | Cancer, cough, indigestion, blood cleanser, malaria/fever (Anywar et al. 2020) | Antimalarial, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities (Sadiq et al. 2014) |
Asteraceae | Echinacea angustifolia DC | Echinacea | Roots, leaves (Decoction, taken) | Used for infections, e.g. cough, sinuses and a blood cleanser (Anywar et al. 2020) | Immunomodulatory, antitumour and anti-inflammatory activities (Barnes et al. 2005; Tragni et al. 1988; Voaden and Jacobson 1972) |
Asteraceae | Senecio hadiensis Forsk | Chepchirmitit (Marakwet) | Stem, roots, leaves (Decoction) | Myalgia, kidney disease, blood cleanser, soap (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antitumor activity (Orabi 2009) |
Asteraceae | Vernonia myriantha | Tebengwo (Tugen) | Not specified | Colic pain, blood purification (Rufford 2020) | Antibacterial activity (Nigussie et al. 2020) |
Basellaceae | Basella alba L | Kiraita (Markweta) | Leaves (Decoction) | Abdominal upsets, joint pains, lumbago, anaemia, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory activities (Deshmukh and Gaikwad 2014; Kumar et al. 2013) |
Bignoniaceae | Kigelia africana Lam | Mwegea (Swahili) | Roots, leaves, bark, fruits (Decoction taken) | Gonorrhoea, syphilis, drug addiction, jaundice, madness, cataract, blood cleanser, increase blood, high blood pressure, measles and postpartum bleeding (Posthouwer 2015; Loice 2018) | Antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities (Nabatanzi et al. 2020) |
Brassicaceae | Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton | Kibira, N’giyondo kop Elijah (Marakwet) | Leaves (Decoction) | Peptic ulcers, anaemia, allergies, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | Immunomodulatory, hypolipemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and cardioprotective effects (Klimek-Szczykutowicz et al. 2018) |
Cactaceae | Opuntia monacantha Haw | Makatar (Marakwet) | Roots, leaves, fruits (Boiled or burnt to soot; fruits chewed) | Oral candidiasis, diabetes, pancreatitis, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antidiabetic, antiradical and hepatoprotective activities (Yang et al. 2008; Saleem et al. 2015; Valente et al. 2010) |
Cannabaceae | Cannabis sativa L | Njagga (Luganda), jai (Lango) | Leaves (Decoction taken, maybe taken in tea or milk) | Treat tuberculosis, cancer, pain, blood cleanser, asthma, diarrhoea (Anywar et al. 2020) | Antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, analgesic, renoprotective, antioxidant, myorelaxant activities (Lim et al. 2021) |
Capparaceae | Boscia coriacea | Kiare (Mbeere), Muthangira (Meru) | Not specified | Dental problems, blood detoxifier, eye problems, meat appetite, pneumonia, prostate cancer, tonsillitis (Muriuki 2011) | Antifungal activity (Kiswii et al. 2014) |
Capparaceae | Capparis tomentosa Lam | Mukolokombi (Luganda), Agodaman (Lango) | Roots (Decoction) | Blood cleanser, diarrhoea, pain (Anywar et al. 2020) | Antiplasmodial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities (Gebrehiwot and Chaithanya 2020) |
Capparidaceae | Cleome gynandra L | Sakiat (Marakwet) | Leaves and roots (Chewed, or decoction taken) | Colic pain in infants, ear infection, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory and antidiabetic activities (Moyo et al. 2018; Mishra et al. 2011) |
Capparidaceae | Maerua subcordata (Gig.) DeWolf | Chepan’yiny (Marakwet) | Roots (Chewed) | Colic pain in adults, anorexia, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antifungal activity (Tegegne and Pretorius 2007) |
Celastaceae | Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Exell | Jirgelwo (Marakwet) | Bark, roots (Decoction) | Lumbago, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activities (Silva et al. 2011; Umar et al. 2019; Nabende et al. 2014) |
Chenopodiaceae | Chenopodium album L | Montrichot (Markweta) | Whole plant (Boiled & eaten as a vegetable) | Abdominal upsets in infants, blood detoxifier in pregnancy (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antimicrobial, antipruritic, antinociceptive (Poonia and Upadhayay 2015), anti-arthritic (Arora et al. 2014), spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antinociceptive, analgesic, anticancer activities (Karwani and Sisodia 2015) |
Chrysobalanacea | Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth | Mnazi (Haya), Naji (Sukuma) | Root bark (Decoction) | Threatened abortion, malaria, as a blood tonic and cardiac stimulant (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk 1962) | Antibacterial, antimycobacterial, haemolytic (Karou et al. 2011; Bhunu et al. 2017), antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, anti-hyperlipidaemic, hepatoprotective, anti-antivenom and cardioprotective activities (Ogbonnia et al. 2008; Olaleye et al. 2014; Josiah et al. 2020; Halilu et al. 2020; Manuwa et al. 2017) |
Convolvulaceae | Cuscuta L./Dodder species | Kabula kikolo (Luganda) | Leaves (Powder mixed with honey, water and taken) | Baldness, gonorrhoea, stomach ache, blood purifier, liver cirrhosis, libido, sperm quality (Quick Herbal Remedies Uganda 2018) | Hepatoprotective activity (Yen et al. 2008) |
Convolvulaceae | Ipomoea lapidosa Wilhelm Vatke | Ndaria (Marakwet) | Twigs, roots, leaves (Decoction taken) | Ocular disorders, toothache, paraesthesia, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | No relevant investigation |
Crassulaceae | Kalanchoe lanceolata (Forssk.) Pers | Kipchebes (Marakwet) | Flowers (Burnt to soot and used) | Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | No relevant investigation |
Cucurbitaceae | Citrullus lanatus | Watermelon (English) | Fruits (Not specified) | Blood cleanser (Muriuki 2011) | Antioxidant, antiproliferative, cardioprotective, antihyperglycaemic, anti-inflammatory activities (Zamuz et al. 2021) |
Momordica foetida Schumach | Ebombo | Flowers (Decoction taken) | Cleansing stomach and blood vessels (Asiimwe et al. 2021) | Antioxidant (Acquaviva et al. 2013), antidiabetic (Venter et al. 2008), antimicrobial (Odeleye et al. 2009) activities | |
Dioscoreaceae | Dioscorea bulbifera L | Kamahunyu | Bulb (Eaten) | Blood cleanser (Anywar et al. 2020) | Anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, analgesic, antioxidant, antidyslipidemic and neuroprotective activities (Galani and Patel 2017; Kundu et al. 2021) |
Dioscoreaceae | Dioscorea minutifolia Engl | Rukwa rwa ngoma/ mbiti (Embu) | Not specified | Blood cleanser, viral diseases, rheumatism (Muriuki 2011) | No relevant investigation |
Ebernaceae | Euclea divinorum Hiern | Kapcheptuin (Marakwet) | Fruits | Chewed. Abdominal upsets, skin disorders, blood cleanser, invigorant, prophylaxis of cancer and respiratory disorders (Kigen et al. 2017) | Cytotoxic (Mebe et al. 1998) and antimicrobial activities (Ngari et al. 2013; Nyambe 2014; Mbabazi et al. 2020) |
Euphorbiaceae | Croton macrostachyus Hochst. Ex Delile | Mutuntu | Leaves, roots, stem bark (Not specified) | Wounds, cough, cleansing digestive and blood circulation system (Odongo 2013) | Antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antidiarrhoeal, sedative, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective and antiplasmodial activities (Maroyi 2017; Tafere et al. 2020) |
Euphorbiaceae | Ricinus communis L | Kiariki, Mbariki, Mubariki, Mucariki (Embu, Mbeere), Mwariki (Meru) | Roots, seeds (Not specified) | Bites, blood cleanser, burns, constipation, cough, detoxifier, family planning, hard stool, indigestion, wounds, libido (Muriuki 2011) | Antioxidant, analgesic, bone regeneration, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities (Marwat et al. 2017) |
Fabaceae | Acacia hockii De Wild | Akaasana (Luganda), Okuto atino (Lango) | Bark (Decoction) | HIV symptoms, anaemia, blood cleanser, cough (Anywar et al. 2020) | Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antioxidant and antipyretic activities (Kamau et al. 2016a, 2016b; Zaruwa et al. 2020; Guchu et al. 2020) |
Fabaceae | Acacia seyal (L.) Willd | Naibeere (Lusoga) | Leaves, branches, fruits (Decoction) | Fever, blood tonic, skin infections, diarrhoea, fatigue (Anywar et al. 2020) | Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities (Elmi et al. 2020; Zingue et al. 2018; Elnour et al. 2018) |
Fabaceae | Delonix elata (L.) Gamble | Mwarange | Not specified | Blood purifier (Muriuki 2011) | Antioxidant, antibacterial, wound-healing, prophylactic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, anti-hyperlipidaemic, activities (Chitra 2011; Ravindra and Priyanka 2018; Krishnappa et al. 2016) |
Fabaceae | Entada abyssinica A. Rich | Mwolola (Luganda, Lusoga) | Branches, leaves (Decoction) | Syphilis, blood tonic, fever, chest and abdominal pain, fatigue, anaemia, ulcers, skin ulcers/lesions (Anywar et al. 2020) | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitrypanosomal and anticancer activities (Teke et al. 2011; Sempombe et al. 2014; Olajide et al. 2005; Kuete et al. 2013) |
Fabaceae | Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC | Omurembe | Bark, roots (Decoction taken) | Body swellings, chest problems, blood cleanser (Odongo et al. 2018) | Antioxidant, antiviral, antimycobacterial, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antianaemic, antibacterial and antifungal activities (Obakiro et al. 2021) |
Fabaceae | Indigofera swaziensis Bolus | Amaari (Iraqw) | Roots (Decoction) | Relieve general body pains, purify blood and give the body a stimulating effect (Kokwaro 1993) | No relevant investigation |
Fabaceae | Vachellia seyal (Delile) P.J.H. Hurter | Len’gnet (Marakwet) | Bark (Decoction) | Blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | No relevant investigation |
Flacourtiaceae | Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich) Warb | Mindililwo (Marakwet) | Bark, roots, fruits (Decoction, dried and powdered, fruits chewed) | Seizures (epilepsy), muscle pains, joint pains, invigorant, blood cleanser, skin rashes (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-trypanosomal activities (Legesse et al. 2019; Tadesse et al. 2015; Geyid et al. 2005) |
Hypericaceae | Vismia orientalis Engl | Mpera, Mguwe (Digo) | Roots (Decoction) | Pimples, acne, smallpox, chickenpox or primary syphilis. It strengthens the blood (Kokwaro 1993) | Antiprotozoal activity (Mbwambo et al. 2004) |
Labiatae | Leonotis mollissima Guerke | Olbibi | Leaves (Infusion or decoction taken) | Antiseptic, skin rashes, blood purifier (Kigen et al. 2019) | Antimicrobial (Kinuthia 2019) and antiplasmodial (Waiganjo et al. 2020) activities |
Lamiaceae | Ocimum gratissimum L | Omujaja (Luganda) | Leaves (Taken as tea) | Blood cleanser, boots appetite, hypertension and prevents insomnia (Vision 2010) | Anticonvulsant, sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant-like antifungal, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer activity, antibacterial, antidiarrhoeal and antioxidant activities (Priyanka et al. 2018; Nassazi et al. 2020) |
Lauraceae | Persia americana Mill | Avocado (English), Ovakedo (Luganda) | Leaves, fruits (Decoction or eaten with food) | Amoebiasis, blood purifier, cancer, cough, immune booster, increase blood, malaria, prostate cancer, rheumatism, ulcers, anaemia, blood tonic, respiratory infections, herpes zoster (Anywar et al. 2020; Muriuki 2011) | Immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, anticonvulsant, vasorelaxant, antisickling and antioxidant activities (Bittencourt et al. 2020; Iweala et al. 2009; Yasir et al. 2010) |
Lythraceae | Rotala tenella (Guill and Per) Hiern | Chepkitiot/Kitonde (Marakwet) | Whole plant (Boiled or consumed raw) | Blood cleanser, lumbago, obesity, cerebrovascular disorders, hyperlipidaemia (Kigen et al. 2017) | No relevant investigation |
Malvaceae | Adansonia digitata L | Dakaumo, gendar-yandi | Leaves (Not specified) | Inflammation, kidney and bladder diseases, blood cleaning, diarrhoea, asthma (Hines and Eckman 1993) | Antimicrobial, antisickling, analgesic, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiviral, hepatoprotective, anticancer and antipyretic properties (Sundarambal et al. 2015) |
Malvaceae | Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern | Mask mallow (English) | Fresh leaves (Decoction mixed with salt) | Blood purifier (blood tonic), increase blood in the body (UgMed 2020) | Antibacterial and antioxidant activities (Lyu et al. 2020) |
Meliaceae | Azadirachta indica A. Juss | Muarubaini (Kamba), Mwarobaini (Mbeere, Meru) | Leaves (Not specified) | Amoebiasis, blood purifier, brucellosis, cough, dental problems, diabetes, hypertension, wounds, inappetence, malaria, typhoid (Muriuki 2011; Waiganjo 2013) | Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, hepatoprotective, anticancer, immunomodulatory and antipyretic properties (Singh et al. 2020; Islas et al. 2020) |
Meliaceae | Ekebergia capensis Sparrm | Not reported | Roots (Decoction/pounding) | Blood cleanser, fever, diarrhoea, skin infections, malaria (Anywar et al. 2020) | Antiplasmodial activity (Koch et al. 2005; Clarkson et al. 2004) |
Meliaceae | Melia azedarach L | Mwarubaine | Leaves, bark, roots (Decoction taken orally/applied topically) | Malaria, blood cleanser, skin diseases, stomach and headaches (Odongo et al. 2018) | Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, hepatoprotective and antipyretic properties (Singh et al. 2020) |
Moringaceae | Moringa oleifera Lam | Moringa (English) | Leaves, roots, bark, seeds (Chewed/make juices-infusion) | Cleansing blood and liver, treating AIDS, amoebiasis, asthma, blood cleanser, blood purifier, cancer, detoxifier, fibroids, general body health, malaria, rheumatism, stomach disorders, typhoid (Muriuki 2011; Wamai 2019) | Anticancer, antihypertensive, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, bronchodilatory activity, immunomodulatory, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory activities (Fidrianny et al. 2021; Vergara-Jimenez et al. 2017) |
Myrtaceae | Syzygium cordatum | Muriru | Leaves (Infusion taken) | Blood cleanser, tea (Kathambi et al. 2020) | Antibacterial, antifungal, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant, antidiabetic activities (Maroyi 2018) |
Oleaceae | Olea capensis L OR Olea europaea (Olive) | Masat (Marakwet) | Bark (Decoction/pounding dry material) | Dewormer, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, antioxidant, antihypertensive and cardioprotective activities (Hashmi et al. 2015) |
Phyllanthaceae | Antidesma venosum E.Mey. ex Tul | Muthithia, Mwithethuko (Embu) | Not specified | Amoebiasis, back/joint/bone problems, blood purifier, cough/colds/flu, diabetes, immune booster, low libido, malaria, pneumonia, rheumatism, stomach disorders, tonsillitis (Muriuki 2011) | Anti-inflammatory (Fawole et al. 2009), antimicrobial and antioxidant activities (Gitu 2009) |
Phyllanthaceae | Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill | Mukwego (Embu, Mbeere, Meru), Mukoigo (Embu) | Bark, leaves (Not specified) | Blood purifier, brucellosis, cancer, hypertension, increase blood, malaria, typhoid (Muriuki 2011) | Anti-diarrhoeal (Lin et al. 2002) and anti-oxidant (Nwaehujor and Udeh 2011) activities, anticonvulsant and sedative effects (Bum et al. 2012) |
Poaceae | Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf | Kisubi (Luganda), Lum cai (Lango) | Leaves (Not specified) | Blood cleanser (Anywar et al. 2020) | Antimalarial and antitumor activity (Omara et al. 2020; Tchoumbougnang et al. 2005) |
Poaceae | Yushania alpine (K.Schum) W. C. Lin | Tegaa (Marakwet) | Stem (powdered) | Oedema, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | No relevant investigation |
Primulaceae | Myrsine melanophloeos (L.) Mez | Kigeta/mugeta (Mbeere) | Seeds (Not specified) | After-birth pains, amoebiasis, back/bone/joints pains, blood purifier, constipation, diarrhoea, kidney disorders, inappetence, malaria, prostate cancer, skin diseases, stomach disorders, typhoid (Muriuki 2011) | No relevant investigation |
Rhamnaceae | Rhamnus priniodes L’Hér | Mukithia (Embu), Mugorona (Meru) | Roots (Not specified) | Allergies, amoebiasis, back/joint/bone problems, blood cleanser, dental problems, general body health, inappetence, malaria, pneumonia, stomach disorders, typhoid (Muriuki 2011) | Antimalarial, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, antibacterial, antimycobacterial (Nigussie et al. 2021) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition (Crowch and Okello 2009) activities |
Rosaceae | Prunus africana (Hook.F.) Kalkm | Mwiria (Embu), Muiri (Meru) | Bark, leaves (Decoction) | Amoebiasis, arthritis, blood cancer, blood cleanser, brucellosis, cancer, diabetes, diarrhoea, epilepsy, hypertension, increase blood, indigestion, inappetence, malaria, meat allergy, pneumonia, prostrate problems, typhoid (Kathambi et al. 2020; Muriuki 2011; Kamau et al. 2016c) | Antimicrobial, antiandrogenic, antiangiogenic, analgesic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antifungal and antimalarial activities (Omara et al. 2020; Clarkson et al. 2004; Mwitari et al. 2013; Mutuma et al. 2020) |
Rosaceae | Rubus apetalus Poir | Momonio (Marakwet) | Fruits (Eaten) | Blood cleanser, malnutrition, prophylaxis of cancer (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidaemic and antiatherogenic activities (Raghavendra et al. 2019) |
Rutaceae | Citrus limon | Mutimu (Embu, Mbeere) Ndimu, Murimu (Embu) | Fruits (Not specified) | Asthma, back/joint/bone problems, blood cleanser, chest congestions, cough, lack of appetite, malaria, rheumatism, typhoid (Muriuki 2011) | Hepatoregenerating, anti-obesity, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-allergic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities (Klimek-Szczykutowicz et al. 2020) |
Rutaceae | Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth | Chebunoiwo (Marakwet) | Bark (Decoction) | Emetic, blood cleanser (Kigen et al. 2017) | Antidiabetic (Ojewole 2002), antibacterial, cytotoxic (Tatsimo et al. 2015), anticonvulsant (Makanju 1983; Kenechukwu et al. 2012), antifungal (Hamza and van den Bout-van den Beukel CPJ, Matee MIN, Moshi MJ, Mikx FHM, Selemani HO, Mbwambo ZH, Van der Ven AJAM, Verweij PE, 2006), antihypertensive (Duncan et al. 1999), anti-inflammatory (Adebayo et al. 2015), antimalarial, analgesic (Okokon et al. 2012), antimicrobial (Senthilkumar and Venkatesalu 2009; Osei-Safo et al. 2010; Agyepong et al. 2014; Christensen et al. 2015; Lawal et al. 2015a) and anti-oxidant activities (Lawal et al. 2015b) |
Rutaceae | Harrisonia abyssinica Olive | Mutagataga (Embu) | Not specified | Blood purifier, malaria (Muriuki 2011) | Antimalarial (Oduor 2016) antimicrobial, antioxidant (Kilonzo and Munisi 2021; Madivoli et al. 2018), antipyretic (Nthiga et al. 2016) activities |
Rutaceae | Vepris nobilis (Delile) Mziray | Kuryot (Marakwet) | Bark, roots (Decoction) | Arthritis, backache, blood cleanser, invigorant, immunostimulant (Kigen et al. 2017) | Analgesic, antipyretic, antimalarial, antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-caseinolytic, anti-leishmanial and anti-trypanosomal activities (Omujal 2020) |
Santalaceae | Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steudel | Mutero (Mbeere), Muchai (Meru) | Roots (Not specified) | AIDS, allergies, blood purifier, malaria, pneumonia, prostate cancer, rheumatism, stomach disorders (Muriuki 2011) | Antimicrobial (Ooko 2014), antioxidant (Ochanga and Kilonzo 2018) activities |
Solanaceae | Solanum anguivi Hook | Katunkuma (Luganda) | Fruits (Steam and eat as a vegetable) | Treat measles, hypertension, weakness during sickness and as a blood cleanser (Tugume et al. 2016) | Antioxidant (Abbe et al. 2019; Elekofehinti et al. 2013), antidiabetic (Nakitto et al. 2021), antihyperlipidaemic, antiperoxidative and hypoglycaemic effects (Molehin et al. 2020) |
Solanaceae | Solanum nigrum | Managu/ Lisutsa | Not specified | Asthma, bronchitis, earache, stomach cramp, jaundice. For blood purification (Advertiser 2020) | Immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anticancer, anti-seizure and cardioprotective activities (Chauhan et al. 2012) |
Solanaceae | Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal | Olesayiet | Root bark (Not specified) | Blood tonic and rejuvenator, back and joint aches, galactagogue and for appetite (Kimondo et al. 2015) | Antimicrobial, anti-tumour, cardioprotective immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-convulsant and anti-inflammatory effects (Kalra and Kaushik 2017) |
Urticaceae | Urtica massaica Mildbr | Thabai (Kikuyu) | Not specified | Arthritis, blood purifier, diabetes, energy booster, wounds, heartburns, hypertension, inappetence, low libido, pneumonia (Muriuki 2011) | Antimicrobial activity (Kipruto et al. 2019) and aphrodisiac effects (Oloro et al. 2016) |
Verbenaceae | Lantana trifolia L | Kayukiyuki (Luganda, Lusoga) | Leaves, flowers (Not specified) | All HVIV/AIDS symptoms, blood cleanser, cough, ear infections (Anywar et al. 2020) | Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects (Uzcátegui et al. 2004) |
Xanthor rhoeaceae | Aloe species | Kibiricha, Kirunja, Murucha, Sukurui (Meru), Eshikaha | Leaves (sap), roots (Decoction taken) | Allergies, amoebiasis, athlete’s foot, blood purifier, detoxifier, diabetes, goitre, HIV/AIDS, wounds, malaria, muscle crumps, pneumonia, prostate cancer, skin diseases, typhoid, ulcers, diabetes, blood cleanser (Muriuki 2011; Odongo et al. 2018; Dharani and Yenesew 2010) | Various bioactivities reported in this genus, some of which are relevant to blood purification |