Medicinal plants traditionally used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Uganda

*Article not assigned to an issue yet

, ,


Research Articles | Published:

E-ISSN: 2229-4473.
Website: www.vegetosindia.org
Pub Email: contact@vegetosindia.org
DOI: 10.1007/s42535-025-01193-2
First Page: 0
Last Page: 0
Views: 571

Keywords: Arthritis, Rheumatic fever, Inflammation, Herbs, Joint pain, Medicinal plants


Abstract


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects people of all ages thereby causing chronic inflammation of joints and other areas of the body. As the diseases progresses, the joints become damaged leading to deformity. The precise cause of RA is still unknown. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plant species used in treatment of RA. A cross-sectional ethnobotanical study was conducted in Nyendo division, Masaka district, in central Uganda. Data were collected from 108 respondents between January and February 2019 using semi-structured questionnaires. The respondents included 17 traditional medicine practitioners and 83 non-specialists. We documented 40 plant species, mostly herbs (57%) for managing RA. Most of the plant species are semi-wild (38.5%) and the leaves were the most commonly used plant parts (39%). The highest Informants Consensus Factor (FIC) were for chest pain (1.0), eye diseases (0.75), rheumatic fever (0.59), joint inflammation (0.56) and joint pains. The Fidelity Level indicated that Drymaria cordata and Symphytum officinale were highly multipurpose species. The frequent use of multicomponent recipes could be attributed to the belief in their synergistic interactions. It is believed that the poly-herbal prescriptions contain a range of active compounds. The residents of Masaka largely depend on different medicinal plants species in the management or treatment of RA.

Arthritis, Rheumatic fever, Inflammation, Herbs, Joint pain, Medicinal plants


References


Adebayo SA, Dzoyem JP, Shai LJ, Eloff JN (2015) The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of 25 plant species used traditionally to treat pain in southern African. BMC Complement Altern Med 15:1–10


Adelowo O, Mody GM, Tikly M, Oyoo O, Slimani S (2021) Rheumatic diseases in Africa. Nat Rev Rheumatol 17(6):363–374


Adeyemi OO, Akindele AJ, Nwaubani N (2008) Anti-inflammatory activity of Drymaria cordata extract. J Nat Rem 8(1):93


Adia MM, Anywar G, Byamukama R, Kamatenesi-Mugisha M, Sekagya Y, Kakudidi EK, Kiremire BT (2014) Medicinal plants used in malaria treatment by Prometra herbalists in Uganda. J Ethnopharmacol 155(1):580–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.060


Adtani P, Malathi N (2015) Epstein-Barr virus and its association with rheumatoid arthritis and oral lichen planus. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol: JOMFP 19(3):282


Agatemor U, Nwodo O, Anosike C (2015) Anti-inflammatory activity of Cucumis sativus L. Br J Pharm Res 8(2):1–8


Akindele AJ, Ibe IF, Adeyemi OO (2012) Analgesic and antipyretic activities of Drymaria cordata (Linn.) Willd (Caryophyllaceae) extract. Afr J Trad Complement Altern Med 9(1):25–35


Alexiades MN, Sheldon JW (1996) Selected guidelines for ethnobotanical research: a field manual. New York Botanical Garden, New York


Alkhalaf MI, Alansari WS, Ibrahim EA, ELhalwagy MEA (2019) Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of avocado (Persea americana) fruit and seed extract. J King Saud Univ – Sci 31(4):1358–1362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2018.10.010


Almoallim H, Al Saleh J, Badsha H, Ahmed HM, Habjoka S, Menassa JA, El-Garf A (2021) A review of the prevalence and unmet needs in the management of rheumatoid arthritis in Africa and the Middle East. Rheumatol Ther 8:1–16


Almutairi K, Nossent J, Preen D, Keen H, Inderjeeth C (2021) The global prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis based on a systematic review. Rheumatol Int 41(5):863–877


Al-Nahain A, Jahan R, Rahmatullah M (2014) Zingiber officinale: a potential plant against rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/159089


Anywar G, Vant Klooster CI, Byamukama R, Willcox M, Nalumansi PA, Jong JD, Rwaburindori P, Kiremire B (2016) Medicinal plants used in the treatment and prevention of malaria in Cegere Sub-County, Northern Uganda. Ethnobot Res Appl. https://doi.org/10.17348/era.14.0.505-516


Anywar G, Kakudidi E, Byamukama R, Mukonzo J, Schubert A, Oryem-Origa H (2020) Indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by herbalists in treating opportunistic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. J Ethnopharmacol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112205


Arya V, Gupta VK, Kaur R (2011) A review on plants having anti-arthritic potential. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res 7(2):131–136


Awad AB, Toczek J, Fink CS (2004) Phytosterols decrease prostaglandin release in cultured P388D1/MAB macrophages. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 70(6):511–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plefa.2003.11.005


Bafna PS, Patil PH, Maru SK, Mutha RE (2021) Cissus quadrangularis L: a comprehensive multidisciplinary review. J Ethnopharmacol 279:114355


Barua CC, Roy JD, Buragohain B, Barua AG, Borah P, Lahkar M (2009). Anxiolytic effect of hydroethanolic extract of Drymaria cordata L Willd 47(12):969–973


Barua CC, Talukdar A, Barua AG, Chakraborty A, Sarma RK, Bora RS (2010) Evaluation of the wound healing activity of methanolic extract of Azadirachta Indica (Neem) and Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) in rats. Pharmacologyonline 1:70–77


Barua CC, Roy JD, Buragohain B, Barua AG, Borah P, Lahkar M (2011) Analgesic and anti-nociceptive activity of hydroethanolic extract of Drymaria cordata Willd. Indian J Pharmacol 43(2):121


Baruah CC, Pal SK, Baruah AG, Roy JD, Buragohain B, Bora RS, Lahon LC (2009) Analgesic activity of methanolic extract of Drymaria cordata Willd Cayophyllaceae. Pharmacologyonline 2:470–476


Bhaludra CSS, Bethapudi RR, Murugulla AC, Pullagummi C, Latha T, Venkatesh K, Bheemagani AJ, Pudutha A, Rani AR (2013) Cultivation, phytochemical studies, biological activities and medicinal uses of Aloe ferox, grandfather of aloes an important amazing medicinal plant. Int J Pharmacol 9:405–415


Bhat P, Radhakrishnan J (2008) B lymphocytes and lupus nephritis: new insights into pathogenesis and targeted therapies. Kidney Int 73(3):261–268


Bongomin F, Natukunda B, Sekimpi M, Olum R, Baluku JB, Makhoba A, Kaddumukasa M (2021) High prevalence of depressive symptoms among Ugandan patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Open Access Rheumatology: Research and Reviews 93–102


Budai MM, Varga A, Milesz S, Tozser J, Benko S (2013) Aloe vera downregulates LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production and expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in human macrophages. Mol Immunol 56(4):471–479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2013.05.005


Bukuluki P, Luwangula R, Walakira EJ (2014) Harvesting of medicinal plants in Uganda: practices, conservation and implications for sustainability of supplies. Online Int J Med Plant Res 3(1):1–10


Bum EN, Soudi S, Ayissi ER, Dong C, Lakoulo NH, Maidawa F, Seke PFE, Nanga LD, Taiwe GS, Dimo T (2011) Anxiolytic activity evaluation of four medicinal plants from Cameroon. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.19


Burke A, Smyth E, FitzGerald GA (2006) Analgesic-antipyretic agents; pharmacotherapy of gout. Goodman Gilman’s Pharmacol Basis Therap 11:671–715


Carey WM, Babu DJM, Rao NV, Mohan GK (2008) Anti-inflammatory activity of the fruit of Kigelia pinnata DC. Pharmacologyonline 2(1):234–245


Chinnasamy V, Subramaniyan V, Chandiran S, Kayarohanam S, Kanniyan DC, Velaga VSSR, Muhammad S (2019) Antiarthritic activity of Achyranthes Aspera on formaldehyde-induced arthritis in rats. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 7(17):2709


Cowan D (2007) Pandemonium over painkillers persists. Br J Commun Nurs 12(4):166–170


da Silva G, Tanica M, Rocha J, Serrano R, Gomes ET, Sepodes B, Silva O (2011) In vivo anti-inflammatory effect and toxicological screening of Maytenus heterophylla and Maytenus senegalensis extracts. Hum Exp Toxicol 30(7):693–700. https://doi.org/10.1177/0960327110379242


Dapurkar KV, Sahu KG, Sharma H, Meshram S, Rai G (2013) Anti-arthritic activity of roots extract of Boerhaavia Diffusa in adjuvant induced arthritis rats. Sch Acad J Pharm 2(2):107–109


Das C, Bose A, Das D (2021) Ayurvedic Balarista ameliorate anti-arthritic activity in adjuvant induced arthritic rats by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. J Tradit Complement Med 11(3):228–237


De Coninck J (2019) Promoting herbal medicine in Uganda: traditional health practitioners and government working together. Cross cultural foundation Report


Denker P (2012) The role of institutions in natural resource management in the context of agroecosystems sustainability. MSs Thesis, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences


Derksen V, Huizinga TWJ, Van Der Woude D (2017) The role of autoantibodies in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Immunopathol 39:437–446


Doshi SJ (2020) Depression and its association with disease activity and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis at the Kenyatta National Hospital. University of Nairobi


Dowman B, Campbell RM, Zgaga L, Adeloye D, Chan KY (2012) Estimating the burden of rheumatoid arthritis in Africa: a systematic analysis. J Global Health. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.02.020406


Dragos D, Gilca M, Gaman L, Vlad A, Iosif L, Stoian I, Lupescu O (2017) Phytomedicine in joint disorders. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010070


Duke JA (1997) The green pharmacy: new discoveries in herbal remedies for common diseases and conditions from the world’s foremost authority on healing herbs. Rodale, Emmaus


Ezeonwumelu JOC, Omar AN, Ajayi AM, Okoruwa AG, Tanayen JK, Kiplagat DM, Okpanachi OA, Abba S, Ezekiel I, Onchweri AN (2012) Phytochemical screening, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic studies of aqueous extract of the root of Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) in rats. Int J Pharm Biomed Sci 3:128


Farzaei MH, Farzaei F, Abdollahi M, Abbasabadi Z, Abdolghaffari AH, Mehraban B (2016) A mechanistic review on medicinal plants used for rheumatoid arthritis in traditional Persian medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol 68(10):1233–1248. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12606


Forman L, Bridson D (1989) The herbarium handbook. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond


Fotso AF, Longo F, Djomeni PDD, Kouam SF, Spiteller M, Dongmo AB, Savineau JP (2014) Analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of the ethyl acetate fraction of Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae). Inflammopharmacology 22(2):105–114


Fraenkel L, Bathon JM, England BR, St. Clair EW, Arayssi T, Carandang K, Deane KD, Genovese M, Huston KK, Kerr G (2021) 2021 American college of rheumatology guideline for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 73(7):1108–1123


Gaby AR (1999) Alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Altern Med Rev 4(6):392–402


Galatage ST. Hebalkar AS, Gaikwad SS, Kumbhar PS, Patil NN, Desai KD, Kanekar SU, Kadam SS, Sansare RS, Sansare SS (2021) Rheumatoid arthritis: severity classification, factors responsible, pathophysiology, current and herbal treatment. In: Hechmi T Eds, Rheumatoid Arthritis, pp: 1–21 https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99339


Gangabhavani K, Ravishankar K (2013) Evaluation of analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of ethanolic extract of whole plant Justicia betonica. World J Pharm Pharm Sci 2:5218–5228


Garrido G, González D, Delporte C, Backhouse N, Quintero G, Núñez-Sellés AJ, Morales MA (2001) Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang). Phytother Res 15(1):18–21


Gautam RK., Roy K, Thapa G, Arora D, Parashar S, Gurung B, Deb L (2020).Perspective of Plant medicine in therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. Indian J Pharma Sci 82(5):741–765 https://doi.org/10.36468/pharmaceutical-sciences.703


Genga EK, Moots RJ, Oyoo OG, Otieno FO (2017) Building a rheumatology team for East Africa: a call for action! Rheumatology 56(9):1441–1442


Giday M, Teklehaymanot T, Animut A, Mekonnen Y (2007) Medicinal plants of the Shinasha, Agew-awi and Amhara peoples in northwest Ethiopia. J Ethnopharmacol 110(3):516–525


Giday M, Asfaw Z, Woldu Z (2009) Medicinal plants of the Meinit ethnic group of Ethiopia: an ethnobotanical study. J Ethnopharmacol 124(3):513–521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.05.009


Giday M, Asfaw Z, Woldu Z (2010) Ethnomedicinal study of plants used by Sheko ethnic group of Ethiopia. J Ethnopharmacol 132(1):75–85


Gohil KJ, Patel JA, Gajjar AK (2010) Pharmacological review on Centella asiatica: a potential herbal cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci 72(5):546


Gopinath R, Billigraham P, Sathishkumar TP (2022) Physicochemical and thermal properties of new cellulosic fiber obtained from the stem of Markhamia lutea. J Nat Fibers 19(14):8429–8447


Grant KL, Lutz RB (2000) Alternative therapies: ginger. Am J Health Syst Pharm 57(10):945–947


Headcraph E, Atukunda I, Kaddumukasa M, Nakiyingi L, Lusobya RC, Ampaire-Musika A, Otike C, Nagawa E, Juma P, Msonge F (2023) Spectrum of and factors associated with eye disorders among rheumatoid arthritis patients attending tertiary hospital in Uganda. Open Access Rheumatol: Res Rev 15:103–111. https://doi.org/10.2147/OARRR.S306503


Heinrich M, Ankil A, Frei B, Weimann C, Sticher O (1998) Medicinal plants in Mexico; healers, consensus and cultural importance. Soc Sci Med. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0277-9536(98)00181-6


Hossain S, Khatun A, Miajee UME (2010) A randomized survey of medicinal plants used by folk medicinal practitioners in six districts of Bangladesh to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Adv Nat Appl Sci 4(2):124–127


Ilic NM, Dey M, Poulev AA, Logendra S, Kuhn PE, Raskin I (2014) Anti-inflammatory activity of grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta Schum) extract. J Agric Food Chem 62(43):10452–10457. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf5026086


Jacob L, Rockel T, Kostev K (2017) Depression risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United Kingdom. Rheumatol Ther 4:195–200


Jagtap UB, Bapat VA (2010) Artocarpus: a review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol 129(2):142–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.03.031


Jain A, Choubey S, Singour PK, Rajak H, Pawar RS (2011) Sida cordifolia (Linn). J Appl Pharma Sci 1(2): 23


Josephine Ozioma E-O, Antoinette Nwamaka Chinwe O (2019) Herbal medicines in African traditional medicine. Herbal medicine, vol 10. IntechOpen London, England, pp 191–214. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.80348


Kaddu-Mukasa M, Ssekasanvu E, Ddumba E, Thomas D, Katabira ET (2011) Rheumatic manifestations among HIV positive adults attending the Infectious Disease Clinic at Mulago Hospital. African Health Sciences 11 (1):24–29


Kakudidi EK, Bukenya-Ziraba R, Kasenene J (2000) The medicinal plants in and around Kibale National Park in western Uganda. A Norwegian J Bot 4:109–124


Kakudidi E, Kirimuhuzya C, Anywar G, Katuura E, Kiguli J (2016) Medicinal plants used in the management of noncommunicable diseases in Uganda. In: W. S. Tsay H., Shyur LF, Agrawal D, Wu YC (Eds) Medicinal plants - recent advances in research and development. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-1085-9_17


Kigen G, Maritim A, Some F, Kibosia J, Rono H, Chepkwony S, Kipkore W, Wanjoh B (2016) Ethnopharmacological survey of the medicinal plants used in Tindiret, Nandi County, Kenya. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 13(3):156–168


Kothavade PS, Bulani VD, Nagmoti DM, Deshpande PS, Gawali NB, Juvekar AR (2015) Therapeutic effect of saponin rich fraction of Achyranthes aspera Linn. on adjuvant-induced arthritis in sprague-dawley rats. Autoimmune Dis 2015:943645. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/943645


Krief S, Huffman MA, Sévenet T, Hladik C, Grellier P, Loiseau PM, Wrangham RW (2006) Bioactive properties of plant species ingested by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Kibale National Park, Uganda. Am J Primatol 68(1):51–71


Kshirsagar AD, Panchal PV, Harle UN, Nanda RK, Shaikh HM (2014) Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity of anthraquinone derivatives in rodents. Int J Inflam. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/690596


Lam S, Wang C, Chen C, Lee S (2007) Chemical investigation of Phyllanthus reticulatus by HPLC-SPE-NMR and conventional methods. Phytochem Anal 18(3):251–255


Lye KA, Bukenya-Ziraba R, Tabuti JRS, Waako PJ (2008) Plant-medicinal dictionary for East Africa. Department of Botany, Makerere University, Kampala


Magnibou LM, Leutcha PB, Tchegnitegni BT, Wouamba SCN, Magne CYFF, Yaya AJG, Kopa T, Tagatsing MF, Tombozara N, Meli AL (2022) A new phenanthrene derivative from Entada abyssinica with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Zeitschrift Für Naturforschung B 77(1):1–7


Mahdavi AM, Javadivala Z (2021) Systematic review of the effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on osteoarthritis. Health Promot Perspect 11(4):411


Martin GJ (1995) Ethnobotany: a methods manual. Hall. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2496-0


Mate GS, Naikwade NS, Magdum CS, Chowki AA, Patil SB (2008) Evaluation of anti-nociceptive activity of Cissus quadrangularis on albino mice. Int J Green Pharm (IJGP). https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-8258.41186


Matu EN, van Staden J (2003) Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of some plants used for medicinal purposes in Kenya. J Ethnopharmacol 87(1):35–41


Moshi MJ, Otieno DF, Mbabazi PK, Weisheit A (2009) The Ethnomedicine of the Haya people of Bugabo ward, Kagera Region, North Western Tanzania. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 5(1):1–5


Mukerjee P, Mukerjee K, Bhattacharya S, Pal M, Saha B (1998) Studies on the anti-inflammatory effect of Drymaria cordata willd. Nat Prod Sci 4(2):91–101


Munawar I, Islam M, Ahmed A, Saeed H, Imtiaz F, Rafay MZ (2023) Phytochemical profiling and anti-inflammatory potential of Ficus natalensis subsp. leprieurii (Miq.) CC Berg--an in vitro, in vivo and in silico study. Pakistan J Pharma Sci 36(1):311–325


Nash RJ, Azantsa BKG, Sharp H, Shanmugham V (2018) Effectiveness of Cucumis sativus extract versus glucosamine-chondroitin in the management of moderate osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Intervent Aging 13:2119–2126. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S173227


Ngoufack A E, Mbiantcha M, Madjo KYK, Yousseu NW, Fagni Njoya ZL, Adjouzem CF, Matah Marthe VM, Ateufack G (2023) Markhamia lutea leaves aqueous and ethanolic extract with curative anti-inflammatory activity attenuates paclitaxel toxicity in rat’s intestine. J Complement Integr Med 21(1):1-13. https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2023-0017


Nguyen TD, Thuong PT, Hwang IH, Hoang TKH, Nguyen MK, Nguyen HA, Na M (2017) Anti-hyperuricemic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Siegesbeckia orientalis L. resulting from the fraction with high phenolic content. BMC Complement Altern Med 17(1):191. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1698-z


Nirmal P, Koppikar S, Bhondave P, Narkhede A, Nagarkar B, Kulkarni V, Wagh N, Kulkarni O, Harsulkar A, Jagtap S (2013) Influence of six medicinal herbs on collagenase-induced osteoarthritis in rats. Am J Chin Med 41(06):1407–1425


Nono NR, Nzowa KL, Barboni L, Tapondjou AL (2014) Drymaria cordata (Linn.) willd (caryophyllaceae): ethnobotany, pharmacology and phytochemistry. Adv Biol Chem 4(02):160–167


Noreen S, Mahmood H, Hussain I (2019) Current pharmaceutical options for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Global Drug des Dev Rev (GDDDR) 4(1):1–9


Ojewole JAO (2006) Analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) rhizomes (Zingiberaceae) in mice and rats. Phytother Res 20(9):764–772


Olajide OA, Alada ARA (2001) Studies on the anti-inflammatory properties of Entada abyssinica. Fitoterapia 72(5):492–496. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(01)00273-8


Olajide OA, Oladiran OO, Awe SO, Makinde JM (1998) Pharmacological evaluation of Hoslundia opposita extract in rodents. Phytother Res 12(5):364–366


Olajide O, Awe SO, Makinde JM, Ekhelar AI, Olusola A, Morebise O, Okpako DT (2000) Studies on the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties of Alstonia boonei stem bark. J Ethnopharmacol 71(1–2):179–186


Olajide OA, Akinola Alada AR, Kolawole OT (2005) Anti-inflammatory properties of Entada abyssinica. Leaves. Pharm Biol 43(7):583–585


Oliver JE, Silman AJ (2006) Risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 35(3):169–174


Ongchai,S (2019). Chapter 30 - Phyllanthus spp. as a Potential Alternative Treatment for ArthriticConditions (R. R. Watson & V. R. B. T.-B. F. as D. I. for A. and R. I. D. (Second E. Preedy (eds.); pp. 523–533). AcademicPress. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813820-5.00030-1


Onoja SO, Omeh YN, Ezeja MI, Chukwu MN (2014a) Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potentials of Aframomum melegueta methanolic seed extract. J Trop Med 2014:159343. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/159343


Onoja S, Ukwueze CO, Ezeja MI, Udeh N (2014b) Antinociceptive and antioxidant effects of hydromethanolic extract of Bridelia micrantha stem bark. J Exp Integr Med 4:273


Owino BO, Oyoo GO, Otieno CF (2009) Socio-demographic and clinical aspects of rheumatoid arthritis. East African Medical Journal 86(5):204-11.doi: 10.4314/eamj.v86i5.54190.


Owolabi OJ, Omogbai EKI (2007) Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Kigelia africana (Bignoniaceae). Afr J Biotech 6(5):582


Oyoo O, Moots RJ, Ganda B (2012) Stepping into the state of rheumatology in East Africa. Rheumatology 51(8):1345–1346


Paramdeep G (2013) Efficacy and tolerability of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in patients of osteoarthritis of knee. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 57(2):177–183


Parvez GMM (2016) Pharmacological activities of mango (Mangifera Indica): a review. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 5(3):1


Picerno P, Autore G, Marzocco S, Meloni M, Sanogo R, Aquino RP (2005) Anti-inflammatory activity of verminoside from Kigelia africana and evaluation of cutaneous irritation in cell cultures and reconstituted human epidermis. J Nat Prod 68(11):1610–1614


Polireddy DM (2015) Evaluation of anti-arthritic activity of ethanolic extract of sida cardifolia. Int J Sci Technol Res 4(11):86–96


Porto CRC, Soares LAL, Souza TP, Petrovick PR, Lyra IL, Júnior RFA, Langassner SMZ, Ferreira AAA, Guerra GCB (2013) Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Phyllanthus niruri spray-dried standardized extract. Rev Bras 23(1):138–144


Qureshi Z, Khan T, Shah AJ, Wahid F (2019) Solanum incanum extract enhances wound healing and tissue regeneration in burn mice model. Bangladesh J Pharmacol 14(2):101–106


Raihandhany R, Wicaksono A, da Silva JAT (2018) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and breadfruit (A. altilis): phytochemistry, pharmacology, commercial uses and perspectives for human nourishment. J Trop Biol Conserv (JTBC) 15:61–80


Ramadan G, Al-Kahtani MA, El-Sayed WM (2011) Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Curcuma longa (turmeric) versus Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizomes in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis. Inflammation 34:291–301


Ravikumar C (2014) Herbal remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. J Pharm Sci Res 6(9):310


Regina KMM, Adama H, Jeanne M, Odile N (2015) Ethnobotany and ethnopharmacognosy of Lamiaceae Species from Central Burkina Faso: Leucas martinicensis (Jacquin) R. Brown, Hoslundia opposita Vahl and Orthosiphon pallidus Royle Ex Benth. Am J Ethnomed 2(4):219–232


Safiri S, Kolahi AA, Hoy D, Smith E, Bettampadi D, Mansournia MA, Almasi-Hashiani A, Ashrafi-Asgarabad A, Moradi-Lakeh M, Qorbani M (2019) Global, regional and national burden of rheumatoid arthritis 1990–2017: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study 2017. Ann Rheum Dis 78(11):1463–1471


FAO. 2002. Biodiversity and the Ecosystem Approach in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Satellite event on theoccasion of the Ninth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome, 12-13 October 2002. Inter-Departmental Working Group on Biological Diversity for Food and Agriculture. Rome


Schultz F, Osuji OF, Nguyen A, Anywar G, Scheel JR, Caljon G, Pieters L, Garbe L-A (2021) Pharmacological assessment of antiprotozoal activity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of medicinal plants used in treatment of malaria in the Greater Mpigi Region in Uganda. Front Pharmacol 12:1410. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.678535


Sen MK, Dash BK (2012) A review on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Cissus quadrangularis L. Intl J Green Pharm (IJGP). https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-8258.104924


Shah KA, Patel MB, Patel RJ, Parmar PK (2010) Mangifera indica (mango). Pharmacogn Rev 4(7):42


Sharma S, Kumar S (2013) Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir.-an important medicinal plant: a review of its phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological properties. Int J Pharm Sci Res 4(7):2528


Shruthi SD, Ramachandra YL (2011) RBP-J as a therapeutic target to rheumotoid arthritis-an in silico study. Int J Preclin Pharma Res 2(1):38–44


Singh BK, Trivedi N, Das RR, Arora R, Verma AK, Verma A (2021) Rheumatoid arthritis and gout: medicinal plants as a drug alternative. J Adv Sci Res 12(02 Suppl 1):79–96


Skoczyńska M, Świerkot J (2018) The role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis. Reumatologia/rheumatology 56(4):259–267


Smith DB, Jacobson BH (2011) Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. J Chiropr Med 10(3):147–156


Ssenku JE, Okurut SA, Namuli A, Kudamba A, Tugume P, Matovu P, Wasige G, Kafeero HM, Walusansa A (2022) Medicinal plant use, conservation, and the associated traditional knowledge in rural communities in Eastern Uganda. Trop Med Health 50(1):39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-022-00428-1


Stohs SJ, Ray SD (2013) A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis extracts. Phytother Res 27(8):1107–1114


Suleiman MM, Sulaiman MH, Iheme IS, Sukuntuni FS (2015) Anti-inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of the methanol extract of Indigofera arrecta Hochst-Holl. in rodents. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2(4):322–326. 10.1016/S2221-6189(13)60152-3


Sun B, Wu L, Wu Y, Zhang C, Qin L, Hayashi M, Kudo M, Gao M, Liu T (2020) Therapeutic potential of Centella asiatica and its triterpenes: a review. Front Pharmacol 11:568032


Sutrisna E, Wahyuni SM, Tanti Azizah S (2019) Anti-inflammatory effect of Phyllanthus niruri L. from Indonesia (Pre-clinical Study). Pharmacogn J 11:1347–1350. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2019.11.208


Tabuti JRS, Van Damme P (2012) Review of indigenous knowledge in Uganda: implications for its promotion. Afrika Focus 25(1):29–38


Tang M-M, Chen Y-J, Wu J-Y, Amin A, Zhou X-M, Jin C, Chen G-Y, Yu Z-L (2021) Ethyl acetate extract of the Musa nana flower inhibits osteoclastogenesis and suppresses NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Food Funct 12(22):11586–11598


Tenywa MG, Agaba AG, Ajayi CO, Tolo CU, Katuura E (2022) Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and oxytocic activities of Dracaena steudneri Engl. Stem bark aqueous extract in Wistar rats 16(4):148–153. https://doi.org/10.5897/JMPR2021.7140


Thakur N, Bashir SF, Umar G (2020) Assessment of phytochemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic extracts of Morus nigra and Artocarpus heterophyllus leaves. Inflammation 6:7


Thakur R, Limboo S, Goyal S (2022) Drymaria ordata: review at glance. Plant Arch. https://doi.org/10.51470/PLANTARCHIVES.2022.v22.no1.035


Trotter RJ, Logan MH (1986) Informant consensus. A new approach for identifying potentially effective medicinal plants. In: Etkin NL (ed) Plants in indigenous medicine and diet. Redgrave, Newyork





Umar SI, Ndako M, Jigam AA, Adefolalu SF, Ibikunle GF, Lawal B (2019) Anti-plasmodial, Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and safety profile of Maytenus senegalensis root bark extract on hepato-renal integrity in experimental animals. Comp Clin Pathol 28(6):1571–1579. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-019-02965-4


Ur Rasheed H (2022) Antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory activity of Solanum nigrum leaves extract on CFA-induced arthritic rat model. Ziauddin University


Usenbo A, Kramer V, Young T, Musekiwa A (2015) Prevalence of arthritis in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 10(8):e0133858


Varghese A, Eapen J (2018) In vitro anti-arthritic activity of kashaya of Sida cordifolia Linn 6(7):60–64


Wambugu SN, Mathiu PM, Gakuya DW, Kanui TI, Kabasa JD, Kiama SG (2011) Medicinal plants used in the management of chronic joint pains in Machakos and Makueni counties, Kenya. J Ethnopharmacol 137(2):945–955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.06.038


Wang J, Zhou Y, Ye Y, Shang X, Cai Y, Xiong C, Wu Y, Xu H (2011) Topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of kirenol isolated from Siegesbeckia orientalis. J Ethnopharmacol 137(3):1089–1094


Warrell DA, Cox TM, Benz EJ Jr, Firth JD (2003) Oxford textbook of medicine. Oxford University Press, Oxford


Wei B-L, Weng J-R, Chiu P-H, Hung C-F, Wang J-P, Lin C-N (2005) Antiinflammatory Flavonoids from Artocarpus heterophyllus and Artocarpus communis. J Agric Food Chem 53(10):3867–3871. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf047873n


World Health Organization (2002) WHO traditional medicine strategy 2002-2005. Geneva: WHO/EDM/ 923 TRM/2002


Yang W, Xu Y, Lin J, Liu J, Tan Y, Chen J, Wang X (2022) Global, regional and national burden of rheumatoid arthritis, and attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019: update from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. https://doi.org/10.55563/clinexprheumatol/h9lvvc


Yarnell E (2017) Herbs for rheumatoid arthritis. Alternative and Complementary Therapies 23(4):149–156


Zahidah AF, Faizah O, Aqilah KN, Anna KT (2012) Curcumin as an anti-arthritic agent in collagen-induced arthritic Sprague-Dawley rats. Sains Malaysiana 41(5):591–595

 


Author Information


Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda