Plants Used as Anticancer Agents in the Ethiopian Traditional Medical Practices: A Systematic Review. (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tuasha, Nigatu; Petros, Beyene; Asfaw, Zemede
• Other Names: Wang Chong-Zhi Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/6274021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : Background . This systematic review aimed at examining the use patterns of Ethiopian anticancer traditional medicinal plants (MPs) in view of recommending further validation studies. Methods . The information was retrieved from PubMed according to the PRISMA guideline. The electronic library of Addis Ababa University and relevant church-based religious books were also inspected for additional data. Results . From 34 studies meeting specific inclusion/exclusion criteria, 119 anticancer MP species distributed in 98 genera and 57 families were recorded. Fabaceae (10.92 %) and Euphorbiaceae (10.08 %) were the most widely used families. Plumbago zeylanica (Plumbaginaceae) was the most frequently used anticancer MP species. Shrubs (42.02 %) and herbs (35.29 %) were dominant growth forms. About 89.08 % of the MPs were collected from wild habitats. Leaves (33.73 %) and roots (27.11 %) were the most frequently harvested parts. The most favored routes were dermal (33.33 %) and oral (29.25 %). About 87.07 % preparations were made from fresh plant materials. Breast cancer and skin cancer were treated with 14 % and 10.76 % of anticancer MPs, respectively. Conclusion . The review showed that anticancer MPs are widely used across the regions of Ethiopia. Most of the MPs are not scientifically experimented and yet are at a higher vulnerability to loss mainly by human activities. Calling for conservation measures, we recommend experimental validation of the frequently used anticancer MPs. This augments global anticancer drug researches.