ETHNOMEDICAL SURVEY AND SAFETY EVALUATION OF TRADITIONAL EYE MEDICINES USED IN MISUNGWI DISTRICT, TANZANIA

2016-11-21T11-12-05Z
Source: Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology
Sheila M. Maregesi, Charles W. Messo, Juma Mathias.
ABSTRACT Aim: This study aimed at documenting products used as Traditional eye medicine (TEM) in Misungwi district, Tanzania and performing preliminary analysis on safety status. Methods: Ethnomedical study was conducted in Misungwi District. Information was sourced by face to face interview with traditional healers, traditional medicine vendors and knowledgeable people guided by a well structured questionnaire. Safety was evaluated by the determining pH using pH meter and mineral analysis using the Delta, Portable XRF equipment and qualitative chemical tests. Results: Twenty three TEM products were recorded from botanical (79%) and zoological (21%) sources including animal excreta. Liquid preparation ranked highest among dosage forms. Safety evaluation showed that only one product possessed the pH value of 7.4 as recommended for topical ophthalmic medicines. Fourteen minerals were detected and quantified in three samples, some of these minerals are known for their negative effects to the eyes, of medical interest is strontium used for the management of benign eye tumors. Information providers were unaware of health risks associated with the use of TEM. Conclusion: This study has revealed the common use of TEM in Misungwi district. Majority of the products are from the botanical source. Literature search provide some data to support the application some of the recorded TEM but, safety evaluation by pH and mineral analysis of some products indicated possible ophthalmological medical problem that could result from using such products. Extensive scientific studies including animal experiments and identification of bioactive compounds are essential to develop safe Traditional Eye Medicines.


from Scope via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2eZxD5y
via IFTTT