The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly shifting toward natural medicine. The WHO’s Global Report on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (2024) and the Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 emphasise the growing role of herbal and plant–based remedies in mainstream healthcare systems.
African Traditional Medicine Week
This year, African Traditional Medicine Week will be celebrated from 26 to 31 August, aiming to bring this underutilised approach to the forefront. Long before pharmaceutical labs, communities relied on the healing power of nature. Today, this wisdom is being revalued not just for its cultural significance but for its practical relevance in a world seeking sustainable health solutions.
As global interest in plant-based medicine grows, it’s vital to honour the custodians of this knowledge. Political studies researcher Dr Jacob Cloete, said indigenous communities are not just sources of information; they are stewards of ecosystems and philosophies that prioritise harmony over exploitation.
“The San people’s knowledge of plants, herbs and seasonal cycles teaches us to take only what is needed and allow nature to replenish. The Khoekhoe people are also indigenous knowledge rights holders. They have vast knowledge of plants, animals and ecological rhythms,” said Dr Cloete, who is of Khoekhoe (Khoi) descent.
“Khoisan healers use herbal medicine, dance, and trance rituals for healing — connecting body, mind and spirit in ways that modern wellness movements are only beginning to understand.”
Prof Samuel Egieyeh from UWC’s Pharmacy Department supervises research teams studying the natural properties of plants for their application as medicine. He said across Southern Africa, traditional medicine and medicinal plants such as Aloe vera, Tulsi and Neem have long been staples in indigenous healing, used for skin care, respiratory health and immune support.
“Although their benefits are now backed by science, their use remains deeply rooted in ritual and relationship with a number of plants scientifically proven to have the potential to treat diabetes. Diabetes is caused by reduced insulin production or by the body’s inability to break down insulin,” said Prof Egieyeh.
He further explained that two enzymes in the stomach break down carbohydrates in food into sugar, causing a sudden rise in blood glucose after a meal. Inhibiting these enzymes directly delays carbohydrate digestion, thereby reducing the glucose absorption rate and, subsequently, the rise in blood glucose after a meal.
Prof Egieyeh said a recent study examined the natural chemicals present in a methanol extract of Plectranthus ecklonii, also known as the “tall spurflower” and “Ecklon spurflower.” In South Africa, it’s also referred to as “grootspoorsalie” in Afrikaans. It is a shrub from the mint family Lamiaceae, native to South Africa. A recent scientific study found that chemicals from this plant may help slow enzymes involved in breaking down sugars and also exhibit antioxidant effects.
Simulations
“This plant was tested on how well it could block the activity of the two enzymes, alpha-glucosidase used in producing glucose from starch for sweeteners and in fermentation processes, and alpha-amylase, widely used in starch processing to produce glucose and fructose syrups, in brewing and in beer production,” said Prof Egieyeh.
“Computer simulations support these findings, and the results suggest that this plant could be useful for developing natural, plant-based medicines to help manage diabetes. However, further research is needed.”
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