an investigation into the antibacterial activities of medicinal plants ...

The issues relating to drug-herb interactions may affect those that consider using
herbs and prescription medicine simultaneously and are unaware of the possibility of
interactions. Although some of the drug-herb interactions are overestimated, it may
be safer to consider its possibility and respect the medicinal properties of both.
According to Dharmananda (2000), there is a possibility that drugs and herbs may
interact, if the herb has a therapeutic effect similar to that of a drug.
The lack of knowledge of the possibility of drug-herb interactions should be
addressed through education that the simultaneous use of prescription medicine and
herbal remedies may have undesirable outcomes. The potential for herbs and
conventional medicine to interact unfavourably or favourably may depend on the
mixture and concentrations. Those using herbal remedies or supplements should be
encouraged to record and report their herbal usage to physicians, before additional
medication is administered (Fugh-Berman, 2000).
2.2.3 Medicinal plants under investigation
In this study four medicinal plants (Bulbine frutescens, Leonotis leonurus, Melianthus
major & Zantedeschia aethiopica) were selected on the basis of their ethnobotanical
importance in literature and to people, especially in the Eastern Cape region.
Although the selected medicinal plants may be used for treating various ailments
(Table 1), this study focuses on justifying the traditional use in treating topical wound
infections.
Matsiliza & Barker (2001) indicated with a survey done in the Eastern Cape region
that the most commonly used traditional remedies was for pain relief and treatment of
skin diseases. The survey also indicated the ease of local people in identifying
medicinal plants for personal therapeutic uses. Medicinal plants play an important
role in the belief system and well being of many people especially those that rely
mainly on traditional plant remedies for primary health care. It is important and
necessary that the strong believe and use of medicinal plants be accompanied by
scientific validation (Matsiliza & Barker, 2001).
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