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

skin conditions and internally for coughs, colds, influenza, bronchitis, high blood
pressure and headaches (Table 1) (Van Wyk et al., 1997; Hutchings, 1996).
Leonotis leonurus contains a volatile oil and an unusual diterpenoid namely marubiin.
The actual pharmacological effect of marubiin in Leonotis species is not known (Van
Wyk et al., 1997).
2.2.3.3 Melianthus major
The genus Melianthus is restricted to Southern Africa with Melianthus major and
Melianthus comosus mainly used in a similar manner for medicinal purposes.
Melianthus major belongs to the family Melianthaceae with a wide distribution in
South Africa, mainly in the dry interior. The multi-branched M. major has greyishgreen
leaves with ruffled edges and characteristic large clusters of dark purplish-red
flowers at the branch end (Figure 1).
Decoctions and poultices of M. major leaves are widely used in the treatment of skin
conditions (Table 1) and other ailments. The Afrikaans and English common names
of M. major are ‘kruidjie-roer-my-nie’ and ‘giant honey flower’, respectively.
Traditionally fresh leave and root preparations are mainly used externally for
medicinal purposes due to its toxicity for internal consumption (Van Wyk et al., 1997;
http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melianthusmajor.htm).
Leaf poultices and decoctions of M. major are directly applied to impetigo, septic
wounds, sores, ringworm, bruises, backache and rheumatic joints. Traditionally dried
and powdered leaves are applied directly to sores and open burn wounds. The
powdered, dried leaves are reported to relieve pain, retract the wound and facilitate
healing (Van Wyk & Gericke, 2000).
The toxicity of Melianthus species for internal consumption is due to the presence of
heart glycosides, such as melianthusigenin in Melianthus species. Although nothing
appears to be known about the wound healing properties, the medicinal value of
Melianthus may be due to triterpenoids in the leaves and roots (Van Wyk et al.,
1997).
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