Ethnomedicinal Practices of the Fabaceae Family in Tanzania: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study is aimed at reviewing the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Fabaceae species used as sources of traditional medications in Tanzania. Using the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, a comprehensive review was conducted on Fabaceae species used by Tanzanians through electronic databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, PubMed and Wiley Online Library. After systematic screening and eligibility assessment, 51 studies highlighted diverse traditional healing practices across the country′s regions. The botanical names were verified through the Plants of the World Online database. The study revealed that 97 Fabaceae species traditionally treat human ailments in Tanzania. The genera with the highest number of species with medicinal uses are Vachellia, followed by Albizia and Senegalia. The species with the highest usage records are Abrus precatorius, Cassia abbreviata, Tamarindus indica, Alantsilodendron pilosum and Erythrina abyssinica. Trees (46%), herbs (30%) and shrubs (24%) are the primary sources of traditional medicines, whereas roots (63%), leaves (41%) and stem bark (28%) are the most widely used plant parts. The majority of the species are characterized by flavonoids (62.5%), followed by phenolic compounds (38.9%), terpenoids (33.3%) and tannins (33.3%). Though many Fabaceae species have been evaluated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties, validating their toxicological properties is paramount.