Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is fortunate to be host to a large diversity of plant species, coupled with an extremely rich and varied cultural heritage stemming from different ethnic groups. The use of traditional medicine for treating livestock and domestic animals is well entrenched, particularly among livestock-keepers in rural areas. Following a comprehensive review on ethnoveterinary use of southern African plants and scientific evaluation of their medicinal properties undertaken in 2008, this chapter aims to update current knowledge on remedies based on plants that are used to treat animals suffering from various ailments in South Africa. In some cases, people in different cultures use the same plants for similar indications, providing support for a rational basis for their use. In most instances, single plants are used and mixtures of separate plant species are the exception. Decoctions and infusions are common, applied either topically or as drenches. Most studies have been undertaken in limited areas of the country, leaving much potential for further exploration of ethnoveterinary plant use and practices by other ethnic groups in different areas.