Ethno-medical and veterinary uses of Tephrosia vogelii hook. F.: a review

Abstract

All parts of Tephrosia vogelii Hook F are used in tropical Africa for numerous ethno-medical and traditional veterinary practices. The leaf is ichthyotoxic and has been used as an insecticide, rodenticide and anthelminthic. It has also been used as abortifacient and to induce menses. The leaf macerate is purgative and emetic, while the sap is used to treat diarrhea. The leaf sap and root scrapings are used as ear and tooth ache remedies respectively. Extracts from the root have been used as a molluscicide. The plant extracts have also been used in the treatment of tuberculosis, typhoid fever and localised fungal infections. The biological activities are due mainly to rotenoids isolated from the plant. In conclusion T. vogelii has a great potential in the therapy and prophylactics of animal and human diseases.