This thesis examined the in vitro and in vivo anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic activities of five African medicinal plants which are traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus viz; Ziziphus mucronata, Cassia singueana, Parkia biglobosa, Khaya senegalensis and Vitex doniana. Ethanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous crude extracts of the stem bark, root and leaf samples of each of the plants (a total of 45 crude extracts) were investigated for detailed anti-oxidative activity and the most active crude extract from each plant was selected for further fractionation with solvents of increasing polarity. Subsequently, the solvent fractions derived from these crude extracts (a total of 21 fractions) were also subjected to the anti-oxidative assays as well as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities assays. Results from these assays revealed that the butanol fractions from crude extracts of Z. mucronata, P. biglobosa, K. senegalensis and V. doniana and the acetone fraction from the crude extract of C. singueana were the most bioactive. Kinetic delineation of the types of enzyme inhibitions exerted by these most active fractions as well as measurement of relevant kinetic parameters (KM, Vmax and Kᵢ) were done using Lineweaver-Burke’s plot. Furthermore, the most active fractions were also subjected to GC-MS analysis and in vivo intervention trial in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats (except fraction from V. doniana). The in vivo studies revealed that all the fractions possessed potent in vivo anti-T2D activity (to varying extent) and the possible mechanisms of actions were proposed. Furthermore, most of the fractions were able to ameliorate the T2D-associated complications. Analysis of in vivo oxidative stress markers such as glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the serum, liver, kidney, heart and pancreas of the animals also gave a clue in to the possible mechanism of action. Bioassay guided isolation was used to track the bioactive anti-diabetic compounds from these fractions via column chromatography. The isolated compounds were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, 2D NMR (in two cases) and mass spectroscopy (in one case). From this study, 2,7-dihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 3β-O-acetyl betulinic acid, lupeol and bicyclo[2.2.0]hexane-2,3,5triol were identified as the possible bioactive compounds from Z. mucronata, C. singueana, P. biglobosa, K. senegalensis solvent fractions respectively. The findings of this work are important for the relevant government agencies, pharmaceutical industries, scientific community and poor diabetic patients because it might open an avenue for the development of viable and cost effective anti-diabetic herbal products and/or novel plant-derived anti-diabetic drugs. / Ph.D. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate indigenous knowledge of vegetation resource utilisation, in particular the use of traditional medicinal plants in the provision of health care in the community of Khayelitsha and to determine traditional resource management approaches.</p>

<p>Crinum macowanii (C. macowanii) (Amaryllidacea) as authenticated by Mr. F. Weitz at the Herbarium, University of the Western cape, is widely used a traditional remedy and is thought to have therapeutic value (Fennell and van Staden 2001). The objective of this study was to determine the cardiovascular effects of the crude aqueous extract of Crinum macowanii on the rat and to determine the effect of pre-treatment drugs on Crinum macowanii in in vivo, anaesthetized normotensive, male Wistar rats (200-250 g.).</p>

Health indicators in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are poor by virtually any standards and have declined over the last 2 decades. As in other developing countries that find it impossible to achieve ‘health for all’ through western medical services alone, the idea of developing an integrated health system, one that incorporates traditional medicine, has been proposed as a way of addressing poor health status. The idea of developing an integrated health system in PNG is not new but only recently has it translated into action with tangible results including a draft ‘National Policy on Traditional Medicine for Papua New Guinea’. Over many years researchers have bemoaned the paucity of information on cultural beliefs and treatment practices that could make the incorporation of traditional medicine into the health system, along the lines proposed in the National Policy, better informed. To date this information gap has not been filled. / The thesis includes a review of literature on traditional medicine around PNG and the results of a case study conducted by indigenous research assistants among the Nasioi speakers of Central Bougainville. An international perspective is brought to bear through a critique of theoretical models of integration and a review of practical experiences in other countries that have tried to develop various types of integrated health systems. Information from each of these sources is considered in an endeavour to address the urgent need for information to inform the implementation of the National Policy on Traditional Medicine for Papua New Guinea. / All available studies on traditional medicine in PNG were included in the literature review. Despite PNG's vast cultural diversity it became evident that some common elements exist between different cultural groups. / The case study used a focused ethnographic approach to examine treatment-seeking responses to illness and associated beliefs and decision-making criteria in relation to traditional and modern medicine. It also investigated the organization of traditional health services, attitudes towards an integrated health system and the potential for practitioners to collaborate with one another. The case study made it possible to focus on pertinent issues that had not been covered in earlier studies. The case study suggests that in areas where the organization of and attitudes toward traditional medicine resemble those in the Nasioi area there may be great potential for a health system that incorporates traditional medicine to deliver health benefits to communities. The case study also serves as an example of research that could be replicated or adapted by provinces that need more information about their own situation before embarking on the process of incorporating traditional medicine into the local health system. / The process by which integration might proceed in PNG is considered in the context of integration experiences in other countries. Although ideologically attractive, total integration is not realistic for PNG at this stage. The informality and lack of documentation on traditional medicine as well as the lack of resources to support the development of an integrated health system mean that PNG’s own version of an incorporated or collaborative model of integration is more appropriate. / It should be noted that in this thesis the term ‘integrated health system’ is used to cover the full range of varying degrees of integration of traditional with modern medicine and should not be taken to imply only a fully integrated system. Similarly, the terms ‘integration’ and ‘incorporation’ are normally used to refer to the process and not the outcome. / Even an incorporated health system may not be a viable proposition in all parts of PNG. Where it is feasible, incorporation would need to be progressed in a carefully considered and planned manner with a realistic and long-term approach. The process would require coordination at national level and the flexibility for provinces to participate according to their own prevailing circumstances and capacity. Incorporation should proceed slowly and will require government support including the allocation of resources. It may be possible to pilot and thus fine-tune PNG’s integration model in a few places, such as the Nasioi area, before expanding to multiple provinces. / The potential benefits of an incorporated health system include strengthening of primary health care, better access to services, more affordable services, cultural relevance, a holistic approach, preservation of traditional knowledge, increased autonomy and possibly cost savings. An incorporated health system is worth pursuing because, if carefully planned and implemented, it does have the potential to improve health status in a country where health indicators desperately need to be elevated.

This study examines the experience of managing Type 2 diabetes from the perspective of Part-European people from Fiji who have this disorder. A qualitative approach was used, and the methodology was grounded theory based on the theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism. Data was collected from the in-depth interviews of nine participants who have been living with Type 2 diabetes. Text from the interview transcripts was analysed using the version of grounded theory advocated by Strauss and Corbin (1998). This process facilitated the discovery of 'Carrying On With Life And Living' as the main concern shared by Part-Europeans managing Type 2 diabetes. It also identified the substantive theory of 'Walking The Line' as the core category and the basic social and psychological process by which Part-Europeans resolve their main concern of 'Carrying On With Life And Living'. This was a three-stage process involving firstly 'Carrying on Regardless', secondly 'Attempting Balance in Time and Motion and Control', and thirdly 'Balancing, Unbalancing, and Recovering Balance'. The results of this study reveal that the social and historical contexts of Part-European culture, such as heavy drinking, carrying on with life and living in the face of adversity, and taking traditional medicine impact significantly throughout their managing process. Findings of this study may contribute to development of some culturally aware strategies that could assist healthcare services to provide appropriate support, intervention, and education for Part-Europeans with Type 2 diabetes. This study also addresses the lack of studies concerned with the management of Type 2 diabetes in Pacific peoples and serves to inform research initiatives and priorities set by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

Thesis (PhD (Phytomedicine Programme) (Paravet. Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print format.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Sydney, 2007. / A thesis presented to the University of Western Sydney, College of Arts, Social Justice and Social Change Research Centre in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Social Policy). Includes bibliographies.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Waterloo, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 131-142).

Thesis (PhD)-- Macquarie University, Division of Environmental and Life Sciences, Dept. of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science. 2006. / Bibliography: p. 229-249.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Waterloo, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 131-142).