A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Johannesburg, 2000 / In the spirit of the World Health Organisation directives to Member states to scientifically evaluate herbal medicines so that consumers and health care providers can be provided with up-to-date and authoritative information on the beneficial properties, and possible harmful effects of all herbal medicines, the aim of this study was to investigate extracts of Agapanthus africanus and Clivia miniata, as phytomedicines using WHO guidelines as a reference outline. Agapanthus africanus and Clivia miniata have been the most often cited herbal oxytocics used in South African traditional medicine and are among the 5 most often used by traditional healers in areas in Kwazulu Natal to treat prolonged labour. A. praecox is reported to be used during parturition as well as A. africanus. These plant species were botanically identified, “fingerprint” chromatograms of extracts of the plants were made and basic toxicity potential (LC50) was assessed. / IT2018