South African medicinal plants used for health conditions affecting males: an ethnobotanical review

Introduction

Health issues affecting males remain a public health challenge due to the limited treatments and male health-seeking behaviour. In South Africa, local communities have relied on plant-based therapies to address health issues including those affecting males. This review explored the ethnobotanical and indigenous knowledge of plants used for managing male urogenital and sexual-reproductive conditions in South Africa, to establish the existing status and identify gaps for further research.

Methods

Following a systematic search, 51 eligible studies were extracted from electronic databases.

Results

A total of 337 plants belonging to 83 families were collated across seven provinces in South Africa. Fabaceae (37) and Asteraceae (37) were the most represented plant families. Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall. (18 citations), and Entada elephantina (Burch.) S.A.O’Donnell & G.P.Lewis (synonym: Elephantorrhiza elephantina (Burch.) Skeels) (12 citations) were the commonly used plants. Roots (33.4%) and leaves (17%) were the most commonly used plant parts. Decoction (44%) and oral-based (53%) were the dominant preparation and administration method, respectively. The two major health conditions had 18 sub-categories as derived from the eligible studies. Particularly, aphrodisiac and erectile dysfunction were the most encountered conditions and were managed with 133 plants. Provinces such as the Northern Cape and North West had limited studies on plants used for male healthcare needs.

Conclusion

We highlighted the importance of plants in meeting the primary healthcare needs of males. This suggests the need to promote additional research into the cultural, therapeutic, and dynamic trends in the use of plants for meeting the healthcare needs of males, especially in rural areas.