Traditional gastro-intestinal enema: Evaluation of medicinal and pharmacological properties of Turraea obtusifolia Hochst.

The root and stem bark decoction of Turraea obtusifolia is commonly administered as an enema for intestinal complaints and stomach problems in southern Africa. However, there are many other medicinal uses of the species, some of them known since prehistoric times. The present review compiles existing knowledge of the chemical and pharmacological properties of T. obtusifolia. The leaf, bark, root, stem, root bark and stem bark decoction of T. obtusifolia are used as blood purifier, insect repellent, ethnoveterinary medicine and herbal medicine for intestinal complaints, stomach problems, aphonia, chronic cough, depressed fontanelle, diarrhoea, emetic, high blood pressure and respiratory infections. Chemical compounds identified from T. obtusifolia include alcohols, aldehydes, alkylbenzene, ester, fatty acids, ketones, limonoids, steroids and terpenoids. The pharmacological studies on T. obtusifolia and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species revealed its antimicrobial, antiplasmodial and insecticidal activities, thus validating some of its uses in indigenous or traditional medicine systems.