Analysis of the Therapeutic Potential of Abrus precatorius and Tabernaemontana elegans in
the Treatment of Bilharziosis in the Village of Massambe-Massinga District
Osvaldo Bernardo Muchanga1
Resumo
A pesquisa foi realizada no Povoado de Massambe e visou analisar o Potencial Terapêutico de Abrus precatorius e
Tabernaumontana elegans, plantas usadas no Tratamento de Bilharziose neste Povoado. A pesquisa foi de carácter
misto e desenvolveu-se em duas fases, sendo que na primeira, foi aplicada uma entrevista semi-estruturada aos
participantes, que consistiu na recolha de informações das partes das plantas utilizadas, bem como a forma de preparo
e administração. Nesta fase participaram 21 entrevistados, sendo, 1 Secretário, 7 Ervanários, 10 Praticantes da
Medicina Tradicional e 3 Anciãos que foram seleccionados de forma intencional. A segunda fase decorreu no
laboratório de pesquisa de Produtos Naturais do Departamento de Biologia da Universidade Pedagógica-Sede, e
consistiu na identificação dos princípios activos presentes nas raízes e folhas das duas plantas em estudo, relacionados
com a cura da bilharziose. Para a identificação de princípios activos aplicou-se a extracção a frio (maceração) e
reacções químicas específicas. Os resultados das entrevistas mostraram que a população usa as folhas, raízes, flores,
frutos e/ou mistura de raízes e folhas. Para o preparo do medicamento, a mesma usa a decocção, infusão e a queima e
para a administração usa a ingestão oral em dosagens variáveis. Os princípios activos identificados em órgãos de
plantas em estudo implicados no tratamento da Bilharziose são os taninos, alcalóides, flavonóides e as saponinas. Estes
princípios activos relacionam-se com o potencial anti-helmíntico pelo facto de inibirem o desenvolvimento normal do
S. mansoni.
Palavras-chave: Abrus precatorius; Tabernaumontana elegans; Medicina Tradicional;
Tratamento da Bilharziose; Shistosoma mansoni; Princípios activos.
Abstract
The present research was carried out in the Massambe Village and it was aimed at analyzing the Therapeutic Potential
of Abrus precatorius and Tabernaemontana elegans, medicinal plants used in the Treatment of Bilharziosis in this
Village. The research was mixed and developed in two phases. In the first one, a semi-structured interview was applied
to the participants, which consisted in gathering information from the parts of the plants used, as well as the preparation
and administration. At this stage participated 21 interviewees, including 1 Secretary, 7 Herbalists, 10 Traditional
Medicine Practitioners and 3 Elderly people who were intentionally selected. The second phase was held in the Natural
Products research laboratory of the Biology Department of the Pedagogical University Headquarters. It consisted in
the identification of active principles present in the roots and leafs of the two plants under study related to the cure of
bilharziosis. For the identification of active principles cold extraction (maceration) and chemical reactions were
applied. The results of the interviews showed that the population uses roots, leaves, flowers and blends of roots and
leaves. For the preparation of the drug, the same uses decoction, infusion and burning and for administration uses
ingestion at varying dosages. The active principles identified in plant organs under study and implicated in the
treatment of Bilharziosis are tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. These active principles relate to the
anthelmintic potential because they inhibit the normal development of S. mansoni.
Key words: Abrus precatorius; Tabernaemontana elegans; Traditional Medicine; Bilharziosis
treatment; Shistosoma mansoni; Actives principles;
1
Biologist, Master's Candidate in Public Health, University St Tomás de Moçambique Professor, Public Health
Mentor and Student Assistant. Public Health Lessons. Xai-Xai, Mozambique, July 2024
Email: [email protected]
1. Introduction
Since the 1970s, the WHO has been encouraging the use of plants to treat various illnesses in all
countries, especially in third world countries due to the scarcity of health services (Brandão, 2015).
In Mozambique the situation is no different, as MISAU (2006) states that available and accessible
health services are still insufficient to meet the needs of the population, as only 50% have access
to an acceptable level of health care. of which only 36% of the population have access to healthcare
within a 30-minute radius of their homes. And around 20% have unacceptable health care.
However, around 30% of the population is unable to access any type of health service, resorting
almost exclusively to plants with medicinal potential for the treatment of various illnesses.
Given the observable reality of the use of plants as therapeutic resources, MISAU (2011) through
the PES, has worked in coordination with the PMT's in order to systematize the use of forest
resources as a safe therapeutic means, since health services do not always reach the most remote
regions, such as the town of Massambe.
In the village in question, as well as in any other region of the country, the use of various
phytotherapeutic resources is common to minimize or control various illnesses that afflict the local
population.
In this region, among several diseases that are treated using herbal medicines, reference can be
made to Bilharzia, which is one of the health problems in the communities of that town. In these
communities, several species of plants are used to minimize the effects of this verminosis and
among them, PMTs, herbalists and the population in general have frequently used A. precatorius
and T. elegans. From this perspective, the present research aims to analyze the therapeutic potential
of these two species of plants used in the treatment of bilharzia and thus systematize their use.
1.1. Problematization
In Mozambique, epidemiological mapping of bilharzia reveals that this disease occurs throughout
the country and the global prevalence rate in children aged 5 to 15 is 47% (MISAU, 2013). In the
province of Inhambane, the prevalence rate of bilharzia is 21.5%, with all districts being endemic
for this disease, with the most affected districts being Govuro, Inhassoro, Massinga and Zavala.
In the specific case of the district of Massinga, among the villages affected by this disease, there is
the village of Massambe. This fact was confirmed during biological excursions carried out in this
village in 2015 and 2016, where the local community reported that they frequently suffered from
abdominal pain and bleeding when urinating (symptoms of bilharzia from the perspective of
Duarte, 2006), with a greater focus on children from 5 to 15 years old, a few days after using water
from the Massambe River and open wells in its vicinity (places considered by Duarte (2006) to be
repositories of Schistosoma mansoni – the cause of bilharzia), for bathing, preparing food and for
drinking without any prior treatment, a disease that they locally nicknamed “Xikuhete”.
Faced with this reality and with a view to minimizing the effects of this disease, the local
community said that, for sociocultural reasons and due to the lack of a health unit nearby (having
to travel approximately 25 km to the nearest health unit - the Hospital District of Massinga), has
used several species of plants as the most viable and affordable alternative for the treatment of
Bilharzia.
Specifically, the PMT's and herbalists in that region said that for the treatment of this disease,
several species of plants have been empirically used, with a greater focus on A. precatorius and T.
elegans, however, despite them proving to be effective ( empirically) in the treatment of this
disease, neither its real therapeutic potential nor its toxicity are known, which can probably lead to
intoxication. For all these reasons it is important to know:
What is the therapeutic potential of the Abrus precatorius and Tabernaemontana elegans species
used in the treatment of bilharzia in the village of Massambe?
1.2. Justification
In the first instance, the research is in line with WHO incentives, which consist of systematizing
the use of plants with therapeutic value in the treatment of diseases, through the analysis of their
medicinal potential, as a way of resolving problems in a timely and safe manner. health issues that
afflict the population.
During biological excursions carried out in the town of Massambe, it was found that in that region
A. precatorius and T. elegans are used empirically to minimize the effects of bilharzia. Therefore,
with this research, the real therapeutic potential of these plants will be highlighted, as well as their
toxicity, thus avoiding possible poisoning that may arise from incorrect administration of these
plants and thus helping in the effective and safe treatment of this disease in this and in other
villages.
The choice of these two plant species for the study was due to the fact that they were referenced as
the main ones used in the treatment of bilharzia by PMT's and herbalists in the town of Massambe.
The information produced in this research will allow, in a well-founded way, to understand the
procedures used to identify active ingredients contained in A. precatorius and T. elegans, and thus
use them for research into the genus.
Ultimately, the systematization of phytotherapy in the control of worms that is brought in this work
will constitute a (safe) alternative that can reduce the use of anthelmintic chemicals in this and
other villages.
1.3. Objectives:
1.3.1. General:
• Analyze the Therapeutic Potential of the species Abrus precatorius and Tabernaemontana
elegans used in the Treatment of Bilharziasis in the Village of Massambe-Massinga District.
1.3.2. Specifics:
• Describe the ways of using Abrus precatorius and Tabernaemontana elegans in the treatment
of Bilharzia;
• Identify the active ingredients present in the used parts of Abrus precatorius and
Tabernaemontana elegans involved in the treatment of Bilharziasis.
• Relate the active ingredients identified with their anthelmintic potential.
1.4. Research Guiding Questions
1. What is the use of Abrus precatorius and Tabernaemontana elegans used in the Treatment of
Bilharziasis?
2. What active ingredients are present in the used parts of Abrus precatorius and Tabernaemontana
elegans involved in the treatment of Bilharziasis?
3. What is the relationship between the identified active ingredients and the anthelmintic
potential?
2.Methodology
The research aimed to analyze the Therapeutic Potential of the species Abrus precatorius and
Tabernaemontana elegans used in the Treatment of Bilharzia in the Village of Massambe-Massinga
District and it is of Basic Nature as it aimed to bring new knowledge related to the therapeutic
potential of A. precatorius and of T. elegans in the treatment of Bilharziasis to expand theoretical
knowledge on the subject without a planned practical application, since for Fantinato (2015),
basic/pure research aims to generate new knowledge, useful for the advancement of science,
without anticipated practical application.
As for the approach, it is mixed (quali-quanti): the research followed the mixed approach as it
considered the numerical representation of the data as well as the qualitative aspect of the same. In
the quantitative approach, the research statistically considered the number of respondents regarding
the origin of herbal knowledge, parts of A. Precatorius and T. elegans used in the treatment of
bilharzia, as well as the method of preparation and administration of medications. Regarding the
qualitative approach, it essentially aimed to give meaning to the data collected in the field as well
as identify, through phytochemical studies, the active principles present in the parts of A.
Precatorius and T. elegans involved in the treatment of bilharziasis. Fantinato (2015) explains that
the mixed approach is used when in the same research, both aspects are used to collect more
information than could be achieved in isolation.
As for its objectives, this is an Exploratory-Descriptive research: it aimed to provide greater
familiarity with these two medicinal plants with a view to identifying the parts of them used in the
treatment of bilharzia as well as describing the procedure for preparing and administering them. .
Finally, it guaranteed the improvement of ideas about the therapeutic value of A. Precatorius and
T. elegans in the treatment of bilharzia, through the identification of the active principles present
in them. From Gil's (2008) perspective, exploratory research aims to provide greater familiarity
with the problem (make it clear) and descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of
certain populations or phenomena.
As for technical procedures, the research included two procedures, field and experimental
(laboratory) research. Field Research: constituted the first phase of the research and was carried
out in the town of Massambe. This stage aimed at the direct observation of A. precatorius and T.
elegans, as species used in the treatment of bilharzia in the village of Massambe. The same phase
also aimed to obtain information directly from PMT`s, Herbalists and Elders regarding the parts of
the aforementioned plants used in the treatment of bilharzia as well as on the preparation and
administration of herbal medicines. From Gil's (2008) perspective, field research is basically
carried out through direct observation of the activities of the group studied and interviews with
informants to obtain explanations and interpretations of a certain reality.
Experimental (laboratory) research: constituted the second phase of the research and was developed
at the level of the Natural Products research laboratory of the Department of Biology at UP-
Headquarters. This phase consisted of the phytochemical analysis of the parts of the plants (under
study) used in the treatment of bilharzia, where, based on cold extractive methods (maceration) and
specific chemical reactions, it was possible to identify the active principles present in them
involved in the treatment of this disease. disease, since for Fantinato (2015), experimental research
aims to say how or by what causes the phenomenon is produced and is generally carried out in a
controlled environment, whether a laboratory or not, aiming at the rational analysis of materials
collected in the field.
2.1.Data collection instruments
The data collection instruments used during the research were a camera, with the aim of
photographing all the moments that were justified for this purpose, a ballpoint pen and a notepad
for daily recording of some relevant information and a questionnaire containing part of the
interview questions.
2.2. Sampling
To select the sample group, a non-probabilistic sample was used, specifically the intentional
convenience sample, where 21 people from Massambe participated in the research. Of which 1
secretary, who served as a guide and helped in locating the herbalists, elders and PMT's of this
village, 7 herbalists, 10 PMT's and 3 elders who gave information on the use of A. precatorius and
T. elegans in the treatment of bilharziasis.
The selection of these participants was based on their potential to provide the necessary information
to respond to the objectives of this study as well as their availability to grant the interview.
According to Fantinato (2015) citing Babbie (2001), in intentional convenience sampling the
samples are selected, as inferred from the name itself, according to the convenience of the
researcher, that is, they are made up of people who are within reach of the researcher. researcher
and willing to answer a questionnaire productively.
2.3. Ethical considerations
The study was carried out respecting cultural, social, moral, religious and ethical values, as well as
the habits and customs of the community. Anonymity, justice and beneficence were also privileged,
as recommended by Menezes & Silva (2005).
2.4. Sample Collection
The sample was collected in the village of Massambe, Rovene, district of Massinga, province of
Inhambane in December 2017. In this process, leaves and roots (parts used in the treatment of
bilharzia in the village of Massambe) were collected from each of the two plants under research,
having removed around 35 centimeters (of branch) from each plant, in a sufficient quantity, a fact
supported by Carvalho (2010), who explains that 30 centimeters must be collected from each plant
in a sufficient quantity.
After collection, the samples were transported in paper bags, closed and labeled to avoid humidity
that would cause the development of microorganisms and also to avoid contact with the sun, as this
would cause the destruction of their chemical properties. In Freire's view (2000), samples should
be transported in paper bags, closed and labeled, and transporting samples in plastic bags should
be avoided as this favors the excessive accumulation of humidity and consequently the
development of microorganisms and should Exposure of samples to the sun should also be avoided
as this causes the loss of their original chemical properties.
2.5. Sample Preparation (Leaves and Roots of A. precatorius and T. elegans)
After collecting the plant material, the drying method was carried out to avoid the proliferation of
fungi and allow for greater extraction yield.
Drying was done on newspapers, over a period of 20 days, to avoid the loss of the plant's original
chemical properties, which would make it difficult to identify the active principles present in the
plants, this fact is supported by Soni & Sosa (2013), who explain that For drying, the samples must
be placed on sheets of newspaper folded in half, trying to imitate as much as possible the
arrangement of that plant in nature, always taking care to organize the flowers, leaves and roots for
drying well distended. The material thus prepared must be well dehydrated to provide greater
extraction performance and avoid fungi, otherwise the leaves, roots and floral parts could be
attacked by fungi.
After drying, homemade crushing was carried out, where unspecified quantities of plant material
were pounded onto the base of the homemade pestle. -It would be costly in terms of time due to
the consistency of the plant material.
Before crushing this material, the pestle was disinfected with 95% ethanol to avoid possible
contaminants that would interfere with the results, a fact defended by Carvalho (2010), who
explains that plant material can be crushed at home simply by hygiene and safety rules must be
observed to avoid infection of plant material.
After crushing, the samples were placed in well-identified paper bags for transportation to the
Natural Products research laboratory of the Biology Department of the Pedagogical University-
Headquarters, where plant extraction and phytochemical analyzes were carried out. This act is
agreed by Freire (2000), who argues that for storage and transport, plant samples must be placed
in paper bags, closed and properly labeled to avoid humidity that would bring microorganisms.
3. Presentation, Analysis and Discussion of Results
In the identification of secondary metabolites, it was possible to find in the roots and leaves of the
two plants under research (T. elegans and A. precatorius) tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids/triterpenes,
flavonoids, saponins in the leaves, anthraquinones only in the A. precatorius and the steroid test
was negative. According to Hoste (2006) cited by Botura (2011), the anthelmintic potential of
tannins is attributed to their ability to bind with proteins in the cuticle and digestive cavity of
flatworms, altering their physical and chemical properties. The other possibility refers to an indirect
action of these compounds, which can increase the host's immune response due to their binding
with dietary proteins, protecting these substances from degradation and consequently increasing
protein availability in the small intestine.
Botura (2011) explains that alkaloids are related to vermifuge/anthelmintic activity. Aqueous and
alcoholic extracts from the leaves, fruits and roots of plants that contain them interfere with egg
hatching, adult motility, larval development and migration. This fact makes it clear that the two
plants have anthelmintic activities and the way in which medicines are prepared from them also
contributes to their anthelmintic effectiveness as the majority use the decoctions.
Moraes (2011) cited by Freitas (2015), explains that alkaloids are attributed with anthelmintic
potential due to the fact that they contain emetine, a substance to which S. mansoni, in in vitru
research, showed high sensitivity, having been used and considered until 1920 a moderately
effective although toxic substance.
For Ayers et al. (2008), in vitro evaluations have revealed the anthelmintic trematicidal potential
of flavonoids. This effect has been related to the reduction in the levels of some free amino acids,
an increase in the levels of glutamic acid, citrulline, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), ammonia
and nitric oxide of this parasite. Thus, by having flavonoids, the two plants have anthelmintic
activity, thereby justifying their use in the treatment of bilharzia, a disease caused by a helminth.
With regard to saponins, Nandi et al. (2004) states that saponins extracted from Acacia
auriculiformis caused damage to the trematode membrane in rats, probably through the formation
of free radicals, such as superoxide anion, which induce changes through increased membrane lipid
peroxidation, an effect considered anthelmintic. of saponins. Therefore, the leaves of both plants,
while containing saponins, can be considered to have anthelmintic actions.
According to Barrozo & Santos (1999) cited by Botura (2011), terpenoids have anti-cancer
properties and are considered to be lipid solvents, decongesting the liver and stimulating weight
loss. They also have an antioxidant action and treat gastritis and ulcers, without having anthelmintic
potential.
Anthraquinones, according to Eineck (2013), are used therapeutically as laxatives and cathartics,
as they act by irritating the large intestine, increasing intestinal motility and, consequently,
decreasing water reabsorption, thus not having a direct action against Shistosoma ( cause of
bilharzia).
4.Conclusions and Suggestions
4.1. Conclusions
The use of Abrus precatorius and Tabernaemontana elegans in the treatment of Bilharziasis is
carried out using the roots, leaves, flowers and fruits, where decoction, infusion and burning of
these parts are used to prepare the medicines. Administration is done orally (oral ingestion). The
dosages and frequency of taking medications vary from 1, 2, 3 spoons every 8 hours (3 times a
day) or every 6 hours (4 times a day), depending on each practitioner and the age of the patient.
The active ingredients present in the used parts of these plants involved in the treatment of Bilharzia
are tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins.
Tannins have an anthelmintic potential attributed to their ability to bind with proteins in the cuticle
and digestive cavity of flatworms, altering their physical and chemical properties. The alkaloids in
turn interfere with egg hatching, adult motility, larval development and migration. Flavonoids have
the ability to reduce the levels of some free amino acids, increase the levels of glutamic acid,
citrulline, gamma aminobutyric acid, ammonia and nitric oxide in parasites. Saponins are related
to anthelmintic activity as they cause damage to the membrane of the parasitic Shistosoma.
4.2. Suggestions
It is suggested that local authorities raise awareness among the population about the risks of
poisoning they run when using these and other herbal medicines.
It is suggested that the scientific community continue to develop further research in this area,
involving in vitro tests with a view to determining the pharmacological effectiveness of these plants
(under study) against Shistosoma species and with a view to determining the scientifically
recommended dosages when taking medication. .
It is recommended that the scientific community continue with research to assess the real degree
of toxicity of these two plants under study.
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