摘要
Background:Today,the world is battling COVID-19 which has claimed millions of lives within a short period.As biotechnological research is in progress,it’s expedient to explore alternative sources of medication.Exploring plants that have been used in the management of COVID-19 related symptoms for ages may unveil a potential treatment option for this pestilence.We,therefore,conducted a study in Kole district,Northern Uganda to document the plants that are used in the management of the four key COVID-19 related symptoms including flue,cough,sore throat,and difficulty in breathing.Materials and Methods:We employed a cross-sectional quantitative survey design.We used stratified sampling to select 50 participants from each of the five sub-counties in the district,and convenience sampling to select a total of 250 participants and administered interviewer-administered questionnaires.Results:We identified over 50 herbs that are used in the treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms.However,we were able to report on the fourteen most common ones that belonged to 12 families in this paper.Clematis hirsute Perr.&Guill,(68.0%)and Citrus limon burm.F.(30.8%);Eucalyptus grandis M.,(49.2%)and Zingibar officinalis,(28.0%);Conyza floribunda H.B.K.(26.4%)and Allium sativum A.(23.6%);Capparis tomentosa Lam.(19.4%)and Acacia hockii De Wild,(17.4%):for the treatment of flu,cough,sore throat and breathing difficulties respectively.Different plant parts of the diverse plant species were used in treating the symptoms.For Clematis hirsute Perr.&Guill,all plant parts were used differently to treat each of the 4 symptoms.Conclusion:Kole district possesses a multitude of herbs with the potential of treating COVID-19 symptoms.There is a need for further pharmacological investigations to validate their activity and possible development for clinical use in the management of COVID-19.
基金
Sincere acknowledgment to the study research assistants:Mr.Awio Justine,Mr.Onapa Victor,and the entire Kole district community for being generous with this precious information.
