Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemistry of medicinal plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Eastern Uganda.

Currently, highly active antiretroviral therapy is unable to cure HIV/AIDS because of HIV latency. This study aimed at documenting medicinal plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Eastern Uganda so as to identify phytochemicals with HIV latency reversing potential. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted across eight districts in Eastern Uganda. Traditional medicine practitioners were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests were respectively, performed to determine the presence and quantity of phytochemicals in frequently mentioned plant species. Data were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Twenty-one plant species from fourteen plant families were reported to be used in the management of HIV/AIDS. Six plant species with the highest frequency of mention were: Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Warbugia ugandensis, Leonatis nepetifolia, Croton macrostachyus and Rhoicissus tridentata. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of all the six most frequently mentioned plant species revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids and phenolics. Quantitative analysis revealed the highest content of flavonoids in L. nepetifolia (20.4 mg/g of dry extract) while the lowest content was determined in C. macrostachyus (7.1 mg/g of dry extract). On the other hand, the highest content of tannins was observed in L. nepetifolia. (199.9 mg/g of dry extract) while the lowest content was found in R. tridentata. (42.6 mg/g of dry extract). Medicinal plants used by traditional medicine practitioners in Eastern Uganda to manage HIV/AIDS are rich in phytochemicals including flavonoids and tannins. Further studies to evaluate the HIV-1 latency reversing ability of these phytochemicals are recommended to discover novel molecules against HIV/AIDS.

NF-κB pathway as a molecular target for curcumin in diabetes mellitus treatment: Focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a collection of metabolic disorder that is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Recent studies have demonstrated the crucial involvement of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory reactions in the development of DM. Curcumin (CUR), a natural compound derived from turmeric, exerts beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus through its interaction with the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Research indicates that CUR targets inflammatory mediators in diabetes, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. By reducing the expression of these inflammatory factors, CUR demonstrates protective effects in DM by improving pancreatic ß-cells function, normalizing inflammatory cytokines, reducing OS and enhancing insulin sensitivity. The findings reveal that CUR administration effectively lowered blood glucose elevation, reinstated diminished serum insulin levels, and enhanced body weight in Streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats. CUR exerts its beneficial effects in management of diabetic complications through regulation of signaling pathways, such as calcium-calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), NF-κB, and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFB1). Moreover, CUR reversed the heightened expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), IL-6) and chemokines like MCP-1 in diabetic specimens, vindicating its anti-inflammatory potency in counteracting hyperglycemia-induced alterations. CUR diminishes OS, avert structural kidney damage linked to diabetic nephropathy, and suppress NF-κB activity. Furthermore, CUR exhibited a protective effect against diabetic cardiomyopathy, lung injury, and diabetic gastroparesis. Conclusively, the study posits that CUR could potentially offer therapeutic benefits in relieving diabetic complications through its influence on the NF-κB pathway.

Acute and subacute toxicity profile of ethanolic stem bark extract of Albizia coriaria Welw. ex Oliv. in Wistar albino rats.

Albizia coriaria (Fabaceae) crude extracts are key ingredients of several licensed and unlicensed herbal products in East Africa. However, there is limited and often contradicting information regarding its toxicity. We therefore evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria in mature healthy Wistar albino rats following Lorke's method and OECD guidelines 407. The LD50 of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria was 2000 mg/kg. The acute toxicity signs observed included piloerection, hyperventilation, lethargy, and loss of righting reflex. There was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, red blood cells and haemoglobin in rats after 28 days at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Histological analyses revealed multifocal random parenchymal necrosis and scattered periportal mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltration in the liver, interstitial nephritis in the kidney and multifocal lymphoid accumulation in the peribronchiolar and perivascular lung tissue at 500 mg/kg. The ethanolic stem bark of A. coriaria was therefore moderately toxic to the rats when administered in a single high oral dose within 24 h. The extract caused a dose dependent toxicity with significant damage to the kidney, liver and lung tissues at a dose of 500 mg/kg after 28 days. Herbal medicines containing A. coriaria extracts should be consumed cautiously due to likelihood of toxicity particularly at higher doses greater than 500 mg/kg.

Caregivers' use of herbal and conventional medicine to treat children with sickle cell disease at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests use of herbal and conventional medicines in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). We examined factors associated with caregivers' use of combined herbal and conventional medicine to treat children with SCD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital between January and March 2022. Caregivers of children with SCD aged 1 to 18 years attending the Sickle Cell Clinic were interviewed using structured questionnaires. We collected data on caregivers' socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions of and intentions to use either or both therapies, self-reported use of either or both therapies and community and health-related factors. A multivariable logistic regression model was computed to assess the factors independently associated with caregivers' use of combined therapy, using Stata version 15.0. RESULTS: 372 caregivers were interviewed. On average, respondents were aged 34.3 years (Standard Deviation [SD]: ±9.8 years). 37% (n = 138) of the caregivers reported the use of both herbal and conventional medicine, 58.3% (n = 217) reported use of only conventional medicine, while 4.6% (n = 17) reported use of herbal medicine only. Higher odds of using combination therapy were found in caregivers aged 60+ years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 11.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 115.2), those with lower secondary education (AOR = 6.2; 95% CI: 1.5, 26.0), those who believed in the safety of herbal medicine (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.5, 7.6) and those who thought that use of both therapies were safe (AOR = 7.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 17.0). CONCLUSION: More than one-third of the caregivers reported use of combined herbal and conventional medicine, most of whom were older (>60%) and had lower secondary education. There is need for targeted health promotion to educate caregivers about the dangers of using both herbal and conventional medicines in treating children with SCD.

Medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria by indigenous communities of Tororo District, Eastern Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Although recent developments such as malaria vaccine trials inspire optimism, the search for novel antimalarial drugs is urgently needed to control the mounting resistance of Plasmodium species to the available therapies. The present study was conducted to document ethnobotanical knowledge on the plants used to treat symptoms of malaria in Tororo district, a malaria-endemic region of Eastern Uganda. METHODS: An ethnobotanical study was carried out between February 2020 and September 2020 in 12 randomly selected villages of Tororo district. In total, 151 respondents (21 herbalists and 130 non-herbalists) were selected using multistage random sampling method. Their awareness of malaria, treatment-seeking behaviour and herbal treatment practices were obtained using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired comparison, preference ranking and informant consensus factor. RESULTS: A total of 45 plant species belonging to 26 families and 44 genera were used in the preparation of herbal medicines for management of malaria and its symptoms. The most frequently mentioned plant species were Vernonia amygdalina, Chamaecrista nigricans, Aloe nobilis, Warburgia ugandensis, Abrus precatorius, Kedrostis foetidissima, Senna occidentalis, Azadirachta indica and Mangifera indica. Leaves (67.3%) were the most used plant part while maceration (56%) was the major method of herbal remedy preparation. Oral route was the predominant mode of administration with inconsistencies in the posology prescribed. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the identified medicinal plants in Tororo district, Uganda, are potential sources of new antimalarial drugs. This provides a basis for investigating the antimalarial efficacy, phytochemistry and toxicity of the unstudied species with high percentage use values to validate their use in the management of malaria.

Assessing the protective effect of Crassocephalum vitellinum against Rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Background: Crassocephalum vitellinum is widely used by traditional medical practitioners and local people in East Africa to manage a large number of ailments including hepatitis 1. However, its hepatoprotective effects had not been evaluated prior to this study. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an ethanolic leaf extract of Crassocephalum vitellinum against rifampicin-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Increasing doses of an ethanolic leaf extract of C. vitellinum were administered to Wistar rats daily for 35 days, together with rifampicin given orally as suspension. After the treatment period, Assessment of hepatoprotective activity was done by analysis of serum levels of biochemical and histopathological effects on the liver. Results: The results showed that administration of C. vitellinum extract significantly prevented drug- induced increase in serum levels of liver biomarker enzymes and also decreased the hepatocellular necrosis and inflammatory cells infiltration. Conclusion: The plant extract loweres the liver biomarker enzymes (ALT, ALP, AST) and preserves the histomorphology of the hepatocytes which is suggestive that the plant possess hepatoprotective properties.

Phytochemical, Cytotoxicity, and Antimycobacterial Activity Evaluation of Extracts and Compounds from the Stem Bark of Albizia coriaria Welw ex. Oliver.

BACKGROUND: Albizia coriaria Welw ex. Oliver (Fabaceae) is one of the plants used by herbalists in the East Africa community to prepare herbal remedies for the management of symptoms of TB. Despite its widespread use, the antimycobacterial activity of this plant was uninvestigated and there was contradicting information regarding its cytotoxicity. METHODS: Cytotoxicity (MTT), antimycobacterial activity (MABA), and phytochemical screening were conducted on crude extracts (hexane, chloroform, acetone, and methanol) of the stem bark of A. coriaria. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) followed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out on the acetone and methanol extracts. The binding affinities and descriptors of pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the identified compounds were predicted using computational modelling software. RESULTS: The cytotoxic concentrations of all extracts were greater than 1000 µg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both the acetone and methanol extracts was 1250.0 ± 0.0 µg/mL against M. smegmatis, whereas that against M. tuberculosis was 937.0 ± 442.0 µg/mL and 2500.0 ± 0.0 µg/mL, respectively. Hexane and chloroform extracts were not active against both strains. Alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins were the predominant phytochemicals present. GC-MS analysis revealed twenty-eight and nineteen compounds in acetone and methanol extracts, respectively. Among these was hydroquinone, which was previously reported to possess antimycobacterial activity. Seven compounds identified through GC-MS analysis had better binding affinities for the mycobacterial ATPase and polyketide synthase-13 than isoniazid and rifampicin. These compounds also showed variable but promising pharmacokinetic properties with minimum toxicity. CONCLUSION: There are phytochemicals in A. coriaria stem bark with potential antimycobacterial activity and acceptable cytotoxicity, which can be further explored and optimized for the development of novel antitubercular drugs.

Are antibiotic prescription practices in Eastern Uganda concordant with the national standard treatment guidelines? A cross-sectional retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic prescription patterns of health workers in Eastern Uganda and more specifically whether they are in accordance with the Ugandan standard treatment guidelines and other indicators of appropriate antimicrobial prescription. METHODS: Patient data were obtained from the health management information system of the outpatient department registers of Soroti and Mbale Regional Referral Hospitals from 2016-2018. RESULTS: The prevalence of non-adherence to treatment guidelines when prescribing antibiotics was 82.6% (95% CI 81.4-83.7%). Guidelines were more likely to be adhered to when prescribing antibiotics for individuals aged 13-19 years compared with their counterparts aged 0-12 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.55, 95% CI 0.40-0.74]. When prescribing antibiotics for males, health workers were twice as likely not to adhere to guidelines compared with when prescribing for females (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.61-2.72). When prescribing cephalosporins and nitroimidazoles, health workers were likely not to adhere to guidelines compared with when prescribing penicillin (cephalosporins, aOR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.28-2.86; nitroimidazoles, aOR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.09-2.65). Health workers were most likely not to follow guidelines when prescribing antibiotics in combination (two antibiotics, aOR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56). CONCLUSION: Non-adherence to treatment guidelines for an indicated diagnosis and inappropriate antibiotic prescription are significantly prevalent in Eastern Uganda. Health workers were more likely not to follow guidelines when prescribing for males, children up to 12 years of age and when prescribing cephalosporins, nitroimidazoles or double antibiotic combinations.

Sub-Acute Toxicity Effects of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Entada abyssinica on Biochemical, Haematological and Histopathological Parameters in Wistar Albino Rats.

Background: Whereas the efficacy of Entada abyssinica (fabaceae) extracts against various ailments has been scientifically validated, its safety has not been established. This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity effects of methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica on biochemical, haematological and histological parameters of Wistar albino rats following repeated oral administration. Methods: Wistar albino rats of both sexes were randomized into groups and orally administered daily with determined doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) of E. abyssinica methanolic extract using 1% tween 80 in distilled water as a control for 28 days. On the 29th day, all the animals were sacrificed and dissected to collect blood and selected organs. The serum and whole blood were assayed for biochemical and haematological parameters respectively while selected organs were examined for histopathological lesions. Numerical data was analyzed using graph pad prism and expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. The differences between the treatment and control groups were tested for statistical significance using one-way analysis of variance and/or Student's t-test. Results: In repeated daily oral doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg), the methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica did not cause significant alteration in majority of the biochemical and hematological indices. However, the extract significantly elevated the level of uric acid (all doses), aspartate aminotransferase (300 and 600 mg/kg), low density lipoproteins (150 mg/kg) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin concentration (all doses). On the other hand, the extracts reduced high density lipoproteins (150 and 300 mg/kg), mean corpuscular volume (all doses), haematocrit (150 and 600 mg/kg), mean platelet volume (150 and 600 mg/kg) and procalcitonin (150 mg/kg). In the vital organs, there were no significant lesions observed except at the highest dose (600 mg/kg) where there was mild evidence of lymphocyte infiltration in the liver and focal interstitial nephritis. Conclusion: The methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica is relatively safe in Wistar albino rats when repetitively administered orally in small doses for a prolonged period of time. We recommend more chronic toxicity studies and clinical trials on herbal remedies containing this plant to ensure that its use is free of potential toxicity to humans.

Prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among patients in two tertiary hospitals in Eastern Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of bacterial isolates from inpatients and outpatients in Mbale and Soroti regional referral hospitals in Eastern Uganda. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of culture and antibiotic sensitivity test results from the microbiology laboratories of the two tertiary hospitals was conducted for a 3-year period (January 2016-December 2018). RESULTS: Microbiology records of 3092 patients were reviewed and analysed, with 1305 (42.1%) samples yielding clinical isolates. The most prevalent isolates were Escherichia coli (n = 442; 33.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 376; 28.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 237; 18.2%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 76; 5.8%). High rates of antimicrobial resistance were detected across both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae were resistant to several agents such as amoxicillin/clavulanate (83.5%; 64.6%), cefotaxime (74.2%; 52.7%), ciprofloxacin (92.1%; 27.8%), gentamicin (51.8%; 76%), imipenem (3.2%; 10.5%), tetracycline (98%; 74.5%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (74.1%; 74.3%), respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and S. pneumoniae exhibited the following resistance profile: cefoxitin (44.4%; 40.9%), chloramphenicol (69.1%; 27.6%) clindamycin (21.5%; 24.4%), gentamicin (83.2%; 66.9%), penicillin (46.5%; -) tetracycline (85.6%; 97.6%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (88%; 91.3%), and vancomycin (41.2%; -). CONCLUSION: We observed high resistance rates to antibiotics among the majority of microorganisms that were isolated from the samples collected from patients in Eastern Uganda. Furthermore, measures should be undertaken locally to improve microbiology diagnostics and to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains as this impedes the optimal treatment of bacterial infections and narrows the choice of effective therapeutic options.

Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytoconstituents, Bioactivities, and Toxicities of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae): A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have been undertaken on the medicinal values of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae). The details, however, are highly fragmented in different journals, libraries, and other publication media. This study was therefore conducted to provide a comprehensive report on its ethnobotany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemicals, and the available pharmacological evidence supporting its efficacy and safety in traditional medicine. METHOD: We collected data using a PROSPERO registered systematic review protocol on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and ethnopharmacology of Erythrina abyssinica from 132 reports that were retrieved from electronic databases. Documented local names, morphology, growth habit and habitat, ethnomedicinal and nonmedicinal uses, diseases treated, parts used, method of preparation and administration, extraction and chemical identity of isolated compounds, and efficacy and toxicity of extracts and isolated compounds were captured. Numerical data were summarized into means, percentages, and frequencies and presented as graphs and tables. RESULTS: Erythrina abyssinica is harvested by traditional herbal medicine practitioners in East, Central, and South African communities to prepare herbal remedies for various human and livestock ailments. These include bacterial and fungal infections, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, diarrhea, cancer, meningitis, inflammatory diseases, urinary tract infections, wounds, diabetes mellitus, and skin and soft tissue injuries. Different extracts and phytochemicals from parts of E. abyssinica have been scientifically proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antidiarrheal, anti-HIV 1, antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities. This versatile pharmacological activity is due to the abundant flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids present in its different parts. CONCLUSION: Erythrina abyssinica is an important ethnomedicinal plant in Africa harboring useful pharmacologically active phytochemicals against various diseases with significant efficacies and minimal toxicity to mammalian cells. Therefore, this plant should be conserved and its potential to provide novel molecules against diseases be explored further. Clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of extracts and isolated compounds from E. abyssinica are recommended.

Experiences and views of healthcare professionals on the prescription of antibiotics in Eastern Uganda: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the experiences and views of healthcare professionals on antibiotic prescription in Eastern Uganda. METHODS: This was an exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Participants included 16 healthcare professionals from Mbale and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals. Additionally, two workshops were held (one in each hospital) with a total of 56 healthcare professionals to discuss the findings. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Healthcare professionals' prescriptions are influenced by (i) healthcare workers' perceptions and practices, (ii) patients' perceptions and beliefs, and (iii) contextual factors. Healthcare workers' prescriptions depend on the presence of bacterial infection and the severity of the condition, the availability and cost of medication, previous experience with antibiotic prescribing, patient characteristics, and trial and error. They also have limited knowledge and share little information on the use of antibiotics with patients. Patient factors included demand for a particular antibiotic, inability to afford expensive drugs, and limited knowledge about antibiotic use and resistance. Contextual factors that contributed to antibiotic prescribing were an overburdened healthcare system, the influence of pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, the use of (treatment) guidelines, and difficulties with laboratory services. CONCLUSION: This study showed that healthcare professionals are aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance but do not feel ownership of the problem. Instead, they rather blame the overburdened system, local drug shops, pharmacies, drug representatives and patients. There is a need for a multisectoral and holistic approach toward fighting antibiotic resistance.

Appropriateness and affordability of prescriptions to diabetic patients attending a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Irrational prescription of drugs can lead to high cost of treatment thus limiting access to essential medicines. We assessed the affordability and appropriateness of prescriptions written for diabetic patients in Eastern Uganda. METHODS: We collected secondary data from the health management information system registers of patients who attended the outpatient medical clinic at Mbale regional referral hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. The average cost of the prescriptions was calculated and adjusted odds ratios for predictors for unaffordability estimated using logistic regression. Computed scores for indicators of rational drug prescription were used to assess the extent of rational prescribing. RESULTS: The median cost per prescription was USD 11.34 (IQR 8.1, 20.2). Majority of the diabetic patients (n = 2462; 94.3%, 95% CI: 93.3-95.1%) could not afford the prescribed drugs. Predictors for unaffordability were if a prescription contained: ≥ 4 medicines (AOR = 12.45; 95% CI: 3.9-39.7); an injectable (AOR = 5.47; 95%CI: 1.47-20.32) and a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus with other comorbidities (AOR = 3.36; 95%CI: 1.95-5.78). Having no antidiabetic drug prescribed was protective for non-affordability (AOR = 0.38; 95%CI: 0.24-0.61). The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.8. The percentage prescription of drugs by generic name and from the essential medicine and health supplies list of Uganda were (6160/7461; 82.6%, 96% CI: 81.7%-83.4%) and (6092/7461; 81.7%, 95% CI: 80.8%-82.5%) respectively against WHO standard of 100%. CONCLUSION: The majority of diabetic patients (94.3%) in Eastern Uganda cannot afford to buy prescribed medicines. The government should therefore ensure that essential medicines are readily accessible in public health facilities.

Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry of traditional medicinal plants used in the management of symptoms of tuberculosis in East Africa: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Many studies on the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) using herbal medicines have been undertaken in recent decades in East Africa. The details, however, are highly fragmented. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the reported medicinal plants used to manage TB symptoms, and to analyze scientific reports on their effectiveness and safety. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was performed in the major electronic databases regarding medicinal plants used in the management of TB in East Africa. A total of 44 reports were retrieved, and data were collected on various aspects of the medicinal plants such as botanical name, family, local names, part(s) used, method of preparation, efficacy, toxicity, and phytochemistry. The data were summarized into percentages and frequencies which were presented as tables and graphs. RESULTS: A total of 195 species of plants belonging to 68 families and 144 genera were identified. Most encountered species were from Fabaceae (42.6%), Lamiaceae (19.1%), Asteraceae (16.2%), and Euphorbiaceae (14.7%) families. Only 36 medicinal plants (18.5%) have been screened for antimycobacterial activity. Out of these, 31 (86.1%) were reported to be bioactive with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 47 to 12,500 µg/ml. Most tested plant extracts were found to have acceptable acute toxicity profiles with cytotoxic concentrations on normal mammalian cells greater than 200 µg/ml. The most commonly reported phytochemicals were flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and phenols. Only Tetradenia riparia, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum leprieurii have further undergone isolation and characterization of the pure bioactive compounds. CONCLUSION: East Africa has a rich diversity of medicinal plants that have been reported to be effective in the management of symptoms of TB. More validation studies are required to promote the discovery of antimycobacterial drugs and to provide evidence for standardization of herbal medicine use.