Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment and Management of Bilharziasis and Other Parasitic Infections Affecting Humans in Zimbabwe: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that at least 251.4 million people from 78 countries were in need of preventative care for bilharziasis in 2021. Globally, soil-transmitted helminth infections are present in at least 24% of the world’s population. Tropical and subtropical areas have a wide distribution of infections with a high prevalence in the sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to document plants that have been traditionally used in Zimbabwe to manage bilharziasis and other parasitic infections. The literature review was based on published papers and abstracts retrieved from the online databases. Books, book chapters, scientific reports and theses from universities in Zimbabwe that were available online were also used in this review. Plants with the reported traditional usage against bilharziasis and other parasitic infections were recorded from the data retrieved. In total, 68 species were used to treat and manage bilharzia and other parasitic infections. Most of these medicinal plants were used to treat and manage schistosomes (fluke or worm). A total of 76.5% of the medicinal plants reported have been scientifically validated and documented to exhibit anthelmintic activity. In conclusion, Zimbabwe has a plethora of medicinal plants that can be used to manage bilharziasis and other parasitic infections.