Socio-Economic Importance, Abundance and Phytochemistry of Jateorhiza palmata (Lam.) Miers a Medicinal Plant in Nsanje, Malawi

Abstract

Jateorhiza palmata (Lam.) Miers is a plant of high commercial value at national and international spheres. This study was conducted to determine the socio-economic importance, abundance and phytochemistry of J. palmata in Matandwe Forest Reserve, Nsanje, Malawi. The study revealed eight traditional medicinal uses of J. palmata roots. These include: de-worming; treat abdominal pains; fontanelle; hydrocele; heals wounds; stops vomiting; anti-snake bite; and increases male prowess. Communities earn income ranging US$17.71 to US$206.48 per annum. The phytochemical composition of roots constituted of saponins, tannins, anthocyanins and terpenoids. The chemical composition varied amongst sites. This is an area that requires further studies to establish the cause of chemical differences. The density of J. palmata was 15±5 plants per hectare which translate into 52.7 kg of merchantable dry product. Approximately 60 tonnes of dry root products are traded from the area annually. This indicates that about 1138.5 hectares of the reserve is required to sustain trade annually. The wild population cannot sustain current demand. Thus, there is need to investigate silvicultural techniques that could promote domestication. Further research in value addition should be conducted to promote commercialization that can facilitate improved livelihood of rural people. Furthermore, these findings are of great use to pharmaceutical industries for the development of new antimicrobial drugs to address unmet therapeutic needs.