Gustav Thiel
A RESEARCH group established in Cape Town to scientifically research remedies used by traditional healers in malaria and tuberculosis has already had encouraging results. But, in the wake of the recent controversy about the Aids treatment Virodene, researchers are wary about drawing premature conclusions.
Tramed, a joint effort of the Medical Research Council (MRC), the University of Cape Town (UCT)and the University of the Western Cape (UWC), is currently testing plant extracts at UCT. But the group of researchers is adamant that correct scientific procedures will be adhered to before judgment is passed on the possible healing value of the plant extracts.
UWC School of Pharmacy professor Peter Eagles, one of the group’s leaders, said early signs were encouraging but added “the scientific community will want to make sure that nobody jumps on a bandwagon about possible cures for malaria or tuberculosis”.
He referred to the recent furore surrounding Virodene and the role government played in the supposed scientific research.
“The new research group will want to make sure that proper scientific values are adhered to and that all possible role players are consulted about our aims. At the very least, our aim is to change perceptions about traditional medicines to further sound scientific research,” said Eagles.
A representative of the MRC said the group will eventually work on a national scale “in a spirit of mutual respect and co- operation with traditional healers, industry and other researchers to glean information for the health benefits of all South Africans”.
An important objective will be to create a comprehensive database for East and Southern Africa for use by traditional healers, health workers at primary care facilities, policy-makers, drug regulatory authorities, the pharmaceutical industry and the public. Researchers hope to collect medical and botanical information on Southern African medicinal plants and to use this knowledge to set safety standards regarding herbal remedies.
Eagles said a stumbling block in moving forward is apprehension among traditional healers about the benefits of the project.