Kenya Listed Among Countries Using Herbs to Treat Cancer

Chemotherapy Chairs at the Machakos Cancer Centre
Chemotherapy Chairs at the Machakos Cancer Centre
Machakos County Government

A study by the South African Journal of Botany has revealed that Kenya is fifth in countries that use traditional plants to treat cancer.

A total of 948 plant species from 153 families and 628 genera were reported to be used against cancer in a total of 62 countries. Some of the plants listed were confirmed to contain anticancer properties by KEMRI in 2017.

Countries with the greatest number of species reported were Ghana followed by Palestine, India, Nigeria, Brazil, Kenya, Pakistan and South Africa.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe.
File

The study documented that most of the herbs were used against breast cancer and skin cancer. Oral administration is mostly used except for skin cancer where topical application was reported.

In Kenya, herbal medicines are readily available in herbal clinics, street vendors and open-air markets although their efficacy has not been scientifically proven to cure cancer.

KEMRI, in a previous study, revealed that over sixty percent of currently used anti-cancer agents are from natural sources.

A study conducted by the University of Nairobi in 2018 reported that cancer patients have used other alternative medications in addition to chemotherapy.

The study was done on 78 patients and showed that 14 patients opted to use alternative forms of medication. Herbal medicine topped the list with 64 percent hoping for a cure.

A survey that was conducted by Makerere University on the safety of herbal medications used in Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi reported that 63 percent of the medication contaminated harmful bacteria.

Following the findings, researchers from Makerere University warned that commercial health risks to communities across East Africa and recommended structures to be put in place to safeguard the safety of patients.

In 2017, President Kenyatta approved the Health Act 2017 which directed the Ministry of Health to establish an agency to regulate the use of alternative medicine.

The South African Journal of Botany shows that many Kenyans opt for traditional herbs in treating cancer.This has been contributed to by the high cost of cancer treatment in the country.

Moringa Leaves
Moringa Leaves
File