Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2016 Nov 21;6(1):75-83.
doi: 10.5455/jice.20161116071244. eCollection 2017 Jan-Mar.

Ethnomedical survey and safety evaluation of traditional eye medicines used in Misungwi district, Tanzania

Sheila M Maregesi  1 , Charles W Messo  1 , Juma Mathias  1
Affiliations

Ethnomedical survey and safety evaluation of traditional eye medicines used in Misungwi district, Tanzania

Sheila M Maregesi et al. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol. .

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed at documenting products used as traditional eye medicine (TEM) in Misungwi district, Tanzania, and performing preliminary analysis on safety status.

Methodology: Ethnomedical study was conducted in Misungwi district. Information was sourced by face-to-face interview with traditional healers, traditional medicine vendors, and knowledgeable people guided by a well-structured questionnaire. Safety was evaluated by determining pH using pH meter and mineral analysis using the Delta, Portable X-ray fluorescence equipment, and qualitative chemical tests.

Results: A total of 23 TEM products were recorded from botanical (79%) and zoological (21%) sources including animal excreta. Liquid preparation ranked highest among dosage forms. Safety evaluation showed that only one product possessed the pH value of 7.4 as recommended for topical ophthalmic medicines. Fourteen minerals were detected and quantified in three samples; some of these minerals are known for their negative effects to the eyes, of medical interest is strontium used for the management of benign eye tumors. Information providers were unaware of health risks associated with the use of TEM.

Conclusion: This study has revealed the common use of TEM in Misungwi district. The majority of the products are from the botanical source. Although literature provides supporting data for the application to some of the recorded TEM, safety evaluation by pH and mineral analysis in this study have indicated possible ophthalmological medical problems that could result from using such products. Extensive scientific studies including animal experiments and identification of bioactive compounds are essential to develop safe TEMs.

Keywords: Ethnomedical; Misungwi district; Tanzania; minerals; pH; safety; traditional eye medicine.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of Misungwi district [11]
Figure 2
Figure 2
% Frequency of mention of the treated eye disease/condition
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Foster A, Johnson GJ. Traditional eye medicine: Good or bad news? Br JOphthalmol. 1994;78:807–10. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Eze BI, Chuka-Okosa CM, Uche JN. Traditional eye medicine use by newly presenting ophthalmic patients to a teaching hospital in south-eastern Nigeria: Socio-demographic and clinical correlates. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009;9:40. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Bisika T, Courtright P, Geneau R, Kasote A, Chimombo L, Chirambo M. Self treatment of eye diseases in Malawi. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2008;6:23–9. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Courtright P, Lewallen S, Kanjaloti S, Divala DJ. Traditional eye medicine use among patients with corneal disease in rural Malawi. Br J Ophthalmol. 1994;78:810–2. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Basak SK, Bhaumik A, Mohanta A, Singhal P. Ocular toxicity by latex of Calotropis procera (Sodom apple) Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009;57:232–4. - PMC - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources