African traditional medicines (ATMs) have been a cornerstone of healthcare for centuries, yet they remain underappreciated and underutilised in modern health systems. With the challenges facing mainstream healthcare in South Africa and across the continent, there is an urgent need to recognise the potential of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) not only to improve health outcomes but also to boost the economy.
For many, particularly in rural areas, traditional medicines serve as the first line of treatment. These remedies, rooted in centuries of practice and observation, are used to manage pain, build immunity, treat wounds, and cure diseases. Despite this, skepticism abounds, primarily because these medicines have not always been validated by modern scientific methods.
But science and tradition need not be at odds. On the contrary, empirical evidence from traditional healers can provide anecdotal insight complementing modern scientific research, and through this partnership evidence-based research can contribute to unlocking the potential of traditional medicines to improve health whilst creating economic opportunities. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is playing a crucial role in this effort, supporting research into IKS and ATMs as part of a broader national initiative led by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) and co-supported by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).
The Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act 6 of 2019 safeguards community-held knowledge against unauthorised use while promoting its development. Coupled with the National Bio-economy Strategy, which drives biotechnology innovation, these efforts aim to harness the power of South Africa’s biodiversity and indigenous knowledge to fuel economic growth.
The SAMRC is supporting a suite of initiatives in this regard. One of these is the SAMRC’s Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), which conducts research and development on therapeutics from indigenous resources. This includes the ATM platform, established to facilitate the screening and development of traditional medicines. This platform has also initiated the South African Natural Product Consortium (SANPC), which, in collaboration with partners from historically disadvantaged institutions such as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, University of Limpopo, Tshwane University of Technology and University of Zululand, is advancing efforts to standardize methodologies for ATMs, ensuring scientific robustness and consistency in their evaluation and development.
Other noteworthy projects include Product Nkabinde, a traditional medicine showing promise for HIV management, developed by Mr. Magugu Nkabinde and his family, with further scientific R&D being conducted by Prof. Nceba Gqaleni and his team at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI). This product has laboratory-demonstrated anti-HIV and immunomodulatory properties and has led to a patent filing. A second project is on a supplement for HIV/AIDS patients, developed by indigenous knowledge holder Mr. David Molefi, with further scientific R&D being conducted by Prof. David Katerere at Tshwane University of Technology, focusing on safety and pharmaceutical validation. For these projects, BRIP/SAMRC is supporting some of the in vitro and toxicity screening and the SAMRC’s Primate Unit and Delft Animal Centre is supporting the in vivo work.
These projects, co-funded by the SAMRC and TIA, are serving to chart a product development pathway for the scientific validation and SAHPRA-approved first in human studies on these products and highlight the potential of traditional healer - academia collaboration. Additionally, the SAMRC continues to fund smaller grants in the IKS and phytomedicine arena through its self-initiated research and capacity development initiatives.
The benefits of these efforts extend beyond health research. By leveraging IKS and ATMs, South Africa can have a significant impact on reducing poverty through the conservation of biodiversity that can lead to economic empowerment and job creation that will improve the overall well-being of rural communities. Just as oil transformed economies in the Middle East, our rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge can drive South Africa’s growth.
However, this requires focused investment and policy support. More funding, promotion, and infrastructure are needed to turn these initiatives into scalable industries. The potential return on investment, in terms of health improvements and economic upliftment, could be immense.
It is time to move beyond skepticism and embrace the potential of African traditional medicines. By combining IKS with modern scientific rigour, we can create a healthier and more prosperous future for all.
Author: Dr Phetole Mahasha
Dr. Mahasha is Project Manager for Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the South African Medical Research Council’s Grants Innovation and Product Development unit.
Original Article available on the Department: Science, Technology and Innovation's Website