Review on Literature of the Plant Elephantorrhiza Elephantine on its Healing Properties and Recent Acquired Knowledge of its Medicinal Activities (2000-2020)

Background: The current review article outlines current findings in literature from undertaken studies and review articles on the plant Elephantorrhiza elephantine from the past 20 years to date. The information presented in this article will include the following aspects of the plant. The plant description and taxomony, ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Elephantorrhiza elephantine. The article looks to discuss existing hurdles in research found on this plant and how to integrate any previous research with what is currently done in research on the plant. It aims on guiding the path of future research direction on the plant Elephantorrhiza elephantine. Methods: A total of 40 articles were selected and read through. The articles selected had included literature publications with the keywords such as; Elephantorrhiza elephantine, plant description, taxonomic of the plant, ethno medicinal usages, phytochemicals, pharmacological properties and plant toxicity, which were published between the years 2000 – 2021. There were 32 articles relevant for this review article and 2 dissertation that were written between the criteria of years. Results: The ethomedicinal uses of Elephantorrhiza elephantine have been investigated by various authors on the anti-microbial activities, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and in ethnoveterinary medicine on how the plant provides relief to individuals with illnesses/disease through its traditional uses. These studies have been conducted on both animals and humans. The experiments performed used the crude extract derived from parts of the plant such as the roots and leaves. These plant parts have phytochemical compounds that are extracted using varying polar solvents. In the animal studies, acetone extracts of E. elephantine roots demonstrated significant activity against a tick-borne disease in cattle livestock and parasite worms in goats. In humans, the dried leaf extracts of E. elephantine was also subjected to various polar solvents and water, investigated for phytochemical content, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and cytotoxic activities, using standard methods. It was reported that the ethanol extract yielded the highest phytochemical content. Conclusion: The gap in knowledge has narrowed on medicinal plants effects of healing properties. This lead by extensive research carried out trying to understand the benefits of traditional medication and why majority of the population uses it as they primary healthcare choice. Investigating the mechanism of action of E. elephantine on its antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing could lead to an enhanced understanding on the medicinal properties of the plant extracts and a commercialisation of a product in future.