Pharmacological Uses of Agapanthus Africanus

Agapanthus africanus, popularly called the African lily or Nile lily, is a flowering plant native to South Africa. In traditional native culture, this attractive plant serves not only as a fetish in their animistic religion but also as a medicinal herb. Science has verified some of its traditional medicinal uses. Some of the constituents of Agapanthus africanus have potential uses in modern medicine.

Oxytocic

• An oxytocic is a substance that causes the uterus to contract. Experiments conducted at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, show that the leaves of Agapanthus africanus contain a substance that exhibits an oxytocic effect on rats. Native South Africans have long used this herb as an aid in difficult childbirths. Experiments at the University of Witwatersrand show that this native practice has a sound scientific basis, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Native South African women also use agapanthus during the course of their pregnancy, believing that its use will help protect the developing child.

Cardiac Tonic

• A cardiac tonic, or cardiac, is a substance that promotes healthy heart activity. Agapanthus africanus has served as medicine for heart ailments, but according to Plants for a Future, plants like foxglove and ephedra are considerably more effective as cardiacs than Agapanthus africanus.

Fungicide

• The rhizomes of Agapanthus africanus contain substances that fight against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, a fungus which causes a disease called Malabar itch in human beings. The same substances combat a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This fungus grows on roses and can infect humans who get pricked by an infected rose thorn.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

• Agaphanthus africanus contains a substance known in chemistry as a hydrochalcone, according to the BioInfoBank Library. In addition to the ability to inhibit bacteria and fungi, this hydrochalcone endows Agapanthus africanus with anti-inflammatory properties. The plant also contains saponins, another group of anti-inflammatory substances.

Alimentary Canal Aid

• Agapanthus africanus promotes the health of the digestive tract. It helps the stomach function properly and acts as a mild laxative, according to StuartXchange.

Antihypertensive Agent

• An extract from the leaves of Agapanthus africanus relieves hypertension, which means that it lowers blood pressure. But other South African plants are more effective, especially a plant called Adenopodia spicata, according to Science Direct.

Expectorant

• Agapanthus africanus promotes the health of the respiratory system. It is an expectorant: a substance that helps expel phlegm and excess mucous from the trachea, according to StuartXchange. For this reason, Agapanthus africanus provides relief to those who suffer from the common cold. The Zulu have traditionally used various species of agapanthus as a treatment for colds, according to PlantZAfrica.

Reproductive Aid

• Native Africans have used species of agapanthus as a treatment for such reproductive problems as infertility. They regard them as an aphrodisiacs, i.e., love charms, according to PlantZAfrica.