UK botanists harvest Zulu cures to fight Aids-related infections
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British scientists have discovered that ancient Zulu cures using rare plants can successfully treat Aids-related illnesses and serious skin infections.
British scientists have discovered that ancient Zulu cures using rare plants can successfully treat Aids-related illnesses and serious skin infections.
Botanists believe that Zulu sangoma, or traditional healers, have created highly effective treatments for respiratory illnesses and infections linked to Aids, as well as skin complaints, arthritis and burns.
Many of these herbal medicines, which include cures for coughs and colds, are based on plants unique to southern Africa, while others use shrubs known to keen British gardeners such as pennywort. Now a team of British experts, including botanists from Kew Gardens in London, are investigating ways to create safe versions of these medicines, and help traditional healers in South Africa to commercially exploit their discoveries.
Eventually, they predict, these Zulu medicines could be exported to the UK - tapping into a booming market for herbal remedies. And, after decades of hostility, health ministers and the medical establishment are beginning to make use of complementary medicines in the NHS.
The project, run by a British organisation called GardenAfrica, has won a £250,000 grant from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). On Wednesday ministers are expected to confirm that they will fund GardenAfrica's programmes for several more years. Defra is earmarking a record £10.5m for dozens of projects, including an initiative to measure climate change impacts on biodiversity using ants, protecting coral reefs in the Galapagos, and stopping elephants from raiding crops in Asia.
The GardenAfrica cash will be used to set up a new research centre called the Africulture Centre to build up scientific and botanical expertise in local, traditional medicines. Based on a 10- hectare site, it will collect and cultivate the most significant and rarest plants, and help train local healers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments