Plant Resources of Tropical Africa

A valuable resource for researchers on African traditional medicine

The Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR) at KEMRI focuses on the study of medicinal compounds found in plants which are used as traditional medicines. CTMDR is charged with validating the traditional medicines used by herbalists in Kenya. The centre collaborates with traditional herbal practitioners to integrate better herbal preparations and practices in the rural communities. The centre helps to validate their medicines and to facilitate their registration by the Ministry of Culture. CTMDR also develops markers for standardization of the traditional medicines. Additionally it develops drugs to treat common diseases such as malaria, asthma, diabetes and herpes simplex. One commercial product is almost ready for the market.

A discussion was held with some researchers from KEMRI-CTMDR on the access, use, relevance, impact and limitations of PROTA information. From the discussions, it emerged that there was no problem with access to the PROTA website and the database. However, the centre experienced frequent internet connectivity disruptions which affected accessibility. There was one copy of the PROTA 11(1) handbook at the centre’s library. It was established that PROTA information on medicinal plants was relevant to the centre’s activities. However, it was noted that the PROTA book covered common species found all over Africa, but not specific plants for East Africa.

PROTA information was primarily used for documentation at the CTMDR. The medicinal plants used by herbalists are approved by KEMRI based on information mainly from PROTA, which has been compiled (documented) as “Medicinal plants of Kenya- Ethnobotany, Pharmacology and Chemistry” (Vol 1 & 2). This aids their registration with the Ministry of Culture.
In addition, a documentation guide on Toddalia asiatica, Asystasia somalensis, Manilkara discolor, Striga hermonthica, Cyathula uncinulata, Ecbolium boranensis is currently being developed by Maushami Kabra, an intern at the Centre. She has primarily used PROTA information and the references contained within it to compile the document. PROTA information has been used as a reference in development of study proposals e.g. one entitled "Phytochemical, anti malarial, analgesic, antipyretic and anti inflammatory studies of some selected Kenyan Medicinal Plants" by Elizabeth Mumbi, and another on the Urtica massaica, by and it helps to avoid repetition of work that has already been carried out. Each of the staff members present during the session, received a questionnaire to give feedback on their specific application of PROTA information and the results.

Lack of skills to search for information was cited as a major limitation.  It was recommended that the researchers be trained continuously on how to navigate in the PROTA database. By the time of our visit, several centre staff members, including the librarian, had benefitted from the e-training and capacity building by ITOCA. The librarian has organised training sessions within the institution to empower researchers with e-resource skills.