Healing from the wild: An ethnopharmacological assessment of Aloe ferox in rural KwaZulu-Natal. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study.

Sibonelo Thanda Mbanjwa

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.1986

Authors

Sibonelo Thanda Mbanjwa Mangosuthu University of Technology P.O. Box 12363 Jacobs 4026 Durban, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.1986

Keywords:

Aloe ferox, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, traditional medicine, ethnobotany, rural healthcare, KwaZulu-Natal, herbal remedies, cross-sectional study, medicinal plants, community health

Abstract

Background

Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe or Bitter Aloe) is one of Southern Africa’s most valued medicinal plants, widely used within Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) for treating digestive, dermatological, and immune-related ailments. This study investigates the traditional applications, usage patterns, and local perceptions of A. ferox to support the integration of Indigenous healing knowledge into public health frameworks.

Methods

A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 140 participants from rural KwaZulu-Natal communities, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Participants included 80 women (57%) and 60 men (43%), aged 22–78 years (mean = 46.3 years). Most participants (65%) were small-scale farmers or informal traders, while 25% were traditional healers or herbalists. Quantitative data were gathered using structured questionnaires on usage frequency and preparation methods, while qualitative data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews with healers, elders, and community herbalists. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were applied.

Results

Approximately 79% of respondents used A. ferox for digestive cleansing and constipation, 60% for wound healing, 42% for skin infections, and 38% for immune support. Common preparation methods included boiling the leaf sap (55%) and topical gel application (35%), with 83% reporting symptom relief. Qualitative findings revealed that A. ferox is also perceived as a spiritual cleanser, used in rituals to remove “impurities” and restore balance. Healers emphasized its cultural symbolism and warned against overharvesting for commercial trade. Participants expressed concern over the loss of Indigenous harvesting knowledge among youth and the absence of dosage regulation in home-based use.

Conclusion
The study confirms A. ferox as a cornerstone of traditional healthcare and cultural identity in KwaZulu-Natal.

Recommendations

To ensure its sustainability, pharmacological validation, community-based conservation, and policy inclusion of IKS are recommended to safeguard both human health and biodiversity.

Author Biography

Sibonelo Thanda Mbanjwa, Mangosuthu University of Technology P.O. Box 12363 Jacobs 4026 Durban, South Africa

is a dedicated lecturer in the Department of Nature Conservation at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), South Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and specializes in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and environmental education. Dr. Mbanjwa is deeply committed to community engagement, student mentorship, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into conservation practices. His work bridges academia and practical application, empowering students and communities through innovative teaching, research, and outreach initiatives.

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