Abstract

Medicinal plants have long been central to human health, serving as sources of nutrition, traditional remedies, and the chemical frameworks for modern drug discovery. Phytopharmaceuticals provide scaffold molecules that underpin the development of new medicines. Many plant-based drugs currently in clinical use, treat up to 90% of all known human diseases. Global biodiversity maps highlight that the richest reserves of medicinal plants lie within tropical and subtropical regions, with South America, Asia, and Africa ranking among the most biodiverse continents. Within this global context, South Africa stands out as one of the top ten biodiversity-rich countries, hosting the unique Cape Floristic Region alongside diverse ecosystems that sustain thousands of medicinal species.
In South Africa, medicinal plants are not only a scientific resource but also a cornerstone of primary healthcare. The ratio of traditional healers to the population is approximately 1:500, in stark contrast to the medical doctor-to-population ratio of 1:40,000. This demonstrates the accessibility and cultural integration of traditional medicine, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Iconic South African plants such as Aspalathus linearis (rooibos), valued for its antioxidant properties; Agathosma betulina (buchu), traditionally used for urinary tract and digestive ailments; and Hoodia gordonii, known for appetite suppression, illustrate the pharmacological and economic potential of the country’s flora.
Despite challenges such as overharvesting, habitat loss, climate change, and inequitable benefit-sharing, South Africa holds immense promise for phytopharmaceutical innovation. Bridging traditional knowledge with modern science, protecting biodiversity, and fostering fair policies can position South Africa as a global leader in medicinal plant research, innovation, and healthcare delivery.