A Review on Therapeutic Effects of Labisia pumila on Female Reproductive Diseases.

The Labisia pumila (LP) is a traditional plant that is locally known as Kacip Fatimah, Selusuh Fatimah, or Pokok Ringgang by the Malaysian indigenous people. It is believed to facilitate their childbirth, treating their postchild birth and menstrual irregularities. The water extract of LP has shown to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid, ß-carotene, anthocyanin, and phenolic acid, which contribute extensive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal. The LP ethanolic extract exhibits significant estrogenic effects on human endomentrial adenocarcinoma cell in estrogen-free basal medium and promoting an increase in secretion of alkaline phosphate. Water based has been used for many generations, and studies had reported that it could displace in binding the antibodies and increase the estradiol production making it similar to esterone and estradiol hormone. LP extract poses a potential and beneficial aspect in medical and cosmeceutical applications. This is mainly due to its phytoestrogen properties of the LP. However, there is a specific functionality in the application of LP extract, due to specific functional group in phytoconstituent of LP. Apart from that, the extraction solvent is important in preparing the LP extract as it poses some significant and mild side effects towards consuming the LP extracts. The current situation of women reproductive disease such as postmenopausal syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome is increasing. Thus, it is important to find ways in alternative treatment for women reproductive disease that is less costly and low side effects. In conclusion, these studies proven that LP has the potential to be an alternative way in treating female reproductive related diseases such as in postmenopausal and polysystic ovarian syndrome women.

Comparison of the effects of Pueraria mirifica gel and of placebo gel on the vaginal microenvironment of postmenopausal women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a 12-week course of 5%Pueraria mirifica gel and placebo gel on the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, vaginal fungi, vaginal pH, vaginal health index (VHI), and genitourinary symptoms in postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study (TCTR20160517002), 60 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a 12-week course of eitherP. mirifica gel or identical placebo gel. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Vaginal Nugent score, fungal culture, pH, VHI, and genitourinary symptoms were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, the proportion of participants with an abnormal Nugent score in the P. mirifica and the placebo groups were 6.7 % (2/30) and 23.3 % (7/30), respectively (p =  0.006). The mean changes in Nugent scores and VHI were significantly higher in the P. mirifica group (p <  0.05). There were no significant decreases in the prevalence of symptoms between the two groups after treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: A 12-week course of treatment with 5 % P. mirifica vaginal gel in postmenopausal women with GSM has been proved to be effective in reducing indicators of bacterial vaginosis compared with placebo gel. Nevertheless, the effect on alleviating genital symptoms was not demonstrated.

Single-Dose Zoliflodacin (ETX0914) for Treatment of Urogenital Gonorrhea.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae has prompted the development of new therapies. Zoliflodacin is a new antibiotic that inhibits DNA biosynthesis. In this multicenter, phase 2 trial, zoliflodacin was evaluated for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea. METHODS: We randomly assigned eligible men and women who had signs or symptoms of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea or untreated urogenital gonorrhea or who had had sexual contact in the preceding 14 days with a person who had gonorrhea to receive a single oral dose of zoliflodacin (2 g or 3 g) or a single 500-mg intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone in a ratio of approximately 70:70:40. A test of cure occurred within 6±2 days after treatment, followed by a safety visit 31±2 days after treatment. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the proportion of urogenital microbiologic cure in the microbiologic intention-to-treat (micro-ITT) population. RESULTS: From November 2014 through December 2015, a total of 179 participants (167 men and 12 women) were enrolled. Among the 141 participants in the micro-ITT population who could be evaluated, microbiologic cure at urogenital sites was documented in 55 of 57 (96%) who received 2 g of zoliflodacin, 54 of 56 (96%) who received 3 g of zoliflodacin, and 28 of 28 (100%) who received ceftriaxone. All rectal infections were cured in all 5 participants who received 2 g of zoliflodacin and all 7 who received 3 g, and in all 3 participants in the group that received ceftriaxone. Pharyngeal infections were cured in 4 of 8 participants (50%), 9 of 11 participants (82%), and 4 of 4 participants (100%) in the groups that received 2 g of zoliflodacin, 3 g of zoliflodacin, and ceftriaxone, respectively. A total of 84 adverse events were reported: 24 in the group that received 2 g of zoliflodacin, 37 in the group that received 3 g of zoliflodacin, and 23 in the group that received ceftriaxone. According to investigators, a total of 21 adverse events were thought to be related to zoliflodacin, and most such events were gastrointestinal. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of uncomplicated urogenital and rectal gonococcal infections were successfully treated with oral zoliflodacin, but this agent was less efficacious in the treatment of pharyngeal infections. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and Entasis Therapeutics; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02257918 .).

Gepotidacin for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Urogenital Gonorrhea: A Phase 2, Randomized, Dose-Ranging, Single-Oral Dose Evaluation.

Background: In this phase 2 study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral gepotidacin, a novel triazaacenaphthylene bacterial type II topoisomerase inhibitor, for the treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea. Methods: Adult participants with suspected urogenital gonorrhea were enrolled and completed baseline (day 1) and test-of-cure (days 4-8) visits. Pretreatment and posttreatment urogenital swabs were collected for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) culture and susceptibility testing. Pharyngeal and rectal swab specimens were collected if there were known exposures. Participants were stratified by gender and randomized 1:1 to receive a 1500-mg or 3000-mg single oral dose of gepotidacin. Results: The microbiologically evaluable population consisted of 69 participants, with NG isolated from 69 (100%) urogenital, 2 (3%) pharyngeal, and 3 (4%) rectal specimens. Microbiological eradication of NG was achieved by 97%, 95%, and 96% of participants (lower 1-sided exact 95% confidence interval bound, 85.1%, 84.7%, and 89.1%, respectively) for the 1500-mg, 3000-mg, and combined dose groups, respectively. Microbiological cure was achieved in 66/69 (96%) urogenital infections. All 3 failures were NG isolates that demonstrated the highest observed gepotidacin minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 µg/mL and a common gene mutation. At the pharyngeal and rectal sites, 1/2 and 3/3 NG isolates, respectively, demonstrated microbiological cure. There were no treatment-limiting adverse events for either dose. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that single, oral doses of gepotidacin were ≥95% effective for bacterial eradication of NG in adult participants with uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT02294682.

Effects of ciprofloxacin on fetal rat liver during pregnancy and protective effects of quercetin.

Urinary tract infections are common in pregnant women and ciprofloxacin frequently is used as a broad spectrum antibiotic. It has been suggested that ciprofloxacin causes liver damage in fetuses. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant properties. We investigated the efficacy of quercetin treatment for preventing fetal liver damage caused by ciprofloxacin. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups: untreated control group (C), 20 mg/kg quercetin for 21 days group (Q), 20 mg/kg twice/day ciprofloxacin for 10 days group (CP), and 20 mg/kg, ciprofloxacin + quercetin for 21 days group (CP + Q). Fetal livers were removed on day 21 of gestation to measure antioxidants and for histological observation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured in tissue samples. GSH-Px, SOD and CAT activities were significantly lower in the CP group compared to group C. A significant increase in MDA was observed in the CP group compared to group C. There was no significant difference in GSH levels in any group. MDA levels were lower and CAT, SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities were higher in the CP + Q group compared to group CP. Liver samples of the CP group exhibited central vein dilation, portal vein congestion, pyknotic nuclei and cytoplasmic vacuolization in some hepatocytes. Histological changes were less prominent in the rats treated with quercetin. Use of ciprofloxacin during pregnancy caused oxidative damage in fetal liver tissue. Oxidative stress was ameliorated by quercetin. Quercetin supports the antioxidant defense mechanism and it is beneficial for treating fetal liver damage caused by ciprofloxacin.

Proteflazid® and local immunity in diseases caused by human papillomavirus, herpesvirus and mixed urogenital infections.

Reporting of clinical trials results for Proteflazid® in the drug formulation suppositories and vaginal swabs soaked in the solution of the drug to the local immunity of the female reproductive tract. AIM: The aim of study was to examine the state of local immunity in the reproductive tract of women with sexually transmitted diseases caused by human papillomavirus, herpes viruses (Type 1, 2) and mixed infection (herpes viruses + chlamydia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trials involved 216 women with viral sexually transmitted diseases: Cervical Dysplasia associated with papillomavirus infection (HPV) (Group 1); Herpes genitalis type 1 (HSV- 1) and type 2 (HSV-1) (Group 2); mixed infection - HSV-1, HSV-2 and chlamydia (Group 3). RESULTS: Treatment results have confirmed that Proteflazid® contributes to sustainable performance improvement of basic factors of local immunity - sIgA, lysozyme and complement component C3 in the cervical mucus for all three groups of women. CONCLUSIONS: Proteflazid® enhances level of local immunity markers (sIgA, lysozyme, C3 complement component) and improves their ratios. Also it intensifies anticontagious activity of mucosal protection and female reproductive system as whole, during treatment diseases caused by human papillomavirus, herpesvirus and mixed urogenital infections (herpesvirus and chlamydia).

Tratamento da atrofia vaginal da mulher na pós­menopausa / Treatment of vaginal atrophy of women in postmenopausal

Sintomas relacionados com a atrofia vulvovaginal apresentam um impacto negativo sobre a qualidade de vida de até 50% das mulheres na pós­menopausa. No entanto, algumas recusam o uso de estrogênios, que é a terapia eficaz padrão, devido à publicidade negativa nos últimos anos e à disponibilidade de outras terapias opcionais. Esta revisão avaliou a eficácia de tratamentos hormonais, fitoterápicos de uso oral ou tópico para aliviar os sintomas da atrofia vaginal em mulheres na pós­menopausa. Foram avaliados estudos do Medline, Scopus e Cochrane Central Register de Ensaios Controlados com as palavras­chaves vagina, postmenopause, isoflavones, estrogen, syndrome genitourinária, vulvovaginal atrophy, clinical applications. Estudos de revisão e ensaios clínicos randomizados foram incluídos neste estudo. Os dados mostraram que os estrogênios de uso sistêmico ou local são os mais indicados, as isoflavonas só mostraram efeitos positivos quando de uso local. Alguns tratamentos não hormonais, como hidratantes, lubrificantes e o uso de laser vaginal, também são indicados. Outra possibilidade de tratamento é o ospemifeno, um modulador de receptor hormonal seletivo (SERM) na dispareunia e na atrofia vulvovaginal. Assim, o uso de opções é benéfico para mulheres com risco de neoplasia relacionada aos estrogênios.(AU)

Symptoms related to atrophy vulvovaginal have a negative impact on quality of life up to 50% of women after menopause. However, some refuse the use of estrogens that is the standard effective therapy due to negative publicity in recent years and other available alternatives therapies. This review assessed the effectiveness of hormonal treatments, herbal oral or topical use to relieve the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in women after menopause. We evaluated studies of Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using vagina, postmenopause, isoflavones, estrogen, syndrome genitourinária, vulvovaginal atrophy, clinical applications, as keywords. Review studies and randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The data showed that the systemic or local use of estrogens are the most appropriate, and the isoflavones only showed positive effects when used locally. Some non­hormonal treatments such as moisturizing, lubricating and the use of vaginal laser are also suitable. Another possible treatment is ospemifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) on dyspareunia and vulvovaginal atrophy. Thus, the use of alternatives is beneficial for women with cancer risk related to estrogens.(AU)

Plantas medicinais utilizadas em transtornos do sistema geniturinário por mulheres ribeirinhas, Caravelas, Bahia / Medicinal plants used in genitourinary system disorders by riverine women, Caravelas, Bahia

O uso de plantas na cura de enfermidades ainda é comum entre vários povos e bastante observado em comunidades ribeirinhas. Desse modo, o objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as espécies vegetais utilizadas como medicinal, para transtornos do Sistema Geniturinário, por mulheres integrantes da Colônia de Pescadores Z-25 do município de Caravelas-BA, assim como suas formas de uso e manipulação. O estudo foi realizado em comunidades do distrito de Ponta de Areia, povoado de Barra de Caravelas e na Reserva Extrativista do Cassurubá. As entrevistas semiestruturadas e conversas informais foram realizadas com 40 mulheres, selecionadas a partir da técnica "Bola de Neve". Um total de 13 espécies vegetais foram indicadas para o cuidado ginecológico e/ou urinário, distribuídas em nove famílias botânicas, sendo as mais representativas Asteraceae (3 spp.), Anacardiaceae (2 spp.) e Malvaceae (2 spp.). Conforme os relatos, as espécies são utilizadas no tratamento da candidíase, corrimento, infecção urinária, ferida uterina, inflamação pélvica, hemorragia pélvica, reposição de hormônios, menopausa, cólica menstrual e ferida uterina. As plantas medicinais citadas possuem, em sua maioria, hábito do tipo herbáceo (7 spp.), seguido pelo arbóreo (4 spp.) e arbustivo (2 spp.).(AU)

The use of plants in the cure of diseases is still common among many folks and still quite observed in riverside communities. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the plant species used as medicine for disorders of the genitourinary system by female members of the Colony of Fishermen Z 25 in the city of Caravelas, Bahia, as well as their forms of use and handling. The Study was conducted in communities belonging to the municipality of Caravelas: Ponta de Areia district, Barra de Caravelas thorp and on Cassurubá's Extractive Reserve. The semi-structured interviews and informal conversations were performed with 40 womens, selected from the "Snowball" technique. A total of 13 plant species were indicated for the gynecological and/or urinary care, distributed in 9 botanical families, being the most representative Asteraceae (3 spp.), Anacardiaceae (2 spp.) e Malvaceae (2 spp.). Mostly, the species are used in the treatment of candidiasis, discharge, urinary tract infection, uterine wound, pelvic inflammation, pelvic bleeding, hormone replacement therapy, menopause, menstrual cramps and uterine wound. The cited medicinal plants have, in most cases, the herbaceous type habit (7 spp.), followed by arboreal (4 spp.) and shrubs (2 spp.).(AU)

Herbal medicines used by Bapedi traditional healers to treat reproductive ailments in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

The current study focussed on documenting the ethnobotanical knowledge of herbal medicines used by the Bapedi traditional healers to treat reproductive ailments in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Fifty one healers from 17 municipalities covering Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Waterberg districts of the Limpopo Province were interviewed between January and July 2011. Semi-structured interviews, observations and guided field surveys with the healers were employed. Thirty-six medicinal plant species belonging to 35 genera and 20 families were documented. The most used species were Zanthoxylum humile (25.5%), Catha edulis (21.6%), Ozoroa sphaerocarpa (15.7%), Hypoxis hemerocallidea (13.7%), Hypoxis obtusa (11.7%), Gomphocarpus fruticosus subsp. fruticosus and Gymnosporia senegalensis (9.8% each). The dominant growth forms among the reported medicinal plants were herbs (39%), followed by shrubs and trees with 33% and 28%, respectively. The preferred plant parts were roots (63.9%), followed by bark (13.9%), whole plant (11.1%), tubers (8.3%), bulbs (5.6%), fruits, leaves, stems and twigs (2.8% each). The majority of the species were used to treat gender specific reproductive ailments; while a minority were used for treating reproductive ailments of both genders. Twenty-two species (61.1%) are supported by reports of similar uses in other countries or have proven biological activity. This study illustrates that Bapedi traditional healers possess remarkable knowledge on medicinal plants used for treating and managing reproductive ailments.

Phytotherapy and women's reproductive health: the Cameroonian perspective.

Approximately 80 % of the population in Africa use traditional medicinal plants to improve their state of health. The reason of such a wide use of medicinal plants has been mainly attributed to their accessibility and affordability. Expectation of little if any side effects, of a "natural" and therefore safe treatment regimen, as well as traditional beliefs additionally contribute to their popularity. Several of these plants are used by women to relieve problems related to their reproductive health, during or after their reproductive life, during pregnancy, or following parturition. The African pharmacopoeia thus provides plants used for preventing and/or treating gynecological infections, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruations, oligomenorrhea or protracted menstruation, and infertility. Such plants may then be used as antimicrobians, emmenagogues, or as suppressors of uterine flow. African medicinal plants are also used during pregnancy for prenatal care, against fetal malposition or malpresentation, retained dead fetus, and against threatened abortion. Some others are used as anti-fertilizing drugs for birth control. Such plants may exert various activities, namely, anti-implantation or early abortifacient, anti-zygotic, blastocytotoxic, and anti-ovulatory effects. Some herbs could also act as sexual drive suppressors or as a post-coital contraceptive by reducing the fertility index. A number of these plants have already been subject to scientific investigations and many of their properties have been assessed as estrogenic, oxytocic, or anti-implantation. Taking into account the diversity of the African pharmacopoeia, we are still at an early stage in the phytochemical and pharmacological characterization of these medicinal plants that affect the female reproductive system, in order to determine, through in vitro and in vivo studies, their pharmacological properties and their active principles.

Medical ethnobotany of the Albanian Alps in Kosovo.

BACKGROUND: Ethnobotanical studies are crucial in South-Eastern Europe for fostering local development and also for investigating the dynamics of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to plants in one of the most crucial European hotspots for biocultural diversity. The current medico-ethnobotanical survey was conducted in rural alpine communities in Kosovo. The aims of the study were twofold: 1) to document the state of TEK of medicinal plants in these communities; 2) to compare these findings with that of similar field studies previously conducted among local populations inhabiting the Montenegrin and Albanian side of the same Alpine range. METHODS: Field research was conducted in 36 villages on the Kosovar side of the Albanian Alps. Snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit 91 elderly informants (≥ 50 years-old) for participation in semi-structured interviews and structured surveys regarding the use of the local flora for medicinal and food purposes. Standard ethnobotanical methods were employed and prior informed consent was obtained for all study participants. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The uses of 98 plants species belonging to 39 families were recorded; the most quoted botanical families were Rosaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae. Mainly decoctions and infusions were quoted as folk medicinal preparations and the most common uses referred to gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, as well as illnesses of the uro-genital system. Among the most uncommon medicinal taxa quoted by the informants, Carduus nutans L., Echinops bannaticus Rochel ex Schrad., and Orlaya grandiflora Hoffm. may merit phytochemical and phytopharmacological investigations.Comparison of the data with other ethnobotanical field studies recently conducted on the Albanian and Montenegrin sides of the same Alps has shown a remarkable link between the medical ethnobotany of Montenegrin and Kosovar side of the Albanian Alps. Moreover, folk uses of the most quoted wild medicinal taxa recorded in Kosovo often include those recorded both in Albania and in Montenegro, thus suggesting a hybrid character of the Kosovar local plant knowledge. This may be also explained with the fact that Montenegro and Kosovo, despite their differences in the ethnic composition, have shared a common history during the last Century.

Management of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients.

In breast cancer patients, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, urogenital problems, musculoskeletal symptoms and cognitive dysfunction are common, regardless of age at diagnosis. They affect quality of life and systemic therapy will worsen this. Endocrine and/or chemotherapy may induce temporary or permanent ovarian failure and can exacerbate these symptoms. Hormone therapy (HT) has been studied in breast cancer survivors, but safety has been questioned. The HABITS trial investigating estrogen-based HT, as well as the LIBERATE trial investigating tibolone, found a reduction in disease-free survival for those treated. Alternative strategies are needed, as menopause symptoms may reduce compliance with breast cancer treatments. This article reviews recently published strategies to tackle menopausal problems in breast cancer patients. Antidepressants may help with hot flashes. Acupuncture and hypnosis can also be used but the evidence is conflicting. For urogenital problems vaginal moisturizers or topical estrogens can be employed. A musculoskeletal syndrome induced by aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is frequently encountered and currently there are no effective treatment strategies. Bisphosphonates reduce AI-induced bone resorption and can also increase disease-free and overall survival. Standard-dose endocrine and chemotherapy are associated with a decline in cognitive function.

Vulvovaginal atrophy: current and future therapies (CME).

INTRODUCTION: Vulvovaginal atrophy results from estrogen deficiency and affects a large number of postmenopausal women. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and dyspareunia. AIM: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and acceptability of current treatment methods for vulvovaginal atrophy, as well as highlight evolving new treatment methods. Method. We conducted a review of the literature concerning treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy. RESULTS: All currently available low-dose local estrogen formulations are effective and yield few side effects. Fears sparked by the Women's Health Initiative, as well as recommendations by the FDA, have generated interest in the development of new treatment methods. Lower doses of existing formulations have proven to be efficacious. The use of estrogen agonists/antagonists and intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have both been shown to positively affect vaginal atrophy symptoms without inducing endometrial proliferation. CONCLUSION: Potential new treatment methods show promise to provide efficacy in treatment while avoiding unwanted side effects. Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment formulations.

Challenges in the conduct of Thai herbal scientific study: efficacy and safety of phytoestrogen, pueraria mirifica (Kwao Keur Kao), phase I, in the alleviation of climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of Pueraria mirifica (Kwao Keur Kao), phytoestrogen, for the alleviation of climacteric symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Perimenopausal women attending with climacteric symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, were invited to join the present study, conducted at the Menopausal Clinic, Hat Yai Regional Hospital. The patients were voluntarily enrolled and randomly received the raw material of Pueraria mirifica, oral 50 and 100 mg capsule, once daily for six months, as an open-label study. RESULTS: Of the 10 enrolled patients, 8 cases were completely evaluated. The modified Greene climacteric scale (MGCS) was satisfactorily decreased in both groups. The average scale declined from 44.1 at baseline, to be 26, 17, and 11.1 at 1-, 3-, and 6- month follow-up respectively. No other laboratory abnormalities, except one case had transiently increased the creatinine level, and one case of increased blood urea nitrogen. The mean serum estradiol was slightly increased, while the mean serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were nearly stable. CONCLUSION: Pueraria mirifica is relatively safe and preliminarily alleviates the climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal. women, but the data is insufficient to draw definite conclusions regarding the estrogenic effect.

[Efficiency of homoeopathic method of therapy in ambulatory practice].

The authors presented in the article the results of the use of homoeopathic method in Medical center of Ukrainian association of folk medicine for last 5 years. The analysis on efficiency of homoeopathic treatment according ICD-10 classification patients with different diseases was carried out.

Plectranthus: a review of ethnobotanical uses.

Plectranthus is a large and widespread genus with a diversity of ethnobotanical uses. The genus is plagued with numerous nomenclatural disharmonies that make it difficult to collate accurate data on the uses. The aim of this review is to gather together all ethnobotanical information on Plectranthus and to map the data onto the most up-to-date phylogenetic classification in order to see if there are similar uses among related species and hence provide a framework for the prediction and exploration of new uses of species. The uses of 62 species of Plectranthus were mapped onto a current phylogeny based on DNA sequence data. The phylogeny reveals two major Clades, 1 and 2. The members of Clade 1 (corresponding to the formally recognized genus Coleus) were richer in number and diversity of uses than members of Clade 2 (comprising the remaining species of Plectranthus). The high incidence of synonymy can lead to problems in uncovering a species' ethnobotanical profile. About 30% of all citations of Plectranthus use a synonym and most of the synonyms are attributed to 10 of the most used species, 9 of which are in Clade 1. Members of the 'Coleus' Clade are the most studied group both taxonomically and economically. The higher incidence of study may be as a result of the higher diversity of uses and the fact that species in Clade 1, such as Plectranthus barbatus, Plectranthus amboinicus and Plectranthus mollis, are geographically more widespread than those in Clade 2. Plectranthus species in Clade 1 are frequently used as medicines and are used to treat a range of ailments, particularly digestive, skin, infective and respiratory problems. Plectranthus used as foods, flavours, fodder and materials are also mostly found in Clade 1. Monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids and phenolics have been reported in species of Plectranthus. The abietane diterpenoids are the most diverse of the diterpenoids isolated from species of Plectranthus. The labdane diterpenoid, forskolin, occurs in Plectranthus barbatus and could explain some of the traditional uses of this species. This review highlights the fact that not enough is known about the chemistry of other species of Plectranthus to explain their traditional uses.