African natural medicine: Toward a health preservation theory & systematization model

Abstract

All knowledge fields are founded on universal epistemologies and philosophies. This is evident in ancient Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Siddha) medical systems, which are integrated into national health systems of China and India respectively. African natural medicines (ANMs) are not part of national health systems on the African continent because of a lack of systematization frameworks. This article explores classical medical systems drawn from ancient African and Chinese cosmologies. A qualitative research methodology was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 20 respondents selected using a purposeful sampling technique. The data were summarized into systematization frameworks for disease theories, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis, and treatment including medicines and disease classification. The study findings revealed that in antiquity, Africa had systematic medical cosmologies, remnants of which are evident in current cultural health practices. Therefore, parallels can be drawn in relation to Chinese Taoist and Indian Tantric healing arts. Ancient Africans recognized Ra or iSithunzi (uMbhilini) , which correspond to qi or prana and refer to energetic life force in Asian cultures. Shu and Tefnut (Nkomo weLwandle and Dungha Manzi) correspond to yin and yang or purusha and prakriti, the natural principles of polarised duality. The jing or oojas (physiological essences) and wu xing or pancha tattvas (five elements and modes of nature) and their relationships with the zang and fu (five vital organs and visceral organs, respectively) also found their application in African medical cosmologies. The data revealed that ancient and contemporary ANM systems are based on the concept of consciousness (saa or ntu) and life force energy, ra. These cosmological concepts are predicated upon the Paut Neteru or Amathogo (archetypal forces) that prescribe properties to everything. On this basis, an African-Kemetic Health Preservation Theory was developed, which gives rise to African theories for disease etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnoses, comprehensive prognosis, and holistic treatment regimens. In addition, we developed an uBu-Ntu bio-innovation model for integral research, inclusive innovation, local technology transfer, holistic enterprising, and conscious commercialization of African natural medicines. It is the intention of the authors to influence policy in the implementation of these theories, models, and frameworks for clinical application and socio-economic development.

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This article was originally published on The Conversation, on 15 July, 2021. Authors include; Dr. Hlupheka Chabalala

IK-Based Technology Innovation, Department of Science and Innovation, Pretoria, 0184, South Africa

Corresponding author. Motlalepula Matsabisa

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

Nceba Gqaleni

Discipline of Traditional Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa