XVI International Botanical Congess
Eucomis species are geophytes, indigenous to southern Africa, that are valued as both ornamentals and medicinal plants. Bulbs are used traditionally for treating backache, stomach ache, fever and urinary diseases. The large volume of bulbs harvested for trade makes this one of the most heavily exploited medicinal plants in southern Africa.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, relieve the pain and inflammation associated with elevated levels of prostaglandins in the body. Similar compounds may be the active agents in traditional herbal remedies used for treating these ailments. The cyclooxygenase-1 bioassay measures the degree of inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Levels of anti-inflammatory activity were compared for species, plant parts, age groups and seasonally.