The status of bark in South African traditional health care

摘要: Bark products constitute nearly one third of plant material used in South African traditional medicine. Since the large majority Africans make use health care, bark is fundamental to pharmacopoeia. In this review we consider status resources, as reflected by literature, and highlight need for multi-disciplinary research address lack available information on species their bark. The supply medicinal trade has been rendered non-sustainable, due increased user populations reduced indigenous vegetation. Whilst conservation flora paramount, natural resources cannot meet current, nor foreseeable, demand Alternatives such tree propagation cultivation, strategic management part substitution are discussed. Effective implementation these action plans reliant dissemination existing new knowledge. prevailing scenario a non-sustainable impacted negatively quality consumer, problems incorrect identification purposeful adulteration arise. To facilitate monitoring standardisation, phytochemical references should be established authentication, conjunction with morphological anatomical characters case unknown specimens. importance care warrants attention from all sectors conserve country’s rich floral heritage, integrity care.