Ethnomedicinal use and cytotoxicity of medicinal plants used in soft porridge for infant health issues in Vhembe District, South Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevance In South Africa, the Vhavenda tribe traditionally feed infants Tshiunza/Khongoḓoli, a very light, warm, and soft porridge prepared with medicinal plant concoctions. This practice is believed to prevent, manage, or treat various diseases and provide nutritional support. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to document the medicinal plants administered through soft porridge, including preparation methods and dosages for infant illnesses, among the Vhavenda tribe of Vhembe District, South Africa, and to determine the cytotoxicity of selected medicinal plants. Materials and methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers, elderly women, and traditional healers. Cytotoxicity assay of five selected medicinal plants was conducted using the MTT assay on African monkey kidney cells (Vero cells). Results Seventy-two medicinal plants were documented, of which 38 were used in the preparation of Tshiunza/Khongoḓoli . Roots were the most frequently used plant part, and the dominant preparation method involved soaking plant material in water and using the extract to make the soft porridge. These plants were commonly used to treat fontanelle-related illnesses and stomach problems. Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don. and Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) exhibited low cytotoxicity with IC 50 of 476.7559 and 276.4863 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion This study provides novel ethnomedicinal evidence on medicinal plants administered through soft porridge, a culturally important infant-feeding practice among the Vhavenda people. However, the cytotoxicity of Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don. and Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) underscores the need for further toxicological evaluation of medicinal plants used in infant foods, especially for infants under 3 months old, whose physiological and metabolic systems are still developing.