Importance and relevance of phytochemicals present in Galenia Africana
Abstract
Many people in developing countries rely primarily on medicinal plants as their main source of healthcare, particularly for the
treatment of skin infections. Despite the widespread use of medicinal plants, there is a lack of literature describing the relevance
and risks of exposure of the phytochemicals present. Galenia africana has been used traditionally in the form of pastes, decoctions,
and lotions to treat wounds and other skin-related ailments. -is is a report on the phytochemical composition of G. africana and
a review on the pharmacological importance and relevance of these phytochemicals. -e major groups of phytochemicals
identified in G. africana extracts were aliphatics, aliphatic triterpenoids, fatty acids, flavonoids, and phenolic and tocopherol
compounds. -ese have been found to exhibit medicinal properties, thus highlighting the need to assess the safety of G. africana
for topical application. -e information related to the safety of the various compounds could indicate the potential risks related to
accidental intake of the extract upon topical product applications. -is report concludes that the quantities of the phytochemicals
present in G. africana should not cause undue risk to human health, which provides comfort to pursue future work on using and
developing G. africana as a therapeutic agent.