Ethnobotanical information of medicinal plants used for treatment of cancer in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

An ethnobotanical survey of plants used for the treatment of cancer was carried out in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Information on the names of plants, parts used and methods of preparation was collected through a questionnaire which was administered to herbalists, traditional healers and rural dwellers. Information collected has revealed 17 plant species that are used for treatment of cancer in the Province. These plants belong to 13 families, of which Hyacinthaceae and Hypoxidaceae are the most prominent. Roots, corms and bulbs are the commonest parts of plants used, while decoctions and infusions are the main methods of preparation. Solanum aculeastrum was the most commonly used plant species for treatment of cancer in the Province.