African natural medicine: Toward a health preservation theory and systematization model for clinical application

摘要

All knowledge fields are founded on universal epistemologies and philosophies. This is evident in ancient Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Siddha) medical systems, which are integrated into national health systems of China and India respectively. African natural medicines (ANMs) are not part of national health systems on the African continent because of a lack of systematization frameworks. This article explores classical medical systems drawn from ancient African and Chinese cosmologies.A qualitative research methodology was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 20 respondents selected using a purposeful sampling technique. The data were summarized into systematization frameworks for disease theories, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis, and treatment including medicines and disease classification.The study findings revealed that in antiquity, Africa had systematic medical cosmologies, remnants of which are evident in current cultural health practices. Therefore, parallels can be drawn in relation to Chinese Taoist and Indian Tantric healing arts. Ancient Africans recognizedRaoriSithunzi (uMbhilini), which correspond toqi or pranaand refer to energetic life force in Asian cultures.Shu and Tefnut (Nkomo weLwandle and Dungha Manzi)correspond toyin and yang or purusha and prakriti, the natural principles of polarised duality. Thejing or oojas(physiological essences) andwu xing or pancha tattvas(five elements and modes of nature) and their relationships with thezang and fu(five vital organs and visceral organs, respectively) also found their application in African medical cosmologies.The data revealed that ancient and contemporary ANM systems are based on the concept of consciousness (saa or ntu) and life force energy,ra. These cosmological concepts are predicated upon thePaut NeteruorAmathogo(archetypal forces) that prescribe properties to everything. On this basis, an African-Kemetic Health Preservation Theory was developed, which gives rise to African theories for disease etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnoses, comprehensive prognosis, and holistic treatment regimens.In addition, we developed an uBu-Ntu bio-innovation model for integral research, inclusive innovation, local technology transfer, holistic enterprising, and conscious commercialization of African natural medicines. It is the intention of the authors to influence policy in the implementation of these theories, models, and frameworks for clinical application and socio-economic development.