A scoping review on ethnobotanical uses, pharmacological and toxicological profiles of traditional medicinal plants in paediatric healthcare across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

Abstract Traditional medicinal plants play a crucial role in paediatric healthcare, especially in underdeveloped countries where access to modern medicine is limited. This review synthesizes ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and toxicological data on the use of medicinal plants in treating childhood ailments. This scoping review was guided by Arksey and O’Malley framework. Different databases were utilized for searching relevant articles, and references were managed using EndNote 21. A total of 49 studies were analysed, including 14 ethnobotanical, 18 pharmacological, and 17 toxicological studies. Ethnobotanical results revealed 54 plant species from 33 families, with Fabaceae having the most species, and South Africa contributing the most studies. The plant's leaves were most commonly used, and the remedies were prepared as decoctions and administered orally. Some of the ailments these plants treated included respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Pharmacological analyses confirmed antimicrobial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in 18 plants reviewed, notably Annona senegalensis Pers., Punica granatum L, and Curcuma longa L, justifying their traditional use. However, toxicological results showed that only 10 of the 18 pharmacologically analyzed plants showed some level of toxicity, especially in brine shrimp assay or at high doses. In conclusion, the review highlights the potential of traditional medicinal plants to be both therapeutic and toxic in children. Therefore, future studies are recommended to research the standardization of remedy preparation and dosages and targeted pediatric toxicity.