Has been used to treat ailments of the heart and the stomach.

Plants for a Future at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk www.plantsforafuture.org.uk

Agapanthus L'Her. Amaryllidaceae. African Lily. Bulbous plant. Distribution: South Africa. The roots of Agapanthus africanus are used (in South African 'muthi' medicine) in a decoction for treatment of women in labour and after birth. It is believed to relieve difficult labour and to help the expelling of the placenta. The active chemicals are thought to be saponins and those in Agapanthus have uterotonic activity in crude decoctions (van Wyck, 2000).

Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. Link

Family changed from Agapanthaceae to Amaryllidaceae 13/11/2023

Africa, Southern Africa, Cape Provinces