Thesis
Traditional Medicine: An adaptation strategy towards ameliorating the impacts of climate change on human health in Pacific Island Countries – A case study of Fiji
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Public Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00476
Abstract
Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are most vulnerable to climate-mediated diseases such as diarrhoea, dengue, and acquired respiratory infection, due to their geographical location, low socioeconomic level and inadequate health infrastructure. In Fiji, climate-mediated diarrheal disease is an increasingly current and future public health risk due to its high prevalence and sensitivity to sea-level rise and increasing temperature. While studies allude to the use of local knowledge of Traditional Medicine (TM) as an effective adaptation strategy towards ameliorating the impacts of climate-mediated diarrheal disease, there is little scientific evidence on the effectiveness of such therapies against common diarrheal causing pathogens. This study assessed the antibacterial effectiveness of frequently used traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) against prevalent diarrheal causing bacterial pathogens in Fiji.
The research approach used in this study centres on the Multiple-Evidence Based concept (MEB). Data retrieved from relevant scientific literature and discussions with an expert on Fiji’s traditional medicine identified frequently used TMPs in the treatment of diarrheal disease in Fiji. Subsequently, extracts from the selected TMPs were analysed for their chemical characteristics using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Assessing the antibacterial action of these extracts against common bacteria causing diarrhea pathogens was conducted using the broth microdilution and antibiofilm formation assays.
Results identified Cordia subcordata, Psidium guajava, Solanum melongena and Vigna marina as four of the most frequently used TMPs in the treatment of diarrheal disease in Fiji. Extracts from each TMPs showed antibacterial and/or antibiofilm activity (MIC = 0.1-0.4mg/ml) against Escherichia coli 30-KH, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 53648, Staphylococcus aureus 29247 TSA, E. coli S6.CH10, E. coli S3.H20, E. coli S7. P18 and E. coli Xen18. While the antibacterial action of the extracts was mostly limited to pathogens from human sources and absent against Multidrug resistant-E. coli NHP2K, this was consistent with the challenges of assessing TMPs using the scientific method. Furthermore, with increased future inundation related to climate change, the government needs to develop policy and lead practice to help prevent bacterial water contamination, especially originating from animal sources.
The overall finding from this study supports the view that if scientifically assessed, TMPs can be effective in the design and development of an effective adaptation strategy in addressing the public health threat posed by climate-mediated diarrheal disease in PICs.
Details
- Title
- Traditional Medicine: An adaptation strategy towards ameliorating the impacts of climate change on human health in Pacific Island Countries – A case study of Fiji
- Authors
- Uchenna Ezedinma
- Contributors
- David McMillan (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Master of Public Health
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00476
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99469107202621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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