A Review of Uganda’s Medicinal Tree Species as Sources of Potential Therapeutic Compounds for Disease Management

Ethnomedicinal relevance: Medicinal plants are a source of many potent drugs since they possess diverse phytochemical compounds. Studies on different plant life forms are voluminous, except trees. No single study has been done on tree species used to manage diseases in different regions of Uganda from 1995 up to 2023. Aim of the study: This review aimed to compile tree species used to manage different diseases and disease symptoms in various areas in Uganda. Materials and methods: The review examined 20 studies with ethnobotanical surveys done in Uganda. Data extraction focused on plant families and species, plant parts used, preparation methods and routes of administration, and the region in Uganda where the ethnobotanical field surveys were conducted. Results: 151 tree species from 52 families were identified. Leaves (34.7%) were highly depended on followed by bark (32.0%) and roots (19.7%) were also commonly used. The majority of the herbal remedies were prepared by decoction and taken orally. In regard to disease management using medicinal tree species, the diseases that were prevalent and posing public health concerns were malaria, diarrhea, breast cancer, syphilis, HIV/ AIDs, ulcers, tuberculosis, and skin infections. Conclusion: Many tree species in Uganda are used to manage several ailments. However, other tree species with medicinal importance remain undocumented and yet some of them are being destroyed by anthropogenic activities. Efforts to ensure sustainable harvesting of these medicinal tree species are thus required.