SOUTH Africa has a long tradition of using plants for medicinal purposes. Some of these, such as Aloe ferox, Sutherlandia frutescens and Kiggelaria africana, have been studied as sources of useful compounds. But most still need to be scientifically validated as treatments for particular diseases. DEPIKA DWARKA, Post doctoral Fellow, Durban University of Technology Medicinal plants are gradually gaining prominence in scientists’ search for potential treatment agents for COVID-19. Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug to treat this new respiratory disease. Most treatment strategies focus on managing symptoms and supportive therapy such as supplementary oxygen and mechanical ventilation. My…