Medicinal herbs

Global Fusion has partnerships with an extensive network of growers of indigenous Southern African medicinal herbs. In addition, we work with a leading pharmaceutical packaging company and are able to offer our herbal supplements either in bulk form or as tablets, capsules, oils, extracts or tinctures. 

The herbs we supply include hoodia gordonii, sceletium tortuosum, pelargonium sidoides, devils claw (harpagophytum procumbens), buchu (agathosma betulina) and cancer bush (sutherlandia frutescens), among others. We take great care to source our herbs in an ethical manner from sustainable populations. Where necessary, our herbs and herbal products are supplied together with a CITES permit and / or permit for the export of protected flora, issued by the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board.

Below is a brief introduction to some of the most popular herbal supplements that we offer. As is the case with all medicinal herbs, a certified medical professional should always be consulted before commencing on a course of treatment, particularly if these herbs are taken in conjunction with other medicines. 

Hoodia gordonii

Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant that is native to the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa and Namibia. It is an effective appetite suppressant, having originally been used by the people of the San tribe, during hunting activities. Its appetite suppressant properties are thought to be due to the active ingredient P57 which affects the hypothalamus gland, responsible for hunger. The hypothalamus is effectively fooled into thinking that the body is full with far lower levels of glucose.  

As hoodia gordonii is a protected plant under CITES, its trade is strictly controlled. Global Fusion is legally registered to trade in hoodia under the CITES convention, and all hoodia that we supply is provided together with a valid CITES permit.

Sceletium tortuosum / kanna

Sceletium tortuosum (also called kanna) is a South African herb that has been used by local people for many centuries as a mood enhancer, energy booster and natural anti-depressant. It can also be used to reduce stress an anxiety. The active ingredients in this herb are a variety of alkaloids, which influence the brain’s serotonin and dopamine receptors. The key alkaloid is mesembrine, which is thought to be a potent serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. 

We can offer our sceletium tortuosum either in unfermented or fermented form. The fermented form offers a lower oxalic acid content, meaning that it is better suited to oral use.

Pelargonium sidoides

Pelargonium sidoides (South African geranium) has traditionally been used for the treatment of upper respiratory ailments including the common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis and tonsillitis. 

The root in particular is rich in essential oils, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and phyto-chemicals.  These ingredients have been shown to exhibit anti-bacterial, anti-viral and expectorant properties that fight upper respiratory tract infections, and so this herb is commonly used as an alternative to antibiotics.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Harpagophytum procumbens / devils claw

Harpagophytum procumbens has a unique hooked fruit from which its colloquial name, devil’s claw, is derived. The roots of this plant are most commonly used to alleviate problems with the joints, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatism, but can also be used to reduce pain and fever, and to stimulate digestion. The key ingredients are harpagoside and beta-sitosterol, which possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate pain in the case of those suffering from pain in the joints.

The British herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes devil's claw as having analgesic, sedative and diuretic properties, and it is also known to modulate cholesterol and uric-acid levels in the blood.

Agathosma betulina / buchu

The leaves and oil of the agathosma betulina (buchu) plant have traditionally been used as a treatment for stomach and bladder ailments, gout and the treatment of wounds. These days, its most common use in the treatment of gastrointestinal and urinary tract disorders. It can be used as a treatment for a number of problems, such as bladder and kidney infections, prostate problems, inflammation of the colon and gums, and fluid retention.  Buchu is known to have diuretic and antiseptic properties due to its high content of phenolic compounds.

Sutherlandia frutescens / cancer bush 

Sutherlandia is regarded as one of the most beneficial medicinal plants in Southern Africa, with the leaves having been used by diverse cultural groups since traditional times for medicinal purposes. The plant is a highly effective adaptogen, as it helps the immune system to adapt to stress and disease. Its most common uses are to stimulate the appetite in severely ill and emaciated patients, and in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes (as it stabilizes and regulates blood sugar levels).  

Sutherlandia can also be used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, ME syndrome, viral hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis and flu, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, peptic ulcers, urinary tract ailments and liver conditions

The principle active ingredients in sutherlandia frutescens include L-Canavanine (a non-protein amino acid thought to have anti-viral and anti-cancer properties), pinitol (an anti-diabetic agent that is used in the treatment of wasting syndrome in cancer and AIDS patients) and GABA (a neuro-transmitter that reduces anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of well being).

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