Double Nn Hypoxis hemerocallidea commonly known as the African Potato, African Star Grass, Miracle Multi, and Wonder Potato is a tuberous perennial plant with star-shaped flowers (Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, 2022). It is known for its fire tolerance, and its ability to germinate and grow by fire.
Traditionally the African Potato has been employed as an anti-miscarriage medicine and as a treatment for bronchial asthma, insanity, barrenness, bad dreams, intestinal parasites, urinary infection, and cardiac diseases (Matyanga et al., 2020; Mofokeng et al., 2020) The Zulu used the herb to heal delirium, bad dreams, impotency, and apprehension (Aremu et al., 2021). Modern applications tend to focus more on physical ailments rather than psychological or spiritual issues. Today, the plant is employed to heal prostate hypertrophy, urinary tract infections, testicular tumors, intestinal worms, anxiety, palpitations, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the most well-known use for the African Potato is as an immunostimulant for people with HIV/AIDS. To cure sores from STIs, boil one handful of chopped Hypoxis hemerocallidea (African Potato) corm and one handful of Senecio serratuloides (Ichazampukane) with three quarters of a hand length size Aloe marlothii (mountain aloe) leaf crushed in 2000mL of water for 1 hour (De et al., 2012).
Ultimately, the African Potato earns its nickname as the Miracle Multi for its multitude of medicinal uses such as treating prostate hypertrophy, HIV/AIDS/ STDs, and infertility (Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, 2022). Traditionally, its therapeutic agents are extracted through decoctions and weak infusions by chopping corms and boiling them for 20 minutes (Jordaan, 2015). Additionally, the African Potato is also a good source of elements such as zinc, copper, and manganese which support the immune system and boost fertility (Mofokeng et al., 2020).
References
Aremu, O. S., Qwebani-Ogunleye, T., Katata-Seru, L., Mkhize, Z., & Trant, J. F. (2021).
Synergistic broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of Hypoxis hemerocallidea-derived
silver nanoparticles and streptomycin against respiratory pathobionts. Scientific
reports, 11(1), 15222. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93978-z
De Wet, H., Nzama, V. N., & Van Vuuren, S. F. (2012). Medicinal plants used for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections by lay people in northern Maputaland, KwaZulu–Natal Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany, 78, 12-20.
Jordaan, A. E. (2015). The effects of the wild african potato (hypoxis hemerocallidea)
supplementation on streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar rats reproductive
function (Doctoral dissertation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology).
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (2022, September 8). Enlarged prostate: Herbal therapy. Kaiser Permanente. Retrieved February 15, 2023, from https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.enlarged-prostate-herbal-therapy.ug1905#:~:text=Herbal%20supplements%20that%20may%20be,Pygeum%20africanum%2C%20and%20saw%20palmetto
Matyanga, C. M. J., Morse, G. D., Gundidza, M., & Nhachi, C. F. B. (2020). African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea): a systematic review of its chemistry, pharmacology and ethno medicinal properties. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 20(1), 182.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02956-x
Mofokeng, M. M., Araya, H. T., Amoo, S. O., Sehlola, D., du Plooy, C. P., Bairu, M. W., Venter, S., & Mashela, P. W. (2020, March 25). Diversity and Conservation Through Cultivation of Hypoxis in Africa-A Case Study of Hypoxis Hemerocallidea. MDPI. Retrieved February 15, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.3390/d12040122
