A Review on the Invasiveness, Uses and Opportunities of Rusakadzi (Helichrysum kraussii) in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Livestock based livelihoods of most semi-arid areas are mainly dependent on rangelands for animal nutrition. However, invasive species such as Helichrysum kraussii reduce rangeland productivity. The aim of this study was to review invasiveness, uses and opportunities associated with Helichrysum kraussii. Data used in this review was accessed through Google Scholar, academiaedu.com, Science Direct, Research Gate and Sci-hub. Literature review indicates that Helichrysum kraussii is an evergreen increaser native shrub characterized by aromatic and therapeutic properties. The shrub establishes well in poor and overgrazed sandy grasslands or open woodland. H. kraussii has become invasive in rangelands because of its unpalatability, adaptability and reproductive capacity, leading to its adaptive nature and dominance within vegetation communities hence reducing the rangeland’s capacity to recover. The health benefits of H. kraussii continue to be reviewed. The extensive literature search has revealed how H. kraussii can treat human headaches, keloid scars, coughs and pulmonary tuberculosis in the form of a whole or part of the plant. Scientific studies on H. kraussii indicate that it has a wide range of pharmacological potential including anti-oxidative, anti-cancer and antiviral properties. Culturally, H. kraussii is believed to have supernatural properties even though some cultural uses have been verified by phytochemistry, the current knowledge could be improved. H. kraussii has potential for use in the medical field as its extracts are effective against HIV and cancer.