Bridging knowledge gaps in phytotherapy for a neglected zoonotic disease: Rift valley fever

This study sought to review the current state of phytotherapy and natural compound research against Rift Valley fever (RVF), a neglected zoonotic disease exacerbated by climate change and globalisation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to February 2025. Studies focusing on phytotherapy or natural compounds for RVF were included and analysed for research trends, geographical distribution, and compounds. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies focused on antiviral activity (12/16, 75 %; %95CI, 51-90) and vaccine development (4/16, 25 %; %95CI, 10-50). Plants from the Fabaceae family (7/26, 27 %; 95 %CI, 14-46) and polyphenols (45/94, 48 %; 95 %CI, 38-58) were most frequently investigated. No clinical studies were identified. There are major knowledge gaps in the clinical application of phytotherapy for RVF and limited research contributions from endemic African nations. The identified natural compounds in this work could provide a foundation for future research.