H. hystrix is extensively sold in Zulu markets throughout South Africa for its supposed medicinal and protective magical properties,[4] and in Eswatini as an alleged aphrodisiac.[5] Extracts from its stem and leaves may contain chemicals with anti-inflammatory properties,[6] It has been proposed as a treatment for people suffering from HIV/AIDS.[7]
^US application 2004052868, Asiedu, William; Frederick, Asiedu & Manny, Ennin et al., "Composition treating for AIDS and associated conditions", published 2004-03-18, since abandoned.
^Al-Turki TA (2002) An initiative in exploration and management of plant genetic diversity in Saudi Arabia. In: Engels JMM, Ramanatha Rao V, Brown AHD, Jackson MT (eds) Managing plant genetic diversity. IPGRI, Rome, Italy, pp 339–349