Phytochemistry and Medically Active Plant Compounds (PMAPC)

Research

A research theme involving phytochemistry and the isolation of medically active plant compounds contributes directly and indirectly towards basic and applied research, as well as community engagement projects, indigenous knowledge systems and primary healthcare initiatives.
This research theme is supported by a great deal of research experience in the Department of Life and Consumer Sciences at Unisa where a number of staff members have post graduate research training involving phytochemistry. These include Drs Mahlo, Nyila and Ms Setshedi.
Unisa made a significant investment in collaborative research by purchasing and commissioning a 600MHz NMR at the CSIR. In addition to the physical isolation of potentially active medical compounds from plants, the potential for increased molecular research and outputs has been further increased with the recent installation of a 400MHz NMR instrument at the CSIR.
These two instruments complement each other as use of the 400MHz NMR favours screening and large throughput of samples, followed by "deep" analysis of atomic and molecular interactions using the 600MHz NMR instrument. The pairing of these instruments strengthens the potential for local and international collaboration.

Research group profile

Research group focus

Our Department is currently involved in research with the CSIR involving the isolation, identification and bio-assaying of anti-malarial and anti-cancer compounds from plants such as Sutherlandii frutescens and Sceletium tortuosum, respectively. Potential MIT expansion together with researchers from the Department of Environmental Sciences involves the phytoremediative development of wetlands to reduce pollution levels in surface water and with researchers from the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health where plant extracts may be used to treat parasitic infestations of domestic animals. Dietitians, including the Department’s Dr van Eeden and Mrs Symington, may provide valuable insights into essential plant compounds necessary in one’s diet, the role these play in preventing debilitating chronic diseases of lifestyle and the negative impact of dietary deficiencies on the growth and development of our children.

Research Group Goals

Increasing Student Capacity We intend to recruit and train postgraduate students and staff into this research area. Such training will include practical analytical chemistry, dissertation writing and preparation of manuscripts for presentation at meetings and in peer-reviewed journals.
Maximising NMR Utilisation Very importantly, this training should involve the use and interpretation of data provided by the NMR. Training in this area has already been provided to Ms Setshedi by the CSIR as to analysis using the 600MHz NMR. Ms Setshedi is interested in using the NMR as part of her PhD research and has agreed to working and providing training in the NMR 2 to 3 days per week, Unisa should capitalise on this opportunity by extending such training beyond CAES students and staff to include CSET staff and students and to establish research collaborations with analysts from other local and international institutions.

Contact Us

Should you require any further information please contact Prof John Dewar at dewarj@unisa.ac.za

Last modified: Mon Aug 07 18:01:22 SAST 2023