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Pharmacological screening of traditional medicinal plants used against skin ailments in the Free State, South Africa
No full textThe skin is the largest organ of the body and it is protected by a composition of
layers. It consists of three main protective layers namely epidermis, dermis and
subcutaneous layer, also known as a fat layer. Its most crucial function is playing a
key immunity role in protecting the body by forming a part of a defence and
mechanical barrier to the surrounding environment, and thereby preventing invasion
by pathogens. The skin is colonized by indigenous microbial flora which comprises of
a broad variety of species, among them are Staphylococccus sp., Propionibacteria,
Diptheroids, Micrococcus, Bacillus species and some fungal species which sustain
the health of the skin. The skin can still be susceptible to injuries that allow
opportunistic microbial agents to enter the skin. Skin diseases vary from mild
conditions which are likely to have an effect on the skin’s appearance and can lead
to severe conditions which cause disfigurement, disability, and distress or even lead
to death. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted and plants used against skin
infections were collected and documented. Bark, stem, roots, rhizomes, corms and
bulbs were reported to be the most commonly used plant parts. The survey indicated
an oral intake of the decoction or concoction preparation. The study documented 22
plant species used by the traditional healers and herbalists of the Free State
Province of South Africa for the treatment of wounds and skin infections. Eight
frequently used plants, namely Pentanisia prunelloides, Cotyledon orbiculata,
Hermannia depressa, Dioscorea sylvatica, Lycopodium clavatum, Merwilla plumbea,
Eucomis bicolar, Eucomis autumnalis and Xysmalobium undulatum were
investigated for the presence of secondary metabolites, antimicrobial, antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties.
Most plant species tested positive for the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins
and terpenoids. Saponins were detected in Pentanisia prunelloides extracts,
Hermannia depressa and Cotyledon orbiculata aqueous stem extracts, and
Xysmalobium undulatum aqueous and ethanol extracts. Flavonoids were present in
almost all plants, particularly P. prunelloides aqueous and ethanol extracts, and
aqueous extracts prepared from H. depressa, X. undulatum, and C. orbiculata stem.
Tannins were detected in aqueous, ethanol, methanol and acetone extracts
prepared from C. orbiculata stem, P. prunelloides and H. depressa. P. prunelloides
showed a high content of total flavonoids (40.43%), total alkaloids (84.8%), and
saponins (19%). Tannins had an absorbance value of 16.54 mg. Total contents
found in H. depressa were flavonoids (9.70%), alkaloids (7.0%) and saponins (5%).
X. undulatum showed small and limited amounts of total content values, flavonoids
(4.50%), alkaloids (6.7%), and saponins (9%). The presence of most general
phytochemicals might be responsible for the plants’ therapeutic and pharmacological
effects.
P. prunelloides ethanolic extract showed the best activity against Bacillus pumilus
and Staphyloccocus aureus (0.098-0.52 mg/ml). Methanol extracts showed the least
activity, but a progressive inhibition of 0.325 mg/ml against P. aeruginosa was
observed. H. depressa acetone extract showed the best activity against B. pumilus
at 0.098 mg/ml. Aqueous extract displayed good activity against E. coli, S. aureus
and P. aeruginosa with the MIC values of 0.098, 0.36 and 0.195 mg/ml, respectively.
Lycopodium clavatum acetone extract displayed good minimum inhibition against S.
aureus (0.39 mg/ml), and against P. aeruginosa (0.098 mg/ml).
Concerning antifungal activity, the best inhibition was observed with P. prunelloides
organic solvents (0.049 mg/ml). H. depressa extracts also showed low MIC values
(0.049 mg/ml-0.33 mg/ml).
The total phenolic content was determined and recorded as gallic acid equivalents.
Extracts that showed the highest phenolic content were H. depressa, C. orbiculata,
Dioscorea slyvatica, Eutumnalis bicolar and L. clavatum. H. depressa methanolic
extract had the highest phenolic content at 2.09±0.07 mg GAE/g, followed by C.
orbiculata acetone extract at 1.48±0.64 mg GAE/g. Acetone and ethanol extracts of
E. bicolar and L. clavatum displayed good total phenolic content ranging from
0.92±0.13 to 1.50±0.13 mg GAE/g. For DPPH scavenging activity, C. orbiculata
methanol extract with an IC50 value of 0.10±0.03 μg/ml, followed by D. slyvatica
aqueous extract (0.12±0.03 μg/ml). The total capacity of antioxidant using
Phosphomolybdenum assay was also investigated with gallic acid as a frame of
reference. The best activity was found in D. sylvatica ethanol extracts with an IC50
value of 0.04±0.03 μg/ml. Concerning anti-inflammatory activity using 5-
Lipoxygenase assay, L. clavatum and C. orbiculata exhibited a higher antiinflammatory
activity than that of NDGA and inhibited 5-LOX. L. clavatum ethanol
extract displayed the best activity (0.02±0.08 μg/ml). C. orbiculata ethanol extract
also exhibited great activity at 0.09±0.02 μg/ml.National Research Foundatio
Western Cape Regional Forum: National Research Foundation grants
No full textThe Grants Management and Systems Administration (GMSA) Directorate hosted its 8th annual Research Administrators Workshop (RAW) from 9 to 11 October 2017 in the Western Cape. The workshop aimed to bring together key stakeholders from universities and science councils across South Africa, including international delegates, to share experiences and best practices in research administration and management
Regional initiatives: Advantages, Disadvantages and Impact. The Regional Expensive Equipment Programme (REEP)
No full textThe Grants Management and Systems Administration (GMSA) Directorate hosted its 8th annual Research Administrators Workshop (RAW) from 9 to 11 October 2017 in the Western Cape. The workshop aimed to bring together key stakeholders from universities and science councils across South Africa, including international delegates, to share experiences and best practices in research administration and management
Establishing institutional values of student support
No full textThe Grants Management and Systems Administration (GMSA) Directorate hosted its 8th annual Research Administrators Workshop (RAW) from 9 to 11 October 2017 in the Western Cape. The workshop aimed to bring together key stakeholders from universities and science councils across South Africa, including international delegates, to share experiences and best practices in research administration and management
Master Funding Administration Agreement (MFAA) & Conditions of Grant (CoG)
No full textThe Grants Management and Systems Administration (GMSA) Directorate hosted its 8th annual Research Administrators Workshop (RAW) from 9 to 11 October 2017 in the Western Cape. The workshop aimed to bring together key stakeholders from universities and science councils across South Africa, including international delegates, to share experiences and best practices in research administration and management
Redescription of Potamonautes sidneyi (Rathbun, 1904) (Decapoda, Potamonautidae) and description of a new congeneric species from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textA new species of freshwater crab, Potamonautes danielsi sp. n., is described from the southern region of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Potamonautes danielsi most closely resembles P. sidneyi which is re-described here, but can be distinguished by a suite of key morphological characters including carapace shape and width, slim pereopods, inflated propodi of the chelipeds, and the shape and terminal segment length:subterminal segment length ratio of the 1st gonopod. In a previous study (Gouws et al. 2015), a 9.2–11.8 % divergence was found in the mitochondrial COI and 16S genes of the P. sidneyi clade, allowing for the delineation of a new species. Despite the clear molecular distinction between the two species, it is difficult to separate them based on individual morphological characters, as there is a great deal of overlap even among key features. The new species is found in slow-moving mountain streams and pools at high altitudes between Umhlanga and Mtamvuna, in KwaZulu-Natal
Effects of ethanol on fruit selection by frugivorous birds.
No full textEthanol is a natural by-product of the fermentation process of fruit sugars. Its production started with the advent of fleshy fruits, which suggests a long-term association between ethanol and frugivores. Consequently, one suggestion is that because frugivores could use its odour to locate fruiting plants, they should show a preference for fruit with high ethanol concentrations. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis by determining whether frugivorous birds show a preference for fruit laden with alcohol at levels equivalent to those of overripe fruits. Three species of frugivorous bird species were used for this study: the Cape White-eye (Zosterops virens), Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) and Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio). Birds were provided with two artificial fruit diets in pairwise choice tests: an experimental diet containing 1% ethanol and a control diet with no ethanol. For all species, no significant differences were observed in the amount of artificial fruit consumed between the food types. Given that the concentration of ethanol used in the study is assumed to represent that of overripe fruit, these results, in conjunction with previous studies, suggest that birds do not show a preference for fruits with high ethanol concentrations.National Research Foundation (South Africa
An investigation of shaft line torsional vibration during ice impacts on PSRV's
No full textIn order to estimate the forces exerted on ship propellers during ice navigation,
the rotational dynamics of the propulsion system need to be accurately modelled.
The direct measurements of propeller loads of ships during ice navigation
is challenged by the harsh operating environment. Indirect measurements are
therefore performed on the shaft line of such ships to estimate propeller loads
through an inverse problem. Three case studies are presented, namely open
water, cavitation and ice navigation. The maximum torque loading on the
shaft occurred during ice navigation and the maximum thrust case during
cavitation. Ice-induced moments on the SAA II propeller were determined
from shaft line measurements using inverse methods, whereby the maximum
ice load was found to be 941 kNm. Estimated load profiles for navigation in
the Arctic and Antarctica are presented using rainflow counting techniques.
The aim of the present research was to perform data-driven modelling of the
rotational dynamics of the shaft line to aid future design of ice going vessels.National Research Foundatio
Development of novel methods for tannin quantification in grapes and wine
No full textNational Research Foundatio
Prophetic preaching in a context of ccorruption in Nigeria: a practical theological investigation
No full textGlobally, the quest to create corrupt free societies which promote human dignity and the
quality of life is greatly envisioned and desired. While highly critical, most efforts in the
fight against corruption, especially in Nigeria, tend to get hindered and absorbed in
inaccessible policies. This intensifies violence, injustice and pauperisation.
Nevertheless, using the ‘conflict paradigm’ within a socio-ecclesiological perspective,
this study demonstrates that preaching, especially prophetic preaching, has the tenacity
to foster appreciation and support for courageous collaboration and behavioral
transformation of individauls and institutions that will strenghten the fight against
corruption in Nigeria.Therefore, calls for prophetic pronouncement, prophetic exemplary
life style, and prophetic imagination.National Research Foundatio