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Bioscientists at the CSIR will be adding their scientific know-how to the knowledge of a group of traditional healers to formulate a new herbal remedy that could improve health through its anti-oxidant properties.
The project is led by Dr Vinesh Maharaj, research group leader of bioprospecting at the CSIR. Maharaj, a natural product chemist with extensive experience in the discovery of new drug leads based on biodiversity, says the information on the specific medicinal plant was provided to the CSIR by a traditional healers' committee. The healers' intellectual property is protected by a memorandum of understanding and a benefit-sharing agreement signed in February 2003. Traditionally, the plant is used, among other things, for ear aches, dysentery and sexually transmitted diseases. The scientists hope to complete preclinical studies for an African traditional medicine, which will allow further clinical evaluation.
Maharaj says an antioxidant is a molecule that is capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions are often induced during infection processes and can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells and compromise the immune system. Low levels of antioxidants therefore reduce oxidative stress and contribute to maintaining a well-functioning immune system.
Green tea is one of the most renowned anti-oxidants, and has been the subject of numerous clinical trials. Preliminary studies at the CSIR have shown that the spray-dried extract of the product being developed has superior anti-oxidant properties with an 82% radical scavenging capacity (RSC), compared to the 41% RSC of green tea at similar concentrations.
The first step of the project involves the plant - labeled BP5 - being cultivated by communities to provide enough raw material for the development stages. The material will be processed and a spray-dried powder will be produced in the CSIR's clinical and botanical supplies unit, before it is formulated into capsules. Efficacy and toxicity studies will be done on both the powder and capsules in preparation for a future clinical trial.
"Traditional health care practices remain under-utilised in the mainstream healthcare process because they have not been scientifically validated. Validation of this product will clearly provide scientific legitimacy to indigenous knowledge. Against this background and because we have been encouraged by the preliminary findings, we are excited at having started this project. It is also important to get associated matters, such as agroprocessing, right. The plants will be cultivated by disadvantaged communities and thus create new jobs. The project should also serve as input into the regulatory framework for the registration of African traditional medicines, which is currently being developed," says Maharaj.
He says the CSIR will not work in isolation, but intends roping in colleagues at the Medical Research Council during the preclinical studies.
The research will also contribute to the development of skills in this scientific domain, as scientists will be trained in drug development.
Enquiries: CSIR Communications
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