Browsing by Author "Henkel, R.R"

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    Aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera reduced intracellular ROS production, DNA fragmentation and acrosome reaction in Human spermatozoa in vitro
    (Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2021) Henkel, R.R; Moichela, F.T; Adefolaju, G.A
    The effects of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) on human sperm functions and integrity was studied in vitro. Semen was obtained by masturbation after 3–5 days' abstinence from 34 healthy donors in Western Cape, South Africa. Liquefied semen was washed in human tubular fluid supplemented with 1% bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA;1:5) with 10 min centrifugation at 300 g. Sperm suspensions were subsequently incubated with MO extract (0.625, 6.25, 62.5 and 625 µg/ml) for 1 hr, where HTF-BSA served as control. Sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, capacitation and acrosome reaction were assessed. Sperm motility, vitality, mitochondrial membrane potential and capacitation remained unchanged (p >.05). A dose-dependent decrease in sperm reactive oxygen species production (p <.0001), DNA fragmentation (p <.0001) and acrosome reaction (p <.001) was observed. An increase in the percentage of non-capacitated sperm (p <.01) was noted at 625 µg/ml.
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    The Impact of Storage Time and Seasonal Harvesting on Levels of Sutherlandins and Sutherlandiosides in Lessertia frutescens
    (Conference: Faculty of Community and Health Sciences 2nd Research Day, 2013) Leisegang, Kristian; Campbell, J; Weitz, F; Henkel, R.R
    In South Africa, an estimate of 70% of the population frequently uses traditional medicine for their health care needs. The use of Lessertia frutescens (Figure 1,2) by various cultural groups dates back to the earlier civilizations and continues to be used today to treat a multitude of ailments. Even in Western countries, L frutescens is used by many people for its anti-proliferative or anti-inflammatory activities. In establishing quality, safety and efficacy of traditional medicine, one would need to ensure that the crude material is of optimal quality.