Browsing by Author "Mpeke, Dimpho"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The antioxidant potential of indigenous herbal extracts and their antimicrobial effect on human keratinocytes
    (Universty of the Western Cape, 2023) Mpeke, Dimpho; Rahiman, Farzana
    Medicinal plants are rich sources of antioxidants and due to their many biological properties, are used in the treatment and prevention of many skin-related conditions as alternative therapy to replenish and improve the skin’s barrier functions. Plant extracts produce secondary metabolites, known as phytochemicals which play an important role in their growth and development. These phytochemicals possess strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in the development of several allergic or inflammatory skin diseases. Antioxidants have the potential to counteract these ROS-induced effects, protecting the skin against free radicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant potential of the hydroethanolic extracts of Galenia africana, Kigelia africana and Lessertia frutescens and their effect on the antimicrobial skin barrier.