Screening extracts of indigenous South African plants for the presence of anti-cancer compounds
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Date
2006
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Early man dabbled with the use of plant extracts to cure ailments. This practice has been passed down from generation to generation and today more than 50% of the world'sdrugs are natural products or derivatives thereof. Scientists have thus established a branch of research called natural product research. This branch of research involves the identification and purification of secondary metabolites with a specific biological activity. The methodology involves the screening of plant products for a specific biological activity, purification of the biologically active natural product by separation technology and structure determination. The biologically active natural products is then further scrutinized to serve as a novel drug or lead compound for the development of a novel drug. This research exploited this research methodology.
Description
Magister Scientiae - MSc
Keywords
Natural products, South Africa, Plant extracts, Pharmacology, Medicinal plants