Rees, D.J.G.Essack, MagbubahDept. of BiotechnologyFaculty of Science2013-09-272024-05-092008/05/152008/05/152013-09-272024-05-092006https://hdl.handle.net/10566/13257Magister Scientiae - MScEarly 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.enNatural productsSouth AfricaPlant extractsPharmacologyMedicinal plantsThesisUniversity of the Western Cape