03 Mar 2011 Researching innovative health solutions from indigenous plants
Afriplex – the well-known South African manufacturer of nutraceutical and healthcare products – has signed a landmark agreement with the CSIR to commercially develop a range of herbal products from traditional medicinal plants. Afriplex will initially carry out biological evaluation studies on herbal extracts that may be beneficial in the management of colds and flu; allergies; male pattern baldness; hair loss; and erectile dysfunction.
The CSIR says its collaboration with traditional health practitioners on the use of medicinal plants has led to the identification of a number of traditional remedies. “South Africa has a long tradition of medicinal use of plants with an estimated 70% of South Africans consulting one of more than 200 000 traditional healers. Despite its rich biodiversity of more than 24 000 plants, there are few registered herbal medicine derived from the botanical specimens available in the country. The CSIR and Afriplex will in the first instance focus on the plant Elephantorrhiza elephantina. This plant, which is commonly known as Elandsboontjie (Afrikaans) and Intolwane (Nguni languages) can be found in grassland areas over large parts of the country,” says Dr Vinesh Maharaj – Research Group leader: Bio-prospecting at the CSIR.
The extracts and compounds of Elephantorrhiza elephantina have been produced at the CSIR’s Botanical and Clinical Supplies Unit and put into several formulations such as creams for topical application. The highest levels of analytical quality control standards such as HPLC MS/MS were used to show batch to batch reproducibility. The underground rhizomes are commonly used by indigenous people for a wide range of ailments including diarrhoea and dysentery, stomach disorders, haemorrhoids and perforated ulcers and as emetics. It is also popular for the treatment of skin diseases and acne.
The CSIR, explains Maharaj, has shown significant activity of the extracts and compounds against the enzyme steroid 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme – that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – is seen as a causative factor in the progression of prostatic hyperplasia and also male pattern baldness. The extract also showed potent anti-oxidant activity that was greater than in green tea extract when tested in the DPPH assay which was confirmed in ORAC and LDL oxidation assays.
Both organisations believe that the preferred route to the commercialisation of products derived from the plant should be for the cosmetic market as it helps with hair loss and has potent anti-oxidant properties. In order to achieve this, the CSIR has partnered with Afriplex to complete the remaining development programme for the marketing and distribution of the product in the cosmetic market sector.
“This partnership demonstrates that South African organisations can boast registered herbal medicine derived from the botanical specimens available in this country, instead of these products being imported from overseas. By adding value locally and through the application of South African know-how and technology, a solid platform is created to present products typical of Africa in the international arena,” notes Maharaj.
A strategy to ensure the reliable supply of plant material for commercialisation purposes is currently also being developed and will also involve the maximum participation of communities, he adds.
Afriplex CEO, Danie Nel, says: “The CSIR has done groundbreaking research and we are proud to be the partner that will take this research from Source to Shelf”. Afriplex’s reputation for innovative and cost-effective product solutions is supported by more than 20 years of scientific research into the beneficial use of African plant species. The company has developed more than 120 final product solutions and is continuously conceptualising, testing and developing novel and commercially viable products for the food & beverage and pharmaceutical & healthcare industries.”
He adds that there has already been significant interest from renowned international healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, and the first product concepts will be on show at Vitafoods Europe in Geneva in May 2011: “Through local collaboration a solid platform has been created to present a number of products typical of Africa in the international arena, which will greatly benefit local communities.”
Afriplex: CEO Danie Nel
Tel: +27 (0)21 872 4976 | E-mail: [email protected]
CSIR: Dr Vinesh Maharaj – Research Group leader: Bio-prospecting
Tel: +27 (0)12 841 3295 | E-mail: [email protected]