Browsing by Author "Mahlangeni, Nomfundo Thobeka."

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Phytochemical and elemental analysis of Cyrtanthus obliquus and Lippia javanica.
(2012) Mahlangeni, Nomfundo Thobeka.; Jonnalagadda, Sreekantha Babu.; Moodley, Roshila.
A growing number of South Africans are relying more and more on alternative medicine for their healthcare needs due to the high cost of commercially available medicines and lack of medical aid. To these people, traditional medicine has provided an alternative form of treatment with medicinal benefits that are claimed to be the same as conventional medicine but at a lower cost. Many herbal tonics and concoctions are used in traditional medicine, one of which is Imbiza, a herbal tonic comprising plant parts of different medicinal plants, which is deemed to be more effective than the use of a single medicinal plant. The safety and efficacy of these herbal preparations sold in the street markets as well as in rural areas have not yet been proven. The study investigates two of the plants that are used to make Imbiza, namely Cyrtanthus obliquus bulbs and Lippia javanica leaves. Phytochemical studies of the extracts of C. obliquus bulbs yielded two new chalcones, two new dihydrochalcones and a lanostane triterpenoid. Antioxidant activity of the chalcones and dihydrochalcones was moderate and lower than ascorbic acid. GC-MS profiling of the various extracts of L. javanica leaves showed the presence of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and amino compounds. Total and water extractable concentrations of selected elements were determined in C. obliquus bulbs collected from eight market sites around the KwaZulu-Natal province. The levels of the elements were found to be in decreasing order of Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu ≈ Se > Pb > Cr for total concentrations and Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn for water extractable forms. A high percentage of Zn (77.5-91.5 %) was shown to extract into water. Total and water extractable concentrations of selected elements were determined in L. javanica leaves and corresponding soil samples collected from ten different locations around the KwaZulu-Natal province. The levels of the elements were found to be in decreasing order of Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Se > Cr > Pb > Co > Cd for total concentrations and Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb for water extractable forms. A high percentage of Cr (71.8 - 93.9 %) was shown to extract into water. Imbiza has been recognized by traditional healers and herbalist for the treatment of minor and chronic illnesses, which range from chest infections to cancer. Previous studies have shown that the compounds identified in this research (chalcones, dihydrochalcones, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) have indeed anticancer activities. This study therefore adds to the growing body of research on indigenous medicinal plants.
Phytochemical and elemental analysis of nettles found in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2016) Mahlangeni, Nomfundo Thobeka.; Moodley, Roshila.; Jonnalagadda, Sreekantha Babu.
There is a rich diversity of indigenous edible plants in South Africa. Rural communities have for years, been collecting indigenous edible medicinal plants for food and for their medicinal properties. However, a combination of a shortage of food and lack of diversity in the diet has resulted in many South Africans suffering from malnutrition. Malnutrition, food insecurity and nutrient deficiencies which help propogate non-communicable diseases are amongst the top concerns in South Africa. Knowledge on the elemental composition, nutritional and medicinal value of medicinal plants would allow for safe consumption of these plants and improve overall health. The aim of this study was to investigate the secondary metabolites in the Laportea and Obetia nettles found in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and to conduct an elemental investigation into the nutritional composition of these nettles to determine their suitability for consumption and their contribution to recommended dietary allowances. The study showed that cooked and raw leaves of nettles (L. peduncularis, L. alatipes, and O. tenax) were rich sources of macronutrients and essential elements which are comparable to common vegetables. The nettles, L. alatipes and O.tenax, have higher macronutrient content than elemental content relative to the nettles, L.peduncularis and U. dioica, after cooking. Soil quality indicators (geo-accumulation indices and enrichment factors) showed moderate to no contamination of nettle growth soils around KwaZulu-Natal. Statistical analysis showed the association of these metals in the different sites. Phytochemical analysis of the nettles showed that the nettles were rich in β-carotene and sterols owing to their use as natural anti-diabetic agents. This study provides information on the nutritional value of nettles and shows that they can serve as an affordable alternative to commercially available herbs and it also lends scientific credence to the ethno-medicinal use of nettles.