Redox and iron status of blood donors in the Western Cape
Regular blood donors are at risk of iron deficiency anaemia which is known to be associated with oxidative stress. Iron deficiency is reported to have an influence on the redox status by impeding critical enzymatic functions. Therefore, iron is important for overall health of blood donors. More so, the quality of donated blood may be influenced by the blood donor redox status. This project aims to determine the redox and iron status of blood donors in the Western Cape.
Rooibos as a potential intervention strategy for preventing pathomechanisms that drive fumonisin B1 toxic manifestations
Many European and African countries rely heavily on grains and cereals as part of their staple diet. These agricultural commodities are extremely susceptible to parasitisation with fungi that are known producers of the carcinogenic fumonisin B1. High consumption of FB1 is implicated in mycotoxicosis and causes a set of symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, reduced weight gain or immunologic effects. The understanding of how pathways contribute to FB1 toxicity can lead to the identification of novel, effective approaches to protecting vulnerable populations. Natural compounds with antioxidant properties seem to protect against the induced toxic effects of FB1 with Rooibos being one of those compounds. Most mycotoxins affect the antioxidant status of the animals, and thus oxidative stress is a causative factor. This study uses Rooibos in different exposure models to determine its possible modulation of FB1-induced oxidative stress and toxicity and is a collaboration between AMHBI, Stellenbosch University and the Mycotoxins in the Food Chain Research Group from the
Current AMHBI Research Projects (Part 2 of 6)
Contacts:
Prof Jeanine Marnewick (MarnewickJ@cput.ac.za); ORCiD: 0000-0002-1819-1699
Dr Taskeen Docrat (DocratT@cput.ac.za); ORCiD: 0000-0003-2468-6054
CPUT Research Focus Area: Bioeconomy and Biotechnology
CPUT Research Niche Areas: Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease Development
Evaluation of different solvent extracts prepared from Cannabis sativa as antioxidants in HepG2 cells under glucose-induced oxidative stress
Diabetes has become increasingly prevalent in the world today, more notably it has become increasingly prevalent in Africa. Africa are known to depend on natural products derived from plants for therapeutic interventions, as these medicinal plants contain high polyphenol content, which have been shown to possess great antioxidant potential. Hyperglycaemia induces oxidative stress (OS) in cells, which may lead to increased levels of pro-oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). The liver is a major organ affected by ROS and is susceptible to the effects of OS induced by hyperglycaemia, causing liver injury. Cannabis sativa is a plant known to contain a family of compounds called phytocannabinoids, which have been shown to display antioxidant effects. To date, existing literature provides limited information on the potential of C. sativa to modulate increased OS in cells. The focus of this study is to determine the ability of Cannabis sativa extracts to produce bioactive compounds that would be effective against disease-induced oxidative stress. Home versus laboratory methods of extraction will be compared in this study. This project also involves industry collaboration with Felbridge being the partner.
Rooibos and Cognitive Health
Research on how foods high in polyphenols can protect the brain is now a significant focus in cognitive health research. Rooibos tea has been the subject of extensive scientific research due to its distinct antioxidant properties. The Oxidative Stress Research Unit is at the forefront of investigating the potential impact of Rooibos on biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. We use advanced in vitro cell culture models in our research to replicate the intricate setting of neurodegeneration. This method helps to comprehensively grasp how Rooibos could potentially provide healing advantages on a cellular level, establishing a solid groundwork for upcoming treatments. We also examine the potential effects of Rooibos consumption on risk factors associated with dementia, including mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Our goal is to discover the broader impact of Rooibos tea on mental health through detailed neuropsychiatric evaluations and human clinical experiments. In the end, our aim is to encourage the use of Rooibos as a preventive strategy that can improve the quality of life and longevity for those who are prone to cognitive decline. Working together across different fields and conducting thorough scientific research, we can unlock the full potential of Rooibos tea as a neuroprotective substance, which will significantly benefit the area of cognitive health and prevention. By disseminating our discoveries to both the scholarly world and a broader audience, we aim to stimulate additional research and conversations regarding the significance of natural products in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses, ultimately progressing understanding in this vital field of public health.
