A proteomic, lipidomic and selected transcriptomic assessment of the chemoprevention properties of fermented and unfermented rooibos tea against UVBinduced skin damage
Current AMHBI Research Projects (Part 3 of 6)
CPUT Research Focus Area: Bioeconomy and Biotechnology
CPUT Research Niche Areas: Chemoprevention
Contact: Dr Mariska Lilly (LillyM@cput.ac.za)
Modulation of barrier dysfunction and allergy - related inflammation in keratinocytes by polyphenol- enriched honeybush extracts
There is a great need worldwide to identify compounds with the ability to prevent cancer . In South Africa, it is not only important to identify compounds rapidly because of the high incidence of skin cancer, but also to ensure that the average inhabitant can benefit from the findings in a cost - effective manner Recent studies show that rooibos tea displays antioxidant, anti - inflammatory, and anticancer properties, attributed to components that possess chemopreventative properties. Since the incidence of skin cancer in South Africa is of great concern, this study aims to further characterise herbal tea extracts that display cancer prevention properties for potential topical application on the skin. These herbal extract preparations will be affordable and accessible to most South Africans with the aim to decrease the incidence of skin cancer
In the present study, advanced methodologies, including proteomics and selected transcriptomics was introduced to characterize the skin’s responses to UV exposure before and after treatment of skin cell cultures with herbal tea extracts . This provided an opportunity to characterise the chemopreventive properties of indigenous herbal teas with possible implications for the development of pharmaceutical products against skin carcinogenesis in humans The study is part of a larger project to develop therapeutic creams/gels that inhibit inflammation and reduce skin cancer incidence
Dr Stefan Abel (Adjunct Scholar)
Dr Danicke Willemse (Postdoc)
Dr Nashia Deepnarain (Postdoc)
Ms Lana Keet (PhD)
Ms Danielle Davids(PhD)
Ms Claudia Abrahams (MSc)
Health- promoting properties of honeybush tea (Cyclopia spp) underpins value- addition (i .e. nutraceutical extracts) and is pivotal to maintain the growth trajectory of its global market share. In this study immune regulatory activity for honeybush extracts, as well as their antiinflammatory properties in skin cells are demonstrated.
Dr Mariam Rado (Postdoc)
Ms Nabeela Gamiet (PhD)
Investigations on Fusarium verticillioidesmaize interactions related to fumonisin production under drought stress conditions – an omics approach
The impact of global climate change on crop production has emerged as a major research priority during the past decade Several forecasts for the coming decades project changes in precipitation resulting in more frequent droughts and floods, increase in atmospheric CO 2 and temperature, widespread runoff leading to leaching of soil nutrients and reduction in freshwater availability . The current research will focus on the molecular mechanisms of fumonisin biosynthesis by F. verticillioides and its interaction with drought stressed maize plants known to result in an increased FB contamination
Modulation
of inflammation and ABC transporters – a critical assessment of the effect of rooibos polyphenols on gut health
The ability of the intestinal epithelium to function as a barrier between the external environment and the closely regulated internal milieu is essential for human health. Over the past decade, there has been increasing recognition of an association between disrupted intestinal barrier function and the development of inflammatory diseases In this study the underlying mechanisms of the anti - inflammatory properties of rooibos is elucidated for a better understanding of the complex pathogenesis of gut inflammation.
Ms Shana de Bruyn (PhD)
Inhibitory effect of South African herbal teas on the growth and mycotoxin production in Fusarium species and underlying molecular mechanisms governing fumonisin production
Biocontrol methods that are safe, affordable and population- specific are critical to address this public health problem. Plant extracts that are known as biocides or green pesticides are sustainable alternatives due to their safe and ecofriendly properties . This is the first study to investigate the use and efficacy of extracts from A. linearis and Cyclopia spp as innovative antimicrobial agents against Fusarium species.
Dr Etinosa Omoruyi(Postdoc)
Ms Gail Imrie (Staff)
