Tertiary education for the beauty industry

Growing the businesses of tomorrow

The movement towards natural plant-based cosmeceuticals is gaining ever more traction around the world. Given the broad plant diversity of South Africa, there presents amazing scope for new product development to treat a wide range of skin conditions. rofessor Lall at the University of Pretoria was prompted by the untapped potential of South African plant species to evaluate unexplored plants and develop products which can be applied P By adding value to local indigenous plants, we might interest pharmaceutical discipline of Phytomedicine and Natural Products, as articulated during the course. Students will have the benefit of attending a specialised course in life sciences and therefore be enabled to work at the interface between a topically. companies to help in the specialised research environment

Several plants have been proven to have an effect for skin related development of novel and the more practical immediate problem-solving arena within a issues such as melasma, spots, cosmetic products. phyto-drug industry. pigmentation, acne and anti-ageing. This multidisciplinary and

As of today, 16 prototype products “We hope our project may collaborative course will incorporate have been developed through lead to the beneficiation of local plant science, phytochemistry,

Professor Lall and her research team. endemic plant material, as well pharmacology, plant pathology, as

Tertiary institutions providing infrastructure building and well as safety and efficacy issues of education and training for the beauty upliftment in the community. commonly used phyto-drugs – with industry typically train students on It could also help to create a local emphasis on pharmaceutical and existing products and modes of market for community farmers agricultural applications. application, leaving little scope for for raw materials, replace imports, After successfully completing personal business growth. create jobs in local production, this course, students will have a

Professor Lall is passionate about and lead to future exports, the comprehensive insight into the a future where products from training of students, and technology field of Phytomedicine and Natural indigenous plants will not only transfer between universities.” Products, have gained knowledge benefit companies and consumers, on pharmacological action of plant but also the local communities and Accredited course constituents, learnt different entrepreneurs in the beauty industry: These limitations in the current bioassays used in the laboratory

She says: “By adding value to industry prompted Professor Lall to scientifically prove or reject the local indigenous plants, we might to create a year-long University claims, and have learnt practical interest pharmaceutical companies accredited course (5 SACNASP aspects related to the quality to help in the development of novel CPD Points): Phytomedicine and control and phyto-drug formulation. cosmetic products. South Africa Natural Products, Presented by The course also offers hands on does not beneficiate enough local the Department of Plant and Soil teaching of making their own soaps, resources, choosing rather to export. Sciences, University of Pretoria. body lotions, hair pomade and lip balm.

We can therefore not derive the This is a blended learning short “These skills play such a key value benefits third parties add to course that aims to provide practical role towards young entrepreneurs the resources in turning them into and theoretical skills to scientists for the possibility of their own products. The result is that some and researchers specialising in the start-up company in the fields of of the local cosmetic companies discovery of new natural products alternative therapy treatments import final products and we lose from plants and their uses. Students such as naturopathy, homeopathy local beneficiation, local industry, will be provided with the skills and cosmetics,” concludes and jobs. to undertake research within the Professor Lall. PB