Phytochemical research in South Africa : review article
Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: Although the origin of phytochemistry as a separate discipline is more than 30 years old, one of the common problems confronting
any neophyte in the subject, is getting started. The wide repertoire
of chemical compounds that are present in any plant can be daunting.
How does one select the 'right' compound to work on from a
myriad of phytomedicinals? Modern extraction and separation
techniques have proved valuable in isolating pure compounds that
can be applied against a myriad of biological activities. Multidisciplinary
collaborative research is the need of the hour, if local
research groups are to produce marketable compounds of intrinsic
value to society and mankind at large. This article attempts to
explore the roots of phytomedicinal research in South Africa and
the resulting benefits from present achievements. It also provides
information that could be used for capacity building or student
training and draws attention to the financial and material benefits
that can accrue to the country from its phytomedicinal wealth.
Source: South African Journal of Science
Authors: Jessen George, Michael Laing, S. E. DREWES
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2122090768