PROJECT 7
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE
Start: 2022
Indigenous knowledge systems and local plant species
Project objectives and aims
This project has been undertaken in conjunction with the Department of Pharmacology, and specifically the center for Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the University of the Free State (UFS).
The project requires the sampling of various medicinal, indigenous plant species on the Munywana during specific times of the year. Those samples will then be sent to the UFS for analysis and extraction of active compounds. The aims of this project are to: 1) determine the viability of various plant species; 2) use those plants in registered and standardised traditional medicinal products. Currently, the center for Indigenous Knowledge Systems have two processing plants operational, where the active ingredients; Croton gratissimus and Lipia javanicahave, have successfully been extracted, standardised and approved for use in traditional medicine. Other plant species currently include Sclerocarya birrea, Croton Steenkampianus, Heteropyxis natalensis and Warburgia salutaris, but this range might be expanded in the future.
1. Site visit of partners from UFS in 2022
2. Harvest specific plants that have been previously isolated
3. Samples collected and sent for analysis to UFS
Expected outcomes
- Potential production of medical treatments
- Harvest medicinal plants in communities