A researcher at the University of the Free State (UFS) is investigating the potential benefits of medicinal plants as supplementary treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.
Dr Matlakala Ntsapi, senior lecturer in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the UFS, focuses on preserving human brain health to delay or prevent age-related conditions.
According to her, while the primary focus is on age-related neurodegenerative diseases, the bioactive compounds in these medicinal plants may also have therapeutic potential for other neurological disorders, various types of cancers and type 2 diabetes.
“We hope that these medicinal plants have the potential to preserve cognitive function and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s,” said Ntsapi.
“By utilising cutting-edge techniques, such the innovative CelVivo ClinoStar 2 System, we strive to gain insights into the safety and efficacy of underexplored medicinal plants in preserving cognitive function and slowing disease progression.
“By exploring the untapped potential of bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants and nutraceuticals, our research group aims to contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the discovery of new avenues for intervention to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by age-related brain conditions.
“Research will contribute to the knowledge pool in this field, with the potential to lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, potentially contributing to the policy guidelines on how these conditions are managed and treated,” said Ntsapi.
