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NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12 16 December 2013

24 - 28 March 2014

5th Annual Biotherapeutics

Analytical Summit. Venue:

Baltimore, MD, USA

25 March 2014

Agri -innovation 2014: Emerg-

ing science and technologies

in crop research. Venue: Lon-

don, UK

30 March - 2 April 2014

Food Structure and Func-

tionality Forum Symposium–

from Molecules to Function-

ality. Venue: Amsterdam,

The Netherlands

CONFERENCES

GENERAL NEWS

China's publication bazaar (Science, November 2013)

A Science investigation has uncovered a smorgasbord of questionable practices includ-ing paying for author's slots on papers written by other scientists and buying papers from online brokers… Read more

End of line for hard-to-detect malaria? (SciDev.net, November 2013)

A low-cost, portable device that can detect malaria in people who show no symptoms is

soon to be tested in Africa. This ‘mobile bio-lab’, under development by Dutch company

Amplino, aims to help health workers identify asymptomatic malaria sufferers using a

sensitive molecular technique. It can also collect data on malaria incidence… Read more

Fungus strains, new tools ‘could help fight aflatoxins’ (SciDev.net, December 2013)

A natural, safe and cost-effective product that can cut the deadly aflatoxin contamination

in African food crops — such as cassava, maize, rice and yam — and new tools could

help control the menace, according to scientists… Read more

The end of a year is always an opportunity to reflect The end of a year is always an opportunity to reflect --

to remember those who have left us, and to to remember those who have left us, and to

acknowledge the achievements of the network, par-acknowledge the achievements of the network, par-

ticularly those attained through the hard work of our ticularly those attained through the hard work of our

staff and studentsstaff and students–– thank you to all of you!thank you to all of you!

May this festive season be a time of rest, joy May this festive season be a time of rest, joy

and celebration with those nearest to you. and celebration with those nearest to you.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for

2014!2014!

Image source

SEASON’S GREETINGS

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SABINA NEWS BITES

Prof Charles de Koning (WITS) was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa in November.

Vinesh Maharaj has been given a full professorship in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Preto-ria.

Congratulations to each of you!

We look forward to hearing more about your new positions and responsibilities in

the future.

UPCOMING PUBLICATION Adopted from Taylor & Francis Group

OMICS Applications in Crop Science Published December 2013

Merging topical data from recently published review and research articles, as well as the

knowledge and insight of industry experts, Omics Applications in Crop Science delves

into plant science, and various technologies that use omics in agriculture. This book concen-

trates on crop breeding and environmental applications, and examines the applications of

various omics technologies including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabo-

lomics to important agronomic, horticultural, medicinal, plantation, fiber, forage, and bioener-

gy crops.

Written as a resource for plant biologists, plant breeders, agriculture scientists, researchers

and college students studying various fields in agriculture, and the agri industries, OMICS

Applications in Crop Science compiles the latest research in this essential field of modern

crop and plant science utilizing various omics technologies and their applications in a num-

ber of important crops/plants from agronomy, pomology, olericulture, floriculture, medicinal

plants, plantation and energy crops, agro-forestry, and more.

Prof John Saka has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the Univer-sity of Malawi.

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Sister Jenny wins the Prestigious Female Tribe Feathers Award

On 26 September 2013 Sister Jenny won the

prestigious Female Tribe Feathers Awards in

the category of Business Icon and Entrepre-

neur.

Sister Jenny’s company, JEN-TIL TOUCH, stems

from a passion for pain relief that she developed

as a young child, and that has since become her

mission: to heal suffering and bring relief to peo-

ple in pain. This passionate entrepreneur is prov-

ing that dreams do come true. Her range of JEN-

TIL creams are the product of study, research

and intuitively combining therapeutic natural in-

gredients through trial and error processes, until

she had finally formulated a range of complementary health products. “Over a period of twenty years I have personally

tested and applied the creams to literally thousands of people throughout the country with overwhelmingly positive re-

sults,” says Sister Jenny. This professional-nurse-turned-entrepreneur’s compassion for the suffering, fuelled in part by

her overcoming her own minor physical disability, has been an essential ingredient in the success of JEN-TIL.

Sister Jenny’s hard work has been acknowledged by the business and health care sectors alike. Customer Director of

Pick n Pay, Jonathan Ackerman, called her an “Entrepreneur Extraordinaire” in an on-camera interview given to endorse

the JEN-TIL range of products. He reiterates the way in which Sister Jenny has helped so many people who were injured

during the Maponya Mall Stampede during the Mall’s opening week. “I am not just saying this,” he adds. “The letters pile

up of people wanting this product ...and the difference it makes in their lives is unbelievable.” In an email to Sister Jenny,

Deputy Minister of Health Dr Gwen Ramokgopa wrote, “Congratulations once more and may your entrepreneurship and

service spirit flourish even more! Indeed it is your passion, tenacity and caring attitude that has paid off.”

Sister Jenny’s creams are internationally recognised for the calm, healing, relief and ease from physical and emotional

discomfort brought to those suffering from a variety of medical conditions. They have been used by a nurse in war zones

in Africa and the Middle East. Burns, wounds and even sores from HIV/Aids have healed much faster than expected

with use of her creams. A baby with a rare genetic disorder (brittle bone disease) and another with a debilitating birth in-

jury have also greatly benefited from the creams’ application.

With the support of Ort Jet, South Africa’s DTI, Seda, Empretec, eGoli Bio and The Innovation Hub, Sister Jenny’s busi-

ness has grown to sell their creams in stores throughout South Africa and internationally online. The JEN-TIL TOUCH

business is able to employ 8 permanent and 10 temporary staff. “Today I am able to mentor and motivate young people

to create their own small businesses. I aim to teach them the invaluable lessons that I have learnt through my own expe-

riences over the past 20 years,” Sister Jenny adds. “I also intend to extend my “BE JEN-TIL, Heal the Nation” Campaign,

into South African Schools with the aim of decreasing violence and abuse in South Africa. I would also like to work to-

gether with UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) to use Empretec techniques to develop a

program to motivate poor people to create business opportunities for themselves using creative thinking processes.”

Besides this latest accolade, this year Sister Jenny has also been a finalist in the Biotech Fundi Awards, the ABSA Jew-

ish Achievers Awards, as well as the Inventors Garage Competition –2013 Innovation Summit. We also featured a story

of Sister Jenny’s South Africa 2012 SMME award in the June newsletter this year. Most recently, she has been nominat-

ed for the 4th Empretec Woman in Business Award with UNCTAD, the results of which are still to be announced at time

of writing.

SMME SUCCESS STORY

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JOURNAL ARTICLES

Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a multiple purpose plant with potential for biodiesel production and medicinal uses. It has

been used for treatment of a wide spectrum of ailments related to skin, cancer, digestive, respiratory and infectious diseases. This

review aims to provide an up-to-date survey of information available on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and

toxicity of J. curcas, establishing a scientific basis that explains its ethnopharmacological uses in order to facilitate and guide future

research. The review covers literature available from 1960 to 2012 collected from scientific journals, books and electronic searches

such as Google scholar, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. Ethnomedicinal uses of J. curcas have been reported from many coun-

tries in Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East for almost 100 different types of ailments. The phytochemical studies have

shown the presence of many secondary metabolites including diterpeniods, sesquiterpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols,

lignans, coumarins and cyclic peptides. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from J. curcas show a wide range of pharmacologi-

cal activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, anticoagulant, hepatoprotective,

analgesic and abortifacient effects. J. curcas has been a widely used source of medicine for decades in many cultures. The present

review reveals that J. curcas is a valuable source of medicinally important molecules and provides convincing support for its future

use in modern medicine.

Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology and toxicity of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae): A review

Abdelgadir HA, Van Staden J, South African Journal of Botany, 88, 204-218, 2013 35.95 USD (Link to article)

Head-space volatiles of the edible pulp of the mobola plum (Parinari curatellifolia) were extracted using solid phase microextraction

(SPME), and their identities determined by GC–FID and GC–MS systems. The SPME method extracted eleven major compounds

accounting for 99.0% of the volatile constituents. The volatiles were ethyl butyrate, 28.7%; ethyl isovalerate, 19.3%; ethyl valerate,

12.4%; ethyl hexanoate, 3.7%; ethyl benzoate, 2.5%; isoamyl isovalerate, 0.3%; phenol, 10.5%; α-bergamotene, 1.1%; β-farnesene,

3.0%; 2,6-diterbutyl-4-methyl-phenol, 3.1% and phenylacetonitrile, 14.4%. Thus, the valerate and butyrate esters are the most abun-

dant volatiles in the head-space of the edible pulp of the ripe fruit using the SPME method. The compounds, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl

valerate, isoamyl isovalerate, phenol, 2,6-diterbutyl-4-methyl-phenol, phenylacetonitrile, α-bergamotene and β-farnesene were iden-

tified for the first time in the head-space of this fruit.

Headspace volatiles of the edible fruit pulp of Parinari curatellifolia growing in Malawi using solid phase microextraction

Shoko T, Saka, JDK, Apostolides Z, South African Journal of Botany, 90, 128–130, 2014 35.95 USD (Link to article)

Searsia chirindensis is used in South African traditional medicine for management of bacterial infections such as diarrhoea. The aim

of the study was to examine the phytochemical composition from the leaves of Searsia chirindensis that is responsible for the ethno-

medicinal use of this plant. The crude extract (80% methanol) was extracted sequentially with dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate

(EtOAc) and n-butanol. The extracts and isolated compounds were tested for their antibacterial activity against Gram-negative

(Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli and Shigella flexneri) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial strains using the

microdilution method. Bioguided fractionation of EtOAc fraction afforded five phenolic compounds. Structural elucidation was carried

out using NMR (1D and 2D) spectroscopic analyses. Of the three fractions obtained from the crude extract, EtOAc was the most

active and its fractionation afforded methyl gallate (1), and four flavonol glycosides: myricetin-3-O-arabinopyranoside (2), myricetrin-

3-O-rhamnoside (3), kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside (4) and quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside (5). These compounds are reported from

Searsia chirindensis for the first time. All the compounds showed good antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains tested. Their

minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 30 to 250µg/mL. Antibacterial activity demonstrated by the extracts and isolated

compounds provides credence to the ethnomedicinal use of Searsia chirindensis against diarrhoea.

Isolation and characterization of antimicrobial constituents of Searsia chirindensis L. (Anacardiaceae) leaf extracts

Madikizela B, Aderogba MA, Van Staden J, Journal of Ethnopharmacology,150 (2), 609-613, 2013 35.95 USD (Link to article)

The development and use of cultivars that are genetically resistant to viruses is an efficient strategy to tackle the problems of virus

diseases. Over the past two decades, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has been documented as a host for a broad range of

viral species, providing access to a large panel of resources and tools for the study of viral infection processes and resistance mech-

anisms. Exploration of its natural genetic diversity has revealed a wide range of genes conferring virus resistance. The molecular

characterization of some of these genes has unveiled resistance mechanisms distinct from those described in crops. In these re-

spects, Arabidopsis represents a rich and largely untapped source of new genes and mechanisms involved in virus resistance. Here,

we review the current status of our knowledge concerning natural virus resistance in Arabidopsis. We also address the impact of

environmental conditions on Arabidopsis–virus interactions and resistance mechanisms, and discuss the potential of applying the

knowledge gained from the study of Arabidopsis natural diversity for crop improvement.

Exploitation of natural genetic diversity to study plant–virus interactions: what can we learn from Arabidopsis thaliana?

Ouibrahim L, Caranta C, Molecular Plant Pathology, 14 (8), 844-854, 2013 35.00 USD (Link to article)

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JOURNAL ARTICLES

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Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. of family Nyctaginaceae is a known traditional medicinal plant and has been used in the treatment of many

free radical-mediated diseases. Excessive formation of free radicals, either reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen spe-

cies (RNS) is responsible for damaging various biomolecules like DNA, lipids and proteins. The present investigation was init ially

carried out to explore the possible link between antioxidant, oxidative DNA damage protective and α-amylase inhibitory property of

B. diffusa root extract and their bioactive fraction. Our results illustrated an enhanced DPPH radical scavenging activity/antioxidant

power of methanol root extract (IC50 <250μg/ml) than ethanol (IC50=250μg/ml) and aqueous extract (IC50 >250μg/ml). In addition, the

methanol root extract also showed better oxidative DNA damage protective activity and α-amylase inhibitory property than ethanol

and aqueous root extract. Phytochemical screening of B. diffusa ethanol and methanol root extract showed the presence of sapo-

nins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and terpenoids in large amount. By means of repetitive preparatory TLC and HPLC the potent

antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory fraction was isolated from methanol root extract. Our results illustrated that DPPH radical scav-

enging activity (IC50 <250μg/ml) and oxidative DNA damage protective and α-amylase inhibitory activity of the isolated/purified bioac-

tive compound from methanol extract were significantly closer to that of crude extract, which in turn confirm that antioxidant and anti-

diabetic property of methanol root extract resides in this fraction and established a significant correlation between antioxidant and

inhibitory α-amylase property of this bioactive fraction compound. These profound effects of B. diffusa methanol root extract and its

purified fraction against oxidative plasmid DNA damage, antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activity may explain its extensive use

in daily life and possible health benefits.

Antioxidant, α-amylase inhibitory and oxidative DNA damage protective property of Boerhaavia diffusa (Linn.) root

Akhter F, Hashim A, Khan MS, Ahmad S, Iqbal D, Srivastava AK, Siddiqui MH, South African Journal of Botany, 88,265-272, 2013

35.95 USD (Link to article)

Hypoxis species (Hypoxidaceae) are popular medicinal plants used in the African traditional medicine to treat numerous ailments

and are reported to have a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties. In this paper we reviewed and evaluated the traditional

uses, pharmacological, phytochemistry and toxicity aspects of the genus Hypoxis. Potential medicinal prospects and possible

knowledge gaps and pitfalls are discussed. A comprehensive and systematic review of literature on Hypoxis species was done using

numerous resources such as books and scientific databases that include Pubmed, Scopus, Scirus, Google scholar, Web of Science

and others. Information on the various pharmacological and chemical properties of Hypoxis extracts was critically analysed and dis-

cussed under the various topics. The literature indicated a broad range of uses, pharmacological and toxicological properties of dif-

ferent Hypoxis species extracts and their relevance to African healthcare systems. Several compounds, mostly glucosides, sterols

and sterolins, have been isolated, identified and tested in various in vitro and in vivo models as well as in a couple of clinical trials

with a lot of promising prospects reported in some studies. A critical analysis of the available literature and studies identifies positive

potential for the future use of Hypoxis species in both traditional and modern medicine and concurrently so with possible pit falls and

research gaps in current knowledge. An integrated and holistic approach to addressing research issues, particularly toxicology as-

pects could be more effectively applied and incorporate conservation strategies for the species.

Hypoxis (Hypoxidaceae) in African traditional medicine

Ncube B, Ndhlala AR, Okem A, Van Staden J, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 150 (3), 818-827, 2013 35.95 USD (Link to article)

The objective of this study was to determine the role of Omukunzi root (Boscia albitrunca) in the viscosity or consistency, sensory

and bacteriological profile of Omashikwa, traditional fermented buttermilk from Namibia. Omashikwa is a popular traditional ferment-

ed buttermilk product made with Omukunzi root among the Owambo and Herero tribes living in the North and Central Namibia. It is

processed by fermenting raw milk in the presence of Omukunzi root in a calabash and agitated to obtain butter granules. Butter

granules are then removed, washed, salted and made into butter or processed into ghee (butter oil). The remaining fermented milk

is Omashikwa or traditional fermented buttermilk. The results of this study indicated that the root of Omukunzi tree had low pH (4.9),

exhibited bacterial inhibition properties and had high content of soluble carbohydrates (19.4%). Omashikwa made with Omukunzi

root (TO) was more viscous, 2.9 Pa.s compared to 2.5 Pa.s of laboratory Omashikwa made without the root (LO). The total aerobic

counts were 6.62 cfu/g for TO and 8.62 cfu/g for LO and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was 6.58 cfu/g for TO and 7.87 cfu/g for LO and

were lower in samples with the root. Coliforms, 2.68 cfu/g (TO) and 2.70 cfu/g (LO) and yeasts and moulds were not significantly

different (p≤0.05) and were 1.57 cfu/g for TO and 1.69 cfu/g for LO. Yeasts and mould counts from the gourd swabs were high, 4.78

cfu/g. The LAB identified belonged to the genera Lactobacillus (Lb.), Leuconostoc (Leuc.), Lactococcus (Lact.) and Streptococcus

(Strep.). The LAB species identified were Lb. plantarum, Lb. lactis subsp. lactis, Leuc. lactis, Leuc. citreum, Lact. lactis subsp. lactis,

Lact. lactis subsp. diacetylactis and Strep. thermophillus. The results indicated that Omukunzi root plays a positive role in the quality

of value added Omashikwa in terms of improving consistency, sensory quality and controlling microbial profile which could finally

help to increase income, create jobs and improve food security and nutrition to the rural communities.

Effect of Boscia Albitrunca (Omukunzi) root on the bacteriology and viscosity of Omashikwa, traditional fermented butter-

milk from Namibia

Bille PG, African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 13 (4), 2013 (Link to article)