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Post Graduate Candidates
Akwu Nneka (PhD Candidate)
BSc Cell Biology and Genetics (University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria),BSc Hons Cell Biology and Genetics (University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria)MSc Cell Biology and Genetics (University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria),
Telephone: 031 260 7360 074 885 1646
Email:[email protected] [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
A comparative study of the morphology (macro, micro and ultra), and phytochemistry, histochemistry, characterization, cytotoxicity of the secondary metabolites of the leaves, stembark and endophytes of Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv.A: An indigenous Southern African medicinal plant.
Supervisor(s)Prof. Yougasphree NaidooProf. Mogie Singh
Sahejna Bantho (MSc Candidate)BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville ),BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville )
Telephone: 084 300 6028
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
My current project focuses on identifying and analyzing morphological structures and compounds of medicinal importance within the South African plant, Combretum erythrophyllum. This involves an in-depth analysis of the source and pathway of secretion of these medicinally important compounds. Globally, medicinal plant species have served as ancient therapeutic tools. The traditional uses of many species have not been scientifically validated, hence their utilization is questionable. Our research helps provide the scientific basis to many traditional claims. Compounds such as phenols, and triterpenoids, amongst many, are highly useful in treating a wide array of ailments.
Supervisor(s)
Prof Youghaspree Naidoo
Serisha Gangaram (MSc Candidate)
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 082 338 5180
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
My present research describes key micromorphological features of the foliar hairs of Barleria albostellata (indigenous to South Africa), as well as determining the phytochemical compounds within this species, with the objective of evaluating Barleria albostellata as a candidate for further pharmacological testing. Determining the main compounds present using histochemical techniques will provide baseline information on the potential usage of extracts from this plant. This information is important in establishing the safe and efficient use of this plant in traditional medicinal practices.
Supervisor(s)
Prof Youghaspree Naidoo
Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo (MSc Candidate)
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)BSc Hons Biological Sciences(University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: (031)- 404 88 46
Email:[email protected]/ [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Medicinal plants are essential in traditional medicine, as many cultures rely on them for their healing properties. Tabernaemontana ventricosa is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which is well known for its milky latex. Latex is abundant within T. ventricosa, and is found within specialized secretory structures known as laticifers. The laticifers within the vegetative organs of T. ventricosa are presently being investigated, along with the foliar micromorphology, and histochemical properties. Phytochemical investigations and preliminary tests of biological activity will also be performed on the vegetative organs of T. ventricosa to determine its potential medicinal properties.
SupervisorProf Yougasphree Naidoo
Nozipho N. Nxumalo (MSc)
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),MSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 031 260 7360
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Compounds extracted from plants possess biological or medicinal properties and are possible sources of new drugs. Secretory structures in plants from which chemical compounds are exuded include trichomes, cavities and oil ducts. There are abundant phytochemical compounds found within these secretory structures such as essential oils, saponins, alkaloids and many other compounds. My study focuses on the leaves of Vepris lanceolata (Lam.) G. Don (Rutaceae) to examine the secretory cavities found within the leaves, and the chemical composition of the secretion to understand the ecological role of this plant and its potential as a medicinal plant.
Supervisor(s)Prof. Yougasphree NaidooProf. Gonasageran Naidoo
Unarine Rambau (MSc Candidate)
BSc Botany and Biotechnology (University of Limpopo),BSc Hons Botany (University of Limpopo)Telephone: 031 260 7360
Email:[email protected]
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
My research is currently focused on medicinal plant and cellular biology research. Special emphasis has been placed on the morphology, ultrastructure as well as chemical composition of the foliar indumentum of a southern African Vitaceous plant.
Supervisor(s)Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Prof Himansu Baijnath
Saiyuri D Chetty - MSc Candidate
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville) Telephone: 082 824 8071
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
My project deals with a South African medicinal plant, Heteropyxis natalensis. The tree is known as the "Lavender Tree" and is found along the coast of KZN. The species is frequently used in Venda and Zulu communities and is prepared as a tea or a paste to treat respiratory disorders and infections. Due to the array of medicinal properties, I am using histo-phytochemical techniques to identify the various phyotcompounds present within the leaves that could possibly alleviate many illnesses. I am also looking at the micromorphology of foliar trichomes and internal secretory structures using various microscopy techniques.
Supervisor(s)Prof Y NaidooMr A Nemukula
Jesamine J Rikisahedew (MSc)
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 031 468 6971Email:[email protected]
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
Tagetes minuta is an aromatic essential plant with a broad spectrum of biological activities among which are medicinal, antioxidant and antibacterial. Micromorphological investigations of the leaves of this species will help to identify and determine secretory structures such as trichomes as well as their frequency and distribution on the leaf. I also intend to analyse the histo-phytochemical properties of the trichomes to determine compound localization. The purpose of this study is to examine the secretory structures found both internally and externally in T. minuta to better understand its phytochemistry.
Supervisor(s)Prof. Yougasphree NaidooMr Aluwani Nemukula
Danesha Naidoo (MSc Candidate)
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 078 073 6117
Email:[email protected]/ [email protected]
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
My project focuses on identifying leaf microscopic structures of Croton gratissimus using techniques of microscopy. Croton gratissimus has been used extensively in African traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as hypertension, urinary infections, menstrual pains and bleeding gums. For this reason, I am also using histo-phytochemical protocols to determine what phytochemicals are present and where these phytochemicals are produced.
Supervisor:Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Sadhana Rabulall (MSc Candidate)
BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville), BSc Hons Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 079 550 2252
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Leaf morphology of the southern African medicinal plant, Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex Schult was observed using stereo-microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Using ultrastructure, the characterization and mechanism of secretion of foliar trichomes is being investigated. The occurrence and distribution of trichomes along various growth stages of the leaf and flowers will be observed using histochemistry. Phytochemistry techniques will be employed to determine the types of compounds present within leaf and flower extracts.
Supervisor(s)Prof Yougasphree NaidooProf Himansu Baijnath
Sayurika Haridwal (Hons)
BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 031 464 4560
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
My honours research involves the determination of the micromorphology of Priva cordifolia fruit and the identification of the secondary metabolites which are present within the fruit. This will be undertaken by use various techniques such as, stereomicroscopy, SEM, histochemistry, phytochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. This research will contribute toward the understanding of South African plants species with potential medicinal properties.
Supervisor(s)Prof Yogis NaidooDr C. T. Sadashiva
Siboniso Sithole (Hons Candidate)
BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 073 0404 261
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
Recent studies have reported that approximately three million South Africans utilize traditional plant medicine as their primary source of health care. Boerhvia diffusa L.var.diffusa is one of the South African flora, which are active components of traditional medicineMy research aims to determine type of trichrome(s) that are present in Boerhavaia diffusa L and to screen secondary metabolites that are present in Boerhavia diffusa L leaves. The objectives are to use scanning electron microscope to visualize the micromorphology of the leaves and to perform phytochemical screening to determine compound classes present in the leaves.
SupervisorProf Yougasphree Naidoo
Naveshni Dhaver (Hons Candidate)
BSc Marine Biology (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Cell Phone: 0605070460
Email: [email protected]
Micromorphology and phytometabolites of the leaves of Priva cordifolia : A medicinal plant
Plants are of great importance in the medicinal world, it is used to synthesize effective drugs that provides majority of the world’s population with health benefits. The medicinal value of plants lies within its chemical composition. The species Priva cordifolia, member of the Verbenaceae family contains medicinal properties that are not well recognised by science. The study aims to determine the leaf micromorphology by viewing the leaves under a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope and to determine the phytometabolites present within the leaves by running phytochemical and histochemical tests.
SupervisorProf Y Naidoo
Brief Description of Research
I am currently pursuing my PhD in Biological Sciences as a Member of the Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. My areas of specialization include electron microscopy, plant biotechnology and ethnopharmacology. My research interests lie in the study of plant secretory structures, micropropagation
Benita Kalicharan (PhD Candidate)
BSc Microbiology/ Cellular Biology (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),BSc Hons Cellular Biology (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)MSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),
Telephone: 031 260 7360
Email: [email protected]
of threatened indigenous plant species and the bio-guided isolation and characterization of phytocompounds from established and potential medicinal plants.
Supervisor(s)Prof Yougasphree NaidooProf Johannes Van Staden
Ashlin Munsamy (PhD Candidate)
BSc Biomedical Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)BSc Hons Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)MSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 0742083715 031 260 7360
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Gomphocarpus physocarpus is an indigenous herb recognized along many KZN roadsides by large balloon like fruit atop erect stems. Little is known about this indigenous species other than the fact that it is highly toxic and produces a milky latex when injured or cut. My research involves the micromorphological investigation of the structures responsible for latex production within leaves and stems of this plant, as well as the identification of compounds with potential pharmacological effects. My research interests are medicinal plants, biotechnology, nanoparticle synthesis and applications, phytochemistry and plant ultrastructure.
Supervisor(s)Prof Yougasphree NaidooProf Mogie Singh
Valentina Govender (MSc. Candidate)
BSc General Biology, Biological Sciences and Cellular Biology (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 0744046913
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Medicinal plant investigations on South African indigenous plant species involving botany, micromorphology, phytochemistry, histochemistry, electron microscopy, nanoparticle synthesis, antibacterial and latex constituent studies.
LinkedIn Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-govender-67483265
Supervisor(s)Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Name Surname Karishma Singh (PhD Candidate)
BSc Botany and Zoology (NMMU),BSc Botany (NMMU)MSc Conservation Botany (NMMU),
Telephone: 0763155751
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
My research is on the secretory apparatus of the medicinal plant Plumbago auriculata. The leaves have salt-secreting glands and the sepals have large glandular trichomes that secrete a sticky substance that assists the plant in insect entrapment. The study involves the morphological and ultrastructure features of the species and the species contribution to pharmacology as a medicinal plant. Pollination studies will also be carried out to determine the possible plant pollinators as well as the mode of pollination.
Supervisor(s)Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Brief Description of Research
Over the past few decades, the investigation of traditionally used medicinal plants has gained considerable recognition in the scientific community. My research focuses on a widely used African medicinal species that is used to treat wounds, malaria, skin disorders and sexual
Kashmira Raghu (PhD Candidate)
BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),BSc Hons Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)MSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 072 084 6056 031 206 7360
Email: [email protected]
and pregnancy related illnesses. Hibiscus surattensis is a thorny shrub characterized by large yellow flowers. I intend to determine the biological activities responsible for its reputed benefits as well as propagate the species using micropropagation methods. My work involves techniques in light and electron microscopy, phytochemistry and biotechnology.
Supervisor(s)Prof Yougasphree NaidooProf Jeff Finnie