CSIR Biosciences is actively involved in identifying new medicines effective against tuberculosis (TB), malaria and HIV based on South Africa’s rich biodiversity. As part of a national multidisciplinary consortium, the Bioprospecting research group and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) established a database of 566 plant taxa that are reportedly used for the treatment of TB and 623 taxa associated with malaria and/or fever. A process of prioritization using selection criteria led to 162 plant extracts, representing 24 taxa, being tested in a preliminary in vitro screen against Mycobacterium aurum. Thirteen extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and were subsequently tested against M. tuberculosis. This led to 7 extracts (5 taxa) with significant anti- TB activity. Of the 134 plant taxa tested for in vitro antimalarial activity against a chloroquine-sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum, 23 species were found to be highly active. Bioprospecting has screened 30 plants with traditional use related to the treatment of HIV for their anti-HIV properties, resulting in the identification of four biologically active plant extracts (4 taxa), which are currently being further developed. A recent research collaboration with Esperanza Medicines Foundation (EMF) also provided a unique opportunity to evaluate South African medicinal plants in HIV/AIDS-related biological assays exclusive to the Swiss-based institute. Overall, compelling evidence has been provided for the rational exploration of South African plants as sources of new drugs to treat TB, malaria and HIV
Reference:
Pillay, P, Naidoo, D, Maharaj, VJ et al. 2008. South African plants as a source of drugs to treat infectious diseases - TB, malaria and HIV. Science real and relevant: 2nd CSIR Biennial Conference, CSIR International Convention Centre Pretoria, 17&18 November 2008, pp 4
Pillay, P., Naidoo, D., Maharaj, V., Moodley, N., Sewnarain, P., Van Rooyen, S., ... Khorombi, E. (2008). South African plants as a source of drugs to treat infectious diseases - TB, malaria and HIV. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/2540
Pillay, P, Dashnie Naidoo, VJ Maharaj, N Moodley, P Sewnarain, S Van Rooyen, X Mthembu, and E Khorombi. "South African plants as a source of drugs to treat infectious diseases - TB, malaria and HIV." (2008): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/2540
Pillay P, Naidoo D, Maharaj V, Moodley N, Sewnarain P, Van Rooyen S, et al, South African plants as a source of drugs to treat infectious diseases - TB, malaria and HIV; 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/2540 .