MRC PhD student

Level of study: PhD

Title: The effect of South African medicinal plants use on the aetiology of oesophageal and stomach cancers.

Study Institution: University of KwaZulu-Natal

Background
Previous studies have shown that certain dietary and medicinal wild plants are associated with an increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer. As a continuation from these studies, the current project focuses on identifying the phytochemical constituents in these plants responsible for the carcinogenic activity. Three selected plants are being investigated for their carcinogenic and toxicological effects using in vitro and in vivo models testing both plant extracts and subsequently isolated compounds. Both plant extracts and isolated compounds will be evaluated for toxicity and carcinogenicity by monitoring their interference with cell proliferation and in the expression of cell cycle regulation genes. Bioassay guided fractionation will follow leading to the isolation and chemical characterisation of the toxic principles as this will give a greater understanding into the mechanisms of action. The structures of active compounds will be elucidated and these active compounds will be used as biomarkers in exposed populations at risk of oesophageal and stomach cancers. 

Expected impact
Identification of the carcinogenic components will provide a scientific rationale for the epidemiological associations observed in the exposed populations. The isolated components will serve as markers for both quality control of plants extracts and exposure/risk assessment in populations consuming these plants.

Supervisors: Prof. V. Sewram and Dr. N. Koorbanally
MRC Unit: Oncology Research Unit