MRC MSc student

Level of study: MSc degree in Medical Biosciences

Title: The chemopreventive properties of unfermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and two species of honeybush, Cyclopia genistoides and Cyclopia subternata.

The study will focus on the chemopreventive properties of unfermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and two species of honeybush, Cyclopia genistoides and Cyclopia subternata. Aspects concerning the effects of the herbal teas on the expression of cytochrome P450 and certain phase II enzymes involved in glucuronidation, sulfonation and gluthathione conjugation will be monitored. 

This investigation may open exciting avenues in cancer chemoprevention as these enzymes metabolise many different xenobiotics some of which are carcinogenic. However, as the efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs may also be affected by herb-drug interactions involving cytochrome P450, the possible adverse effects of herbal supplements will also be critically evaluated.

Supervisor: Prof WCA Gelderblom, Dr K Gamieldien and Prof M de Kock in collaboration with Prof E Joubert from ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij at Stellenbosch, MRC Unit: PROMEC. Study Institution: University of the Western Cape