MRC PhD students

Level of study: PhD

Title of Research Project: The beneficial and possible adverse biological interactions of flavonoid extracts and/or concentrates in different in vitro and in vivo models.

Due to the huge commercial value of tea and herbal supplements, manufactures overemphasize their non toxic therapeutic effects, most of which are not substantiated by regulated clinical trails. The interaction between herbal tea flavonoid, carcinogens and dietary constituents such as iron and polyunsaturated fatty acids are therefore of interest. The interactive effects of these different parameters on the oxidative status and subsequently on cell survival parameters such as cell proliferation and apoptosis could be important in assessing their potential chemopreventive properties.

The study will provide critical information about the health promoting and/or potential adverse effects of the excessive use of flavonoids as dietary supplements.   

Supervisor: Prof W Gelderblom, Dr K Gamieldien, Dr S Abel from the MRC Unit: PROMEC Unit and Prof M de Kock from the University of the Western Cape. Study Institution: University of the Western Cape.