Ph.D. / Relationships within the Crotalarieae are explored using DNA sequences (ITS and rbcL) and morphological data and the monophyly of the various genera is assessed. A literature review of chemical characters (mainly alkaloids) was needed in order to evaluate the congruence between molecular, morphological and chemical data and how these patterns should be interpreted within the context of new generic and suprageneric concepts. The DNA study was also aimed at confirming the suspected polyphyly of Lebeckia and Lotononis (as currently circumscribed) and at improving generic circumscriptions. The aim was to propose and formalize new generic concepts for Lebeckia s.l. and Lotononis s.l. in order to ensure that all of the resultant genera are monophyletic.

Since ancient times, indigenous plants have been used by traditional healers for treating various ailments. Sutherlandia frutescens is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants of southern Africa. This widely distributed plant has been traditionally used to treat cancer and HIV patients; however scientific validation is still in high demand. This research aimed to phytochemically characterise the various extracts prepared and to determine if any chemotypes were present. Subsequent biological characterisation was carried out to preliminary ascertain whether this medicinal plant could have anti-cancer and/or immunemodulating properties and which compounds might be responsible for these actions. Various traditional and organic extracts were prepared. Extracts, fractions and compounds generated were analysed and chemical profiles obtained. Column chromatographic techniques were used to isolate and purify compounds and structure elucidation was carried out using various analytical techniques. Sulforhodamine B and cytometric bead array assays were performed to determine the biological activities of samples generated. / Life and Consumer Sciences / (M. Sc. (Life Sciences)

Since ancient times, indigenous plants have been used by traditional healers for treating various ailments. Sutherlandia frutescens is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants of southern Africa. This widely distributed plant has been traditionally used to treat cancer and HIV patients; however scientific validation is still in high demand. This research aimed to phytochemically characterise the various extracts prepared and to determine if any chemotypes were present. Subsequent biological characterisation was carried out to preliminary ascertain whether this medicinal plant could have anti-cancer and/or immunemodulating properties and which compounds might be responsible for these actions. Various traditional and organic extracts were prepared. Extracts, fractions and compounds generated were analysed and chemical profiles obtained. Column chromatographic techniques were used to isolate and purify compounds and structure elucidation was carried out using various analytical techniques. Sulforhodamine B and cytometric bead array assays were performed to determine the biological activities of samples generated. / Life and Consumer Sciences / (M. Sc. (Life Sciences)