South Africa seeks to commercialize and validate medicinal plants

South Africa is working to commercialize medicinal plants, with scientists profiling and testing their efficacy. Professor Nox Makunga of Stellenbosch University notes that 85% of the flora and fauna in Africa is endemic to the continent and has the potential to treat various diseases. While African plant medicine has a long history of use, Western-branded medicines are often preferred due to stigma. Professor Makunga and her team are working to provide scientific validation for herbal extracts, and advocate for more investment in commercializing and marketing these plants globally. Prof Nokwanda “Nox” Makunga, Associate Professor: Dept of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University. For her avid science communication, where Professor Makunga advocates for greater participation of women, indigenous and people of colour in #STEM, particularly in the field of botany. She concentrates on #MedicinalPlantResearch, with special emphasis on using biotechnology for the enhancement of basic knowledge in the natural products sector. She engages with the public through different media platforms and frequently writes on the topic of “Women in Science”