Completed and On-Going Research Projects
My research focus has been within the general area of plant science. From 1980 to 1993, I retained a research interest in plant ecology and physiology with emphasis on phytosociology as reflected in my list of publications. Since 1994, I have applied my research to bioprospecting for novel compounds from higher plants and currently focusing on Phytomedicine and drug development including essential oil projects. The following are my research positions:
- Moringa oleifera: bridging the gap between laboratory knowledge and human consumption, January 2019 to date
- Project Leader: Medicinal Plants and Economic Development Research Niche Area (several projects). 2013 to date
- Project Leader: Validation of the medicinal values of crude extracts and pure compounds extracted from plants used in herbal medicine. 2006 to date.
- Research Niche Area Leader: Unlocking the potential of indigenous plants for sustainable livelihood in the Eastern Cape. 2006 to 2013.
- Project Leader: Propagation and cultivation of ethnoveterinary plants as means for their conservation and preservation in the Eastern Cape. 2005 - 2011
- Leader: Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare. 2005 - 2013
- Project Leader, Chemical analysis of high valued plants in the Eastern Cape. University Research Development Project of NRF. 2002 – 2006.
- Project Leader: Screening of medicinal plants in the Eastern Cape for antimicrobial investigations, Indigenous Knowledge System of the NRF. 1999 – 2005.
- Research Niche Area Co-Leader: Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use Strategies of the NRF, South Africa 2002 – 2005.
- Project Leader: Screening of medicinal plants for antibiotics, Medical Research Council of South Africa. 1999 – 2001.
- Project Leader: Bioprospecting for drugs from higher plants, NRF of South Africa. 1998 -2001.
