Post Graduate Candidates
Brief Description of Research
A comparative study of the morphology (macro, micro
and ultra), and phytochemistry, histochemistry,
characterization, cytotoxicity of the secondary
metabolites of the leaves, stembark and endophytes of
Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv.A: An indigenous
Southern African medicinal plant.
Akwu Nneka (PhD Candidate)
BSc Cell Biology and Genetics (University of
Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria),
BSc Hons Cell Biology and Genetics (University of
Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria)
MSc Cell Biology and Genetics (University of
Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria),
Telephone: 031 260 7360
074 885 1646
Email:[email protected]
[email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Prof. Yougasphree Naidoo
Prof. Mogie Singh
Brief Description of Research
My current project focuses on identifying and analyzing
morphological structures and compounds of medicinal
importance within the South African plant, Combretum
erythrophyllum. This involves an in-depth analysis of the
source and pathway of secretion of these medicinally
important compounds.
Globally, medicinal plant species have served as ancient
therapeutic tools. The traditional uses of many species have
not been scientifically validated, hence their utilization is
questionable. Our research helps provide the scientific basis
Sahejna Bantho (MSc Candidate)
to many traditional claims. Compounds such as phenols, and
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu- triterpenoids, amongst many, are highly useful in treating a
Natal, Westville ),
wide array of ailments.
BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville )
Telephone: 084 300 6028
Supervisor(s)
Email: [email protected]
Prof Youghaspree Naidoo
Brief Description of Research
Serisha Gangaram (MSc Candidate)
My present research describes key micromorphological
features of the foliar hairs of Barleria albostellata
(indigenous to South Africa), as well as determining the
phytochemical compounds within this species, with the
objective of evaluating Barleria albostellata as a candidate
for further pharmacological testing. Determining the main
compounds present using histochemical techniques will
provide baseline information on the potential usage of
extracts from this plant. This information is important in
establishing the safe and efficient use of this plant in
traditional medicinal practices.
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville),
BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Supervisor(s)
Telephone: 082 338 5180
Prof Youghaspree Naidoo
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo (MSc Candidate)
BSc Biological Sciences
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
BSc Hons Biological Sciences
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: (031)- 404 88 46
Email:[email protected]/
[email protected]
Medicinal plants are essential in traditional medicine, as
many cultures rely on them for their healing properties.
Tabernaemontana ventricosa is a medicinal plant that
belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which is well known for
its milky latex. Latex is abundant within T. ventricosa, and is
found within specialized secretory structures known as
laticifers. The laticifers within the vegetative organs of T.
ventricosa are presently being investigated, along with the
foliar micromorphology, and histochemical properties.
Phytochemical investigations and preliminary tests of
biological activity will also be performed on the vegetative
organs of T. ventricosa to determine its potential medicinal
properties.
Supervisor
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Brief Description of Research
Compounds extracted from plants possess biological or
medicinal properties and are possible sources of new drugs.
Secretory structures in plants from which chemical
compounds are exuded include trichomes, cavities and oil
ducts. There are abundant phytochemical compounds found
within these secretory structures such as essential oils,
saponins, alkaloids and many other compounds. My study
focuses on the leaves of Vepris lanceolata (Lam.) G. Don
(Rutaceae) to examine the secretory cavities found within the
leaves, and the chemical composition of the secretion to
understand the ecological role of this plant and its potential
as a medicinal plant.
Nozipho N. Nxumalo (MSc)
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville),
BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of Supervisor(s)
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),
Prof. Yougasphree Naidoo
MSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu- Prof. Gonasageran Naidoo
Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 031 260 7360
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
My research is currently focused on medicinal plant and
cellular biology research. Special emphasis has been placed
on the morphology, ultrastructure as well as chemical
composition of the foliar indumentum of a southern African
Vitaceous plant.
Unarine Rambau (MSc Candidate)
BSc Botany and Biotechnology (University of
Limpopo),
BSc Hons Botany (University of Limpopo)
Telephone: 031 260 7360
Email:[email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Prof Himansu Baijnath
Brief Description of Research(Max. 100 words)
My project deals with a South African medicinal plant,
Heteropyxis natalensis. The tree is known as the "Lavender
Tree" and is found along the coast of KZN. The species is
frequently used in Venda and Zulu communities and is
prepared as a tea or a paste to treat respiratory disorders
and infections. Due to the array of medicinal properties, I am
using histo-phytochemical techniques to identify the various
phyotcompounds present within the leaves that could
possibly alleviate many illnesses. I am also looking at the
micromorphology of foliar trichomes and internal secretory
structures using various microscopy techniques.
Saiyuri D Chetty - MSc Candidate
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville),
BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of Supervisor(s)
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Prof Y Naidoo
Mr A Nemukula
Telephone: 082 824 8071
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
Jesamine J Rikisahedew (MSc)
Tagetes minuta is an aromatic essential plant with a broad
spectrum of biological activities among which are medicinal,
antioxidant and antibacterial. Micromorphological
investigations of the leaves of this species will help to
identify and determine secretory structures such as
trichomes as well as their frequency and distribution on the
leaf. I also intend to analyse the histo-phytochemical
properties of the trichomes to determine compound
localization. The purpose of this study is to examine the
secretory structures found both internally and externally in
T. minuta to better understand its phytochemistry.
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville)
BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Supervisor(s)
Prof. Yougasphree Naidoo
Telephone: 031 468 6971
Mr Aluwani Nemukula
Email:[email protected]
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
My project focuses on identifying leaf microscopic structures
of Croton gratissimus using techniques of microscopy.
Croton gratissimus has been used extensively in African
traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as
hypertension, urinary infections, menstrual pains and
bleeding gums. For this reason, I am also using histophytochemical protocols to determine what phytochemicals
are present and where these phytochemicals are produced.
Danesha Naidoo (MSc Candidate)
BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville)
BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 078 073 6117
Email:[email protected]/
[email protected]
Supervisor:
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Brief Description of Research
Leaf morphology of the southern African medicinal plant,
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex Schult was observed using
stereo-microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Using ultrastructure, the characterization and mechanism
of secretion of foliar trichomes is being investigated. The
occurrence and distribution of trichomes along various
growth stages of the leaf and flowers will be observed
Sadhana Rabulall (MSc Candidate)
using histochemistry. Phytochemistry techniques will be
employed to determine the types of compounds present
BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu- within leaf and flower extracts.
Natal, Westville),
BSc Hons Biological Science (University of
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Telephone: 079 550 2252
Email: [email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Prof Himansu Baijnath
Brief Description of Research
Sayurika Haridwal (Hons)
My honours research involves the determination of the
micromorphology of Priva cordifolia fruit and the
identification of the secondary metabolites which are
present within the fruit. This will be undertaken by use
various techniques such as, stereomicroscopy, SEM,
histochemistry, phytochemistry and fluorescence
microscopy.
This research will contribute toward the understanding of
South African plants species with potential medicinal
properties.
BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville)
Telephone: 031 464 4560
Email: [email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Prof Yogis Naidoo
Dr C. T. Sadashiva
Brief Description of Research (Max. 100 words)
Siboniso Sithole (Hons Candidate)
Recent studies have reported that approximately three
million South Africans utilize traditional plant medicine as
their primary source of health care. Boerhvia diffusa
L.var.diffusa is one of the South African flora, which are
active components of traditional medicine
My research aims to determine type of trichrome(s) that
are present in Boerhavaia diffusa L and to screen
secondary metabolites that are present in Boerhavia
diffusa L leaves. The objectives are to use scanning
electron microscope to visualize the micromorphology of
the leaves and to perform phytochemical screening to
determine compound classes present in the leaves.
BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville)
Supervisor
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Telephone: 073 0404 261
Email: [email protected]
Micromorphology and phytometabolites of the leaves of
Priva cordifolia : A medicinal plant
Plants are of great importance in the medicinal world, it is
used to synthesize effective drugs that provides majority of
the world’s population with health benefits. The medicinal
value of plants lies within its chemical composition. The
species Priva cordifolia, member of the Verbenaceae family
contains medicinal properties that are not well recognised
by science. The study aims to determine the leaf
Naveshni Dhaver (Hons Candidate)
micromorphology by viewing the leaves under a
stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope and
BSc Marine Biology (University of KwaZulu- to determine the phytometabolites present within the
Natal, Westville)
leaves by running phytochemical and histochemical tests.
Cell Phone: 0605070460
Email: [email protected]
Supervisor
Prof Y Naidoo
Brief Description of Research
I am currently pursuing my PhD in Biological Sciences
as a Member of the Research Centre for Plant Growth
and Development at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal,
South Africa. My areas of specialization include
electron microscopy, plant biotechnology and
ethnopharmacology. My research interests lie in the
study of plant secretory structures, micropropagation
of threatened indigenous plant species and the bioBenita Kalicharan (PhD Candidate)
guided isolation and characterization of
BSc Microbiology/ Cellular Biology (University of phytocompounds from established and potential
medicinal plants.
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville),
BSc Hons Cellular Biology (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville)
MSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville),
Telephone: 031 260 7360
Email: [email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Prof Johannes Van Staden
Brief Description of Research
Gomphocarpus physocarpus is an indigenous herb
recognized along many KZN roadsides by large balloon like
fruit atop erect stems. Little is known about this indigenous
species other than the fact that it is highly toxic and
produces a milky latex when injured or cut. My research
involves the micromorphological investigation of the
structures responsible for latex production within leaves
and stems of this plant, as well as the identification of
Ashlin Munsamy (PhD Candidate)
compounds with potential pharmacological effects. My
research interests are medicinal plants, biotechnology,
BSc Biomedical Science (University of KwaZulu- nanoparticle synthesis and applications, phytochemistry
Natal, Westville)
and plant ultrastructure.
BSc Hons Biological Science (University of
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
MSc Biological Science (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville)
Telephone: 0742083715
031 260 7360
Email: [email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Prof Mogie Singh
Brief Description of Research
Medicinal plant investigations on South African indigenous
plant species involving botany, micromorphology,
phytochemistry, histochemistry, electron microscopy,
nanoparticle synthesis, antibacterial and latex constituent
studies.
Valentina Govender (MSc. Candidate)
LinkedIn Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinaBSc General Biology, Biological Sciences and govender-67483265
Cellular Biology (University of KwaZulu-Natal,
Westville)
BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of Supervisor(s)
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Telephone: 0744046913
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Name Surname Karishma Singh (PhD Candidate)
My research is on the secretory apparatus of the medicinal
plant Plumbago auriculata. The leaves have salt-secreting
glands and the sepals have large glandular trichomes that
secrete a sticky substance that assists the plant in insect
entrapment. The study involves the morphological and
ultrastructure features of the species and the species
contribution to pharmacology as a medicinal plant.
Pollination studies will also be carried out to determine the
possible plant pollinators as well as the mode of
pollination.
BSc Botany and Zoology (NMMU),
BSc Botany (NMMU)
MSc Conservation Botany (NMMU),
Telephone: 0763155751
Email: [email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Brief Description of Research
Over the past few decades, the investigation of
traditionally used medicinal plants has gained considerable
recognition in the scientific community. My research
focuses on a widely used African medicinal species that is
used to treat wounds, malaria, skin disorders and sexual
and pregnancy related illnesses. Hibiscus surattensis is a
thorny shrub characterized by large yellow flowers. I
intend to determine the biological activities responsible for
Kashmira Raghu (PhD Candidate)
its reputed benefits as well as propagate the species using
micropropagation methods. My work involves techniques
BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu- in light and electron microscopy, phytochemistry and
Natal, Westville),
biotechnology.
BSc Hons Biological Science (University of
KwaZulu-Natal, Westville)
MSc Biological Science (University of KwaZuluNatal, Westville)
Telephone: 072 084 6056
031 206 7360
Email: [email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Prof Yougasphree Naidoo
Prof Jeff Finnie