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Objectives:
- Introduce learners to the phytochemistry of vascular plants and the application of the extracted chemical constituents to everyday life.
- Give learners exposure to the basic contemporary lab techniques used in extraction, analysis and bioactivity tests of secondary plant compounds.
- Give them the opportunity to conduct some experiments thereby inspiring confidence in laboratory work as well as interest in medicinal plant research.
- Appreciate the link between ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge and pharmaceuticals.
The project entails some of the processes humans employ to acquire and use compounds found in plants for benefits such as in health. It will include when and where these compounds are produced, how we identify them and conduct bioassay tests on them, mainly anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties.
Learners will be taken through the botanical garden and observe the plant collection procedures. They will be introduced to laboratory instrumentation and their use. They will experience hands-on experimental procedures and be engaged in plant science article reading and discussions. They will also visit the different sections of our new Plant Sciences Complex and the Natura pharmaceutical company.
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