Women in Science Africa

Menu
  • Woman of Impact
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Perspective
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Podcast
  • Youth
Women In Science Logo
  • Subscribe Newsletter
  • Scientists Directory
Women in science logo
The African Scientists Directory
Menu
  • Woman of Impact
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Perspective
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Podcast
  • Youth
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin
Home Perspective

More to Rooibos than just a cuppa

wins by wins
May 17, 2020
in Perspective
More to Rooibos than just a cuppa
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsApp

STAFF REPORTER

 

Analike Blom van Staden wants to find out if rooibos – one of South Africa’s biggest exports – can assist to stop loss of skin colour, a problem that affects many citizens.

Van Staden is a PhD in Natural Medicine student at the University of Pretoria, an institution where she got her junior degrees – a BSc and an MSc in Medicinal Plant Science. Van Staden’s research focuses on the effect of Aspalathus linearis, commonly known as rooibos, on hypopigmentation disorders, which involve loss of skin colour. Hypopigmentation often gives rise to other disorders, severely affecting the quality of life and psychological well-being of those afflicted, especially in rural areas where people don’t have access to treatments or cannot afford them.

Van Staden uses computer modelling to simulate the binding of the compounds present in Aspalathus linearis with the enzymes responsible for pigmentation in a human body, thereby linking the biological with the digital world.

She has published eight peer-reviewed articles and seven book chapters and presented her research at six local and three international conferences. She won the award for the best presentation by a PhD student at the 45th Joint Congress of the SA Association of Botanists, African Mycology Association,and the Southern African Society for Systematic Biology.

 

More to Rooibos than just a cuppa

Tags: Analike Blom van StadenRooibosSouth Africa’s biggest exports

Related Posts

New Rooibos phytosome to be developed for cosmetic application
News

New Rooibos phytosome to be developed for cosmetic application

June 14, 2022
HOMEGROWN ROOIBOS TEA MAY BE ABLE TO ALLEVIATE BOTHERSOME NASAL ALLERGIES
News

Homegrown Rooibos tea may be able to alleviate bothersome nasal allergies

August 19, 2021
Next Post
Fancy a bug for dinner

Fancy a bug for dinner?

Categories

Search

No Result
View All Result
Women in science logo

Women in Science is the continent’s premier platform for women scientists. A space for Africa’s growing community of female scientists to find support, networks and a home for their ideas and achievements to take root and grow. Published by Media Torque and Events PTY Ltd ……….. Read more

SECTIONS

  • Women of Impact
  • Analysis
  • Podcast
  • News
  • Perspective
  • Youth
  • Jobs and Careers
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin

MORE ON WOMEN IN SCIENCE

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Publications
  • Collaboration Opportunities

SUBSCRIBE

game changing science from women in science
  • African Scientists Directory

CopyRight: Women In Science Africa 2023

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Advertise with Us