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Pharmacological properties of Platycarpha glomerata extracts-(Thunb.) Less – a plant used to treat and manage elephantiasis

Monday, July 27, 2026
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Speaker

Dr Siphamandla Lamula
Research Fellow
University of Fort Hare

Pharmacological properties of Platycarpha glomerata extracts-(Thunb.) Less – a plant used to treat and manage elephantiasis

ISE Congress 2026 Abstract

Platycarpha glomerata (Thunb.) Less. has recently became a plant species of interest to re-searchers due to its biological activities and less toxic effects. Therefore, the aim of the study seeks to evaluate the in vitro anticancer potential and phytochemical constituents of P. glomerata plant extracts. Phytochemical screening and FTIR were carried out using standard methods. The antioxidant activity was accessed by determining its ability to scavenge the DPPH radical, and nitric ox-ide radical, whereas the anticancer activity against prostate (DU-145 and PC-3), Human T-Lymphocyte (SKU-T), gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), and human prostatic epithelial (PNTA1) cell line was evaluated using the MTT assay. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. The FTIR spectrum for the aqueous extract displayed characteristic peaks for O-H, C=O, C = C, and = C – H stretch. The aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts showed significant dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts showed minimum NO scavenging activity of 4.3%, 9.6 % and 11.7 % at 2500 µg/mL. The water extract demonstrated good activity against S. aureus, E. coli and B. pumilus with the MIC of 0.195 mg/mL, respectively. The ethanol and methanol extracts significantly reduced the percentage proliferation of DU-145, PC-3 and SKU-T cells at 100 μg/mL. These extracts demonstrated strong dose-dependent DPPH and NO scavenging, antibacterial and cell proliferation inhibition activities. The strong bioactivity of the P. glomerata makes it a good candidate for isolation and identification of active compounds for anti-cancer and related illnesses.

Biography

Siphamandla Q. Lamula’s research focuses on medicinal plants, phytochemistry, and natural product–based drug discovery, emphasizing anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiparasitic activities. His work validates Southern African traditional medicine, addresses neglected diseases and explores sustainable botanical solutions for healthcare and agricultural applications.
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