Browsing by Author "Knott, Michael G."

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    An examination of the chemical structures and in vitro cytotoxic bioactivity of halomon related secondary metabolites from Portieria hornemannii found worldwide
    (2016) Knott, Michael G.
    An examination of the chemical structures and in vitro cytotoxic bioactivity of halo-genated monoterpenes isolated from Portieria hornemannii worldwide is presented here for the first time. It is anticipated that this analysis will be of valuable to the natural product chemist working in the field of drug discovery with reference to the rapid identification and possible characterisation of halogenated monoterpene secondary metabolites which demonstrate in vitro cytotoxic bioactivity.
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    The importance of nuclear magnetic resonance in elucidating the chemical structures of active components found in medicinal plants indigenous to Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2014) Knott, Michael G.; Lates, Jennie; Ishola, Anthony
    Namibia has a vast plant biodiversity which, supported by strong Indigenous Knowledge Systems, could lead to the development of active drugs from one or more of the indigenous plants. This notification paper examines how Namibia is hampered from taking control of and developing its own natural product resources due to a lack of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology.
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    The isolation, structural determination and bioactivity of 1E,3R,4S,5E,7Z-1-bromo 3,4,8-trichloro-7- (dichloromethyl)-3-methylocta-1,5,7-triene from a Namibian Plocamium species
    (University of Namibia, 2016) Knott, Michael G.; Kapewangolo, Petrina T.; Louw, Stefan; Brand, J.; Kandjengo, Lineekela; Ishola, Anthony
    A known compound namely 1E,3R,4S,5E,7Z-1-bromo-3,4,8-trichloro-7- (dichloromethyl)-3-methylocta-1,5,7-triene was isolated from a Namibian Plocamium species for the first time and characterized by means of one and two dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data and Mass Spectrometry (MS) analysis. The compound exhibited minimal inhibition against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of > 1000μM. However, literature reviews indicate that this compound has good cytotoxic in vitro effects.
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    Namibian marine algae as a potential source of novel bioactive natural products
    (University of Namibia, 2015) Knott, Michael G.; Ishola, Anthony
    A literature review shows that the medicinal chemistry and bioactivity of very few Namibian species has ever been investigated. In southern Africa, marine red algae such as species of Plocamium, Laurencia and Portieria are known to contain bioactive natural products. Of these three species, only Plocamium species are currently found in Namibia. In vitro testing of secondary metabolites from South African Plocamium species have demonstrated antibacterial, cytotoxic, antiplasmodial, and anti-fouling properties. Whilst the commercial benefits of some Namibian marine algae are well established, this review highlights the shortage of knowledge and research related to the pharmaceutical potential of Namibian marine algae, and how marine algae could possibly benefit the health and wellbeing of Namibians in the future.
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    Potential application of the Moringa species as natural supplements in Namibia: A review
    (University of Namibia, 2017) Huber, Sharon; Huber, Thomas J.; Ananias, Natalia K.; Knott, Michael G.
    The members of the Moringaceae tree family show promise as good dietary sources of essential nutrients. Moringa oleifera is the most researched species of Moringa trees and has gained much recognition for its exceptionally high nutritional value. It is particularly rich in minerals, such as calcium and iron which are essential for growth and development. Indigenous to Namibia, Moringa ovalifolia is one of the under-recognized species which could potentially carry the same nutritional importance as M. oleifera. Malnutrition remains a major public health problem in Namibia. On average27%of the Namibian population lives below the poverty line and are at risk of food in security. In times of persistent drought, micro nutrient malnutrition may become a wide spread occurrence. This paper explores the health benefits of nutrients found in M. oleifera and M. ovalifolia, with particular focus on their potential to alleviate nutrient deficiencies in Namibia.
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    A review of secondary metabolites isolated from Plocamium species worldwide
    (University of Namibia, 2015) Knott, Michael G.
    A review of halogenated monoterpenes isolated from various Plocamium species worldwide is presented here for the first time. It is anticipated that this review will be of great valuable to the natural product chemist working in the field of drug discovery with reference to the characterisation of halogenated monoterpene secondary metabolites from various Plocamium species. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxic bioactivity of these compounds is also reviewed.