A Nigerian researcher based in South Africa, Olusola Ifedolapo Watti, has said African medicinal plants could play a significant role in developing safer treatments for diabetes and skin-related conditions, following the outcome of her recent study.

Giving an insight into her recent doctoral research conducted at the University of the Western Cape, Watti, who exclusively spoke with our correspondent said there are many benefits in African plants which are largely undermine.

The study, which forms part of growing scientific efforts to validate traditional medicine using modern laboratory techniques, investigated selected plants widely used in ethnomedicine across Southern Africa for managing ailments such as diabetes, infections and skin disorders.

Against the backdrop of rising cases of diabetes globally and increasing demand for safer, plant-based cosmetic products, researchers have intensified the search for natural compounds capable of replacing or complementing conventional drugs, many of which are associated with side effects or high costs.

It was within this context that Watti’s research explored the chemical composition and biological activities of three medicinal plants, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Euryops abrotanifolius, and Artemisia afra, all belonging to the Asteraceae family.

According to her, the study led to the isolation of 12 bioactive compounds through advanced analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance.

She noted that at least eight of the compounds were identified in the plants for the first time, describing the development as a significant contribution to natural product chemistry and drug discovery.

Watti explained that some of the compounds, including apigenin, scopoletin and isokaempferide, showed strong inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme linked to blood sugar regulation.

“Some of these compounds demonstrated stronger inhibition than acarbose, a commonly prescribed drug for managing Type 2 diabetes,” she said.

She added that while the extracts showed limited activity against alpha-amylase, another enzyme involved in carbohydrate digestion, their effect on glucosidase suggested potential for blood sugar control.

Speaking further, the researcher said the study also uncovered notable cosmetic benefits, particularly in the area of skin pigmentation.

She explained that extracts from the plants inhibited tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production, with some fractions performing at levels comparable to widely used cosmetic agents.

“Fractions from Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis and Euryops abrotanifolius showed very promising tyrosinase inhibitory activities. In some cases, they matched or even surpassed kojic acid,” she said.

Watti noted that kojic acid, a common ingredient in anti-hyperpigmentation products, has faced increasing scrutiny over safety concerns, making the search for natural alternatives more urgent.

She identified apigenin as one of the most active compounds, highlighting its dual role in both blood sugar regulation and pigmentation control.

On the individual plants studied, Watti said Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis showed the most significant promise in both anti-diabetic and cosmetic applications.

She added that Euryops abrotanifolius, though less effective in glucose control, demonstrated strong potential in skincare due to its tyrosinase inhibition properties.

For Artemisia afra, she said the study identified four known compounds, with two reported in the plant for the first time, noting that some exhibited moderate biological activity.

The researcher, however, stressed the need for further studies to establish the safety and effectiveness of the compounds before they can be developed into drugs or cosmetic products.

“There is a need for more work on toxicological profiles and also to better understand how traditional preparation methods influence the activity of these plants,” she added.

Watti also called for increased investment in research on African medicinal plants, noting that the continent’s biodiversity remains largely underexplored despite growing global demand for natural products.

According to her, integrating indigenous knowledge with modern scientific methods could enhance the development of locally sourced therapies and reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.

The findings, she said, could stimulate further research and commercial interest in harnessing African plants for modern healthcare and cosmetic solutions.