UWC’s School of Pharmacy is developing a standardised extract derived from Leonotis leonurus, a plant traditionally used in Southern Africa for its medicinal properties. This new extract, enriched with polyphenols, is being scientifically formulated to provide a natural approach to managing mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Essential oils show great potential for making drug delivery systems more effective. Researchers at UWC School of Pharmacy are looking into how these oils can facilitate penetration of medication into nail beds more effectively. This approach fits well with the increasing demand for natural and ecofriendly products, particularly from younger generations.
HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a leading cause of illness and death among children. Paediatric HIV progresses at an alarming rate, with 20–30% of untreated infants succumbing to the disease within their first year. Without timely intervention, this mortality rate can escalate to 50% by the age of two.
Asthma is a pervasive chronic illness affecting a significant portion of the population in South Africa, with a high prevalence compared to other countries worldwide. Approximately 10% of South Africans suffer from asthma, with children disproportionately affected. Despite the high prevalence, access to essential asthma management tools like spacer devices may be limited, especially in public healthcare facilities. Recognising this critical gap, Dr. Naushaad Ebrahim and his team at the University of the Western Cape’s School of Pharmacy developed Asthma Phefumla®, an accessible and sustainable solution. The name ‘Phefumla,’ meaning ‘breath’ in isiXhosa, embodies the essence of the project: providing life-saving relief and breathing new life into asthma care.
Essential oils show great potential for making drug delivery systems more effective. Researchers at UWC School of Pharmacy are looking into how these oils can facilitate penetration of medication into nail beds more effectively. This approach fits well with the increasing demand for natural and ecofriendly products, particularly from younger generations.
HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a leading cause of illness and death among children. Paediatric HIV progresses at an alarming rate, with 20–30% of untreated infants succumbing to the disease within their first year. Without timely intervention, this mortality rate can escalate to 50% by the age of two.
Asthma is a pervasive chronic illness affecting a significant portion of the population in South Africa, with a high prevalence compared to other countries worldwide. Approximately 10% of South Africans suffer from asthma, with children disproportionately affected. Despite the high prevalence, access to essential asthma management tools like spacer devices may be limited, especially in public healthcare facilities. Recognising this critical gap, Dr. Naushaad Ebrahim and his team at the University of the Western Cape’s School of Pharmacy developed Asthma Phefumla®, an accessible and sustainable solution. The name ‘Phefumla,’ meaning ‘breath’ in isiXhosa, embodies the essence of the project: providing life-saving relief and breathing new life into asthma care.
