The aim of Science education is scientific literacy, and how it could impact on people's worldviews. The aim of this paper is to investigate the representation of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in the further education and training phase, that is, Grades 10-12, of the Life Sciences Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), published in 2012, and the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) of 2002. Document analysis was used as an instrument for data collection. The content of the policy documents was divided into four knowledge strands for all three grades under consideration, and then interpreted using thematic analysis to uncover meanings in the documents. The study found that both CAPS and NCS documents had IK embedded in them and that the curriculum mandates teachers to integrate IK with Life Sciences. However, the way teachers could do this was not evident in the policy documents. The value of this analysis in Science education is to promote an indigenised curriculum that aligns with local culture while supporting the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Moringa oleifera is identified as a good source of water-soluble vitamins. In this study, a method was developed based on simple sample extraction followed by UHPLC-DAD-qTOFMS analysis. Moringa oleifera powder samples were extracted by hydrolysis with sodium hydroxide buffered at pH 5.5 with phosphate buffer for 24 hours. Filtered extracts were separated within 15 mins on a Synergi C18, 150 pound 4.6, 4mm column with a gradient program consisting of 0.01% triflouroacetic acid and acetonitrile as solvents. The photodiode array detector was set at wavelengths 254 nm and 300 nm with further confirmation of compounds on mass spectrometry. Instrumental limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the five water soluble vitamins ranged from 0.20-0.89 mg/mL and 0.60-2.71 mg/mL, respectively with recovery above 97% for all compounds. The developed method was tested to real Moringa oleifera samples grown in a greenhouse in clay soil amended with various degree of compost. Quantified water-soluble vitamins concentration ranged from nd to 40.6 1.45 mg/100g depending on the type of water-soluble vitamin and soil amendment. The developed method can easily be applied to check the quality of processed Moringa oleifera biomass. (c) 2024 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Climate change has brought attention to the impact on the livelihoods of individuals from all walks of life. Medicinal plants are also vulnerable to their environment and considering their uses in ethnomedicine, their bioactivity could be negatively affected. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of Bulbine frutescens, Bulbine natalensis and Bulbine natalensis under short-term exposure to synchronous elevated carbon dioxide and temperatures were evaluated. The plant species were exposed to 600 ppm & 800 ppm of CO2 concentrations simultaneously with temperatures of 40/30 degrees C and 45/35 degrees C, for up to eight days. The individual plant organs were harvested every 48 h during the eight-day test period, and acetone extracts were prepared for their antimicrobial activity assessment. The results noted that the antimicrobial activity of the plant species varied with each harvest period. Overall, all plant species showed a good antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis with MIC values between 0.5 and 1 mg/ml under various elevated conditions. There were also some improvements in the antifungal activity at selected harvest periods. The roots of B. frutescens and B. natalensis showed great improvement under 800 ppm & 45/35 degrees C. Some of the results also showed slight improvements in antimicrobial activity compared to the control, while others remained consistent. Under higher temperatures (45/35 degrees C) and CO2 (800 ppm) conditions, the antimicrobial activity showed some improvement at selected harvest periods. The study presents new knowledge on the medicinal implications of the species in the face of climate change in South Africa. Both indigenous communities and conservation practitioners could use this information to sustain the plant species by developing efficient harvest strategies and even expand on cultivation. (c) 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of SAAB. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Bulbine inflata is one of the species in the genus Bulbine that are yet to be documented for potential medicinal uses. Hence, we carried out its preliminary phytochemical profiling and investigated its antioxidant potential. The leaves were dried using air- and freeze-drying techniques and were extracted by water, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane. Various common colour tests were used for the presence of phytochemicals. Some of the phytochemicals were further quantified. Phosphomolybdate, 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide and metal chelating assays were used to assess the antioxidant potential of B. inflata. Tannin, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, steroids, coumarins, quinones, saponins and terpenoids were detected phytochemicals in B. inflata leaves. The highest total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents, as well as total antioxidant capacity, were recorded for water extract. B. inflata showed moderate to high antioxidant activities against DPPH, H2O2 and metal chelating. Freeze-dried samples presented with higher results than air-dried samples in most assays. The results showed the potential of B. inflata for medicinal uses and could expand the ethnomedicinal resources in the communities where it is prevalent and beyond.

South Africa boasts a variety of herbal medicines based on the availability of medicinal plants utilised by diverse communities for healing. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Health Sciences students at a South African university, including cohorts of future doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists and occupational therapists, towards the use of herbal medicines as alternative medicine. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 144 students in their first year of study. The results revealed that all student cohorts had knowledge of herbal medicines with three cohorts expressing reservations about self-treatment. Although most cohorts reported personal use of herbal medicines, they relied on their experiences or colleagues' recommendations for self-treatment. The cohorts acknowledged the use of herbal products by the industry but perceived limited availability in shopping outlets. Most physiotherapy, nursing and pharmacy students viewed traditional healers as a last resort and were uncertain about choosing a pharmacist or orthodox doctor over a traditional healer who would provide natural remedies such as herbal medicines. Notably, the students emphasised the need for scientific inquiry to validate the use of herbal medicines. Using the three pillars of sustainable development, the findings indicate that the vast majority of all cohorts in this study are aware of the cultural and social contribution that herbal medicines make to sustainable healthcare. A sizeable majority of all cohorts apart from the nursing students appreciate the environmental contribution to sustainable healthcare, but only a minority of all cohorts acknowledge the economic contribution herbal medication can make to sustainable healthcare. The current Health Sciences curriculum does not explicitly include content on the use of indigenous medicines including herbal medicines. Since most of South Africa's population relies on herbal medicines, it is essential to incorporate these topics into the Health Sciences curriculum, equipping future doctors and allied health professionals with better knowledge and communication skills.

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between life sciences teachers' understanding of indigenous knowledge (IK) and their views of integrating Indigenous Knowledge in their teaching practice. A qualitative case study research approach was adopted, and purposive sampling strategy was used to select eight Grades 10-12 life sciences teachers in three peri-urban high schools. The Knowledge Synthesis model by Barnhardt and Kawagley is used as a framework for this study. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to collect qualitative data. Findings revealed that if teachers understand IK primarily as a body of inherited wisdom, they see the possibility of integration of IK as the use of local knowledge of the learners, as IK illustrations of life sciences curriculum constructs or as no integration in the science classroom at all. The latter group of teachers consider IK as an inherited body of knowledge in parallel with western science. If inclusion of IK is mandated, they suggest presenting IK separately, preferably by IK custodians. If teachers consider IK primarily as a holistic knowledge system including the physical and metaphysical world, they see integration opportunities at system level, for instance in teaching sustainability. Lastly, if IK is seen as a body of loosely connected science concepts, integration is possible where these concepts appear in the science curriculum documents. This study recommends that teachers should be involved in educational policy decision making since they have first-hand experience of learners in the classrooms and are involved with curricular and school matters. The implication of the findings from this study to science education is that the integration of both worldviews can be used as a tool to enhance science learning among high school learners taking life sciences by ensuring a culturally relevant science classroom.

Bulbine frutescens is an indigenous succulent medicinal plant in South Africa. The plant is commonly used traditionally for the treatment of skin related ailments. B. frutescens has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-viral and antimicrobial properties. To date, most studies have been conducted on the leaves, while limited reports have been documented on the roots, as well as comparative analyses between both plant parts. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical content, antioxidant and antibacterial activities in the leaves and roots of B. frutescens. Methanolic extracts of each plant part were assessed on the phytochemical analysis, antioxidant (DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, metal chelating) and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The results from the phytochemical screening showed that the leaves contained more phytochemical groups than the roots. The roots displayed higher total phenolics (991.7 ± 54.1 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid (285.8 ± 60.6 mg QE/g) and total tannin contents (1698.75 ± 28.15 mg GAE/g) than the leaves. The roots also showed a stronger antioxidant activity in DPPH (3.43 ± 0.16 mg/ml) and metal chelating (0.54 ± 0.01 mg/ml) assays, compared to the leaves, which only showed a higher scavenging power against hydrogen peroxide radicals (1.48 ± 0.02 mg/ml) than the roots. Both plant parts showed intermediate zones of inhibition (10-19 mm) against both bacterial strains, with the exception of the leaves which had a 20.67 ± 0.67 mm inhibition against S. aureus. These results validate the uses of both leaves and roots of B. frutescens in traditional medicine and further suggests for the application of the roots in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.Bulbine frutescens is an indigenous succulent medicinal plant in South Africa. The plant is commonly used traditionally for the treatment of skin related ailments. B. frutescens has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-viral and antimicrobial properties. To date, most studies have been conducted on the leaves, while limited reports have been documented on the roots, as well as comparative analyses between both plant parts. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical content, antioxidant and antibacterial activities in the leaves and roots of B. frutescens. Methanolic extracts of each plant part were assessed on the phytochemical analysis, antioxidant (DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, metal chelating) and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The results from the phytochemical screening showed that the leaves contained more phytochemical groups than the roots. The roots displayed higher total phenolics (991.7 ± 54.1 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid (285.8 ± 60.6 mg QE/g) and total tannin contents (1698.75 ± 28.15 mg GAE/g) than the leaves. The roots also showed a stronger antioxidant activity in DPPH (3.43 ± 0.16 mg/ml) and metal chelating (0.54 ± 0.01 mg/ml) assays, compared to the leaves, which only showed a higher scavenging power against hydrogen peroxide radicals (1.48 ± 0.02 mg/ml) than the roots. Both plant parts showed intermediate zones of inhibition (10-19 mm) against both bacterial strains, with the exception of the leaves which had a 20.67 ± 0.67 mm inhibition against S. aureus. These results validate the uses of both leaves and roots of B. frutescens in traditional medicine and further suggests for the application of the roots in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

The secondary metabolism in medicinal plants are responsible for their protection against environmental factors and the health-promoting benefits they provide to users. The purpose of this study was to assess the responses of the secondary metabolic system of B. natalensis and its influence on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The phytochemical analyses, antioxidant and antibacterial assays were conducted from using harvested leaves, underground stems and roots from whole plants exposed to simultaneous elevated CO2 and temperatures over eight days in a heatwave simulation. Most of the phytochemical groups were present in the leaves, however majority of the tested compounds had consistent presence throughout the plants in all treatments. The underground stems possessed a greater total phenolic, tannin and proanthocyanidin contents than the leaves and roots under elevated CO2 and temperatures. The leaves had a comparatively better antioxidant activity from the treatment than control. Overall, there was consistency in the antibacterial activity in both control and experimental conditions. The tannins and phenolics had greater concentrations throughout the plants under elevated conditions overall, which could indicate their leading role in plant defence and the improvement and maintenance of the medicinal activity of B. natalensis. The responses of the plant parts of B. natalensis under elevated CO2 and temperatures provides newfound insights on the physiological roles plant organs play on the overall productivity and medicinal activity of the species.

Tulbaghia violacea is indigenous to Southern Africa and has been used extensively in traditional medicine in this region. Extensive research has been documented on the bioactive compounds found in the leaves and roots but not in the flowers and stalks. Thus, this study assessed the phytochemical profile and biological activities in the flowers and stalks of T. violacea. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of the air and freeze-dried T. violacea were screened for phytochemicals, and then antioxidant and antibacterial assays were performed. Phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids are present in either of the tested plant parts. The flowers contain most of the phytochemicals being tested and a higher total phenolic, tannin, and proanthocyanidin content than the stalks. The flowers exhibit the strongest scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenylpicryhydrazyl radicals and metal oxidants. The hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities show that the aqueous flower extracts have a higher radical scavenging activity than stalks. In contrast, the methanolic stalk extracts have a higher antioxidant activity than the flowers. Antibacterial activity is only exhibited in the flowers, showing resistant and intermediate inhibition zones of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus growth, respectively. This study validates the use of T. violacea in traditional medicine, and these results are significant for conserving the species as specific plant parts can be harvested to treat specific ailments. This study suggests the potential application of T. violacea, particularly the flowers and stalks, in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

The escalating global prevalence of diabetes mellitus presents a significant health concern, prompting exploration into alternative treatments. Recent research highlights the efficacy of newly developed bioactive medications sourced from plants in managing diabetes, surpassing currently used oral hypoglycemic drugs. Medicinal plants' therapeutic characteristics are from secondary metabolites and are greatly influenced by environmental factors. This study investigated the antidiabetic properties of Portulacaria afra, using various extraction solvents under different temperature settings with water deficit conditions, using an in vitro model. Aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts from leaf, stem, and root were evaluated for antidiabetic potential under different treatments. Overall, extracts substantially increased in antidiabetic capacity compared to control samples. Aqueous leaf extracts at mid-range cold temperatures (10/15ºC) demonstrated the strongest antidiabetic activity, with an IC50 value of 2.33±0.832mg/ml after a 96-hour treatment. Under extreme cold temperatures (0/5ºC) with water deficit, ethyl acetate stem extracts showed the highest inhibitory action (IC50 2.85±0.111mg/ml). Aqueous stem extracts under hot temperatures showed the strongest inhibitory activity (IC50 1.70±0.666mg/ml) after a 48-hour treatment. Notably, the study provides the first data on the antidiabetic potential of P. afra's leaf, stem, and root extracts, particularly under temperature and water deficit conditions. This could be useful as leads worthy for further drug development against diabetes and related symptoms. The observed α-amylase inhibitory activity in aqueous and ethyl acetate stem extracts is most likely due to the polar compounds, establishing a foundation for future investigations.

Introduction: Bulbine natalensis is a succulent plant native to South Africa, used to treat various skin conditions. The purpose of this investigation was to analyse the phytochemical content, as well as antioxidant and antibacterial activities of various parts of B. natalensis. Methods: Phytochemical screening tests were performed to investigate the presence of ten compounds from B. natalensis methanol extract. Total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, and proanthocyanidin content assays were followed to determine their concentrations in B. natalensis. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), and iron chelating assays were used to assess the antioxidant activity. To determine the antibacterial properties of B. natalensis against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the agar-well diffusion method was adopted. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed more compounds present in the leaves. The underground stems yielded higher concentrations of total phenolics (1909.2 ± 4.8 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g), total flavonoids (259.7 ± 27.2 mg quercetin equivalent [QE]/g), and total proanthocyanidins (858.3 ± 1.7 mg catechin equivalent [CE]/g) in comparison to the leaves and roots. The roots showed stronger DPPH (0.36 ± 0.02 mg/mL) and H2 O2 (0.24 ± 0.04 mg/mL) scavenging activities. Only the underground stems and roots showed inhibition against S. aureus with the values of 15.33 ± 0.67 mm and 15.67 ± 0.33 mm, respectively, whereas the leaves displayed the highest inhibition against E. coli (18.33 ± 0.88 mm). Conclusion: The methanolic extracts of B. natalensis leaves, underground stems, and roots possess significant phytochemical content, in conjunction with antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

The study focused on Portulacaria afra, a plant native to South Africa which is renowned for its traditional medicinal applications against oral and skin infections. This study aimed to explore, the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capabilities of the leaves, stems, and roots under concurrent extreme temperatures (hot and cold) and water deficit conditions to further validate its medicinal significance. To achieve this, the study subjected Portulacaria afra to various temperatures ranging from 0/5ºC to 35/45ºC combined with water deficit and evaluated its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Phytochemical compounds were extracted from different solvent extracts of P. afra and analysed. Antioxidant activity was assessed using metal chelating activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assays, while antimicrobial efficacy was determined using the agar-well diffusion method against three microbial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptomyces griseus. Results revealed an enhanced presence of 13 phytochemical groups in Portulacaria afra extracts compared to controls, with peak accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds observed under extreme hot temperatures (35/45ºC) with water deficit. Extracts from these conditions exhibited superior inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli. Moreover, antioxidant activity peaked at hot temperatures (30/40ºC) for 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and metal chelating assays, while the most effective hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity was observed under hot temperatures (35/45ºC) with water deficit. Antioxidant activity peaked at mid-range hot temperatures (30/40ºC) for DPPH and metal chelating, while the best hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity was observed during concurrent extreme hot temperatures (35/45ºC) with water deficit. The findings suggest that extreme temperature variations combined with water deficit significantly impact the biological activities of Portulacaria afra, highlighting the plant’s adaptability and resilience while retaining its therapeutic potential.

There is a global concern that rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations may impact the medicinal or nutritional properties of medicinal plants. Portulacaria afra is a South African medicinal plant that is used by traditional healers to treat various skin conditions. The aim of this study was to determine whether elevated CO2 concentrations would affect the medicinal properties of the leaves of P. afra. This was achieved by comparing the phytochemical presence, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the leaves of P. afra which were exposed to ambient (420 ppm) and elevated (600 ppm) CO2 concentrations of plants grown in greenhouse conditions. The results revealed that leaf samples that were exposed to elevated CO2 concentrations exhibited a significant increase in flavonoid presence, compared to the control group. The antioxidant activity of the leaves of P. afra (DPPH activity) remained mostly unchanged in the samples that were exposed to elevated CO2 concentrations. The antimicrobial activity efficacy against Cutibacterium acnes increased with increasing global atmospheric CO2 concentration. These findings suggest that P. afra is a resilient medicinal plant and that its leaves may continue to provide relief against certain ailments, despite rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Significance: Portulacaria afra is a South African medicinally important species that shows great resilience against elevated CO2 concentrations. It is important to anticipate how changing environmental factors, such as rising CO2 concentrations, may affect natural resources. The phytochemical profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the various plant parts either remained the same or increased after exposure to an elevated CO2 concentration of 600 ppm.

Introduction: Environmental temperature conditions might influence the composition of secondary metabolites in certain medicinal plants. This study aimed to examine how some of the phytochemicals and anticancer properties of Carpobrotus edulis may be impacted by temperature conditions. Methods: The plant specimens were kept in growth chambers at 15/10 °C and 45/35 °C (day/night), and harvested at 48-hour intervals (48, 96, and 144 hours). Control conditions were maintained at 25/15 °C. Standard phytochemical colour tests were used to determine the presence of eight phytochemicals. The anticancer activity against cervical cancer cell lines was determined using cell viability assay, cell morphology, Hoechst staining, and wound healing assays. Results: The phytochemical screening showed the presence of all tested phytochemicals (phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides) in all treatments except for saponins in the 96- and 144-hour temperature treatments. A noteworthy IC50 value of 284.9 µg/mL was determined from the methanolic leaf extract exposed to high temperatures for 144 hours against cervical cancer. Treatment with this extract suggested changes in cancer cell morphology, signs of apoptosis, and cell migration inhibition. Conclusion: The preliminary results obtained suggest that the C. edulis methanolic extract has potential anticancer properties against cervical cancer. These observations may have implications for the indigenous plant use in treating various ailments and broaden the type of anticancer research involving this plant.

This study aimed to assess the optimal conditions for the extraction of chlorophyll and the stability of chlorophyll with postharvest storage period in Moringa Oleifera leaves harvested in 3 different years for its preservation and lifespan. For this purpose, chlorophylls a (Chla) and b (Chlb) were extracted from the leaves using acetone, methanol, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and the ‘green’ solvent (ethanol). In addition, the chlorophylls were extracted under various conditions, including temperatures (4, 25, and 45 °C), and times (10, 30, and 60 min) from dry leaves that were harvested in different years (2020, 2021, and 2022). The results showed that the Chla content extracted exceeded that of Chlb in the four solvents in all temperatures and extraction times, except for acetone and ethanol extracts under 45 °C at 30 and 60-min extraction times in samples harvested in 2022. An increase in extraction time and temperature resulted in higher chlorophyll content. Overall chlorophyll content decreased with the increasing postharvest storage period, particularly in methanol and ethanol extracts. The Chlorophyll Stability Index showed that chlorophyll is stable in moringa, such that the chlorophyll content obtained in a 2-year postharvest storage period samples was also found to be high. In general, the chlorophyll obtained from this study was found to be compatible with what is used in the industrial market. This suggests that the chlorophyll from moringa is stable and can be considered a major source of chlorophyll.

Extreme changes in climate, especially in temperature, could have implications for herbal plants in various world regions. Medicinal plants often produce a wide variety of natural phytochemicals to enhance their defence and survival mechanisms against harsh environmental conditions, and when these mechanisms fail, plants consequently die. We investigated the impact of high temperatures coupled with the specific duration of exposure on the yield and composition of essential oils and trichomes in leaves of Lippia javanica. Plants were exposed to increasing temperatures (25 °C to 47 °C) for different durations (48 h to 144 h). Response surface methodology was applied to assess the interaction between temperature and length of exposure on the essential oil yield, trichome length, and trichome diameter. Essential oils were recovered from the control and treated leaf samples using hydrodistillation and volatile compounds were identified through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Multivariate analysis modelling allowed different clustering patterns to be detected. That is, increasing temperatures raised the oil yield, trichome length, and diameter from 1.007 mg/100 g to 3.58 mg/100 g, 50 µm to 160 µm, and 25 µm to 60 µm, respectively. Significant chemical differences between the essential oils were confirmed by the principal component and orthogonal projections to latent structures, which identified separate clusters for the control and treated samples. The current findings indicate that L. javanica has coping mechanisms against high temperatures.Significance: High temperatures significantly alter the trichome morphology and secretion of essential oils in L. javanica, which adversely affects the shrub’s medicinal properties. Regardless of climate change, this finding could have major implications for indigenous people who continue to use the shrub for therapeutic purposes. L. javanica showed coping mechanisms against high temperatures for a maximum of six days; however, a prolonged exposure would be more detrimental. As a result, climate change will negatively influence the plant’s developmental and defence mechanisms.

Abstract Background The phyto-medicinal and ethnopharmacological significance of Portulacaria afra has been documented by a few studies, with high presence of coumarins known for anti-cancer properties. This indigenous South African plant, recognized for its succulent nature and medicinal properties, remains relatively under-researched. Furthermore, abiotic factors, seasonal changes, plant part and harvest period affect the phytochemical composition and secondary metabolites accumulation of medicinal plants. As of the present, there remains an absence of published data pertaining to the impact of environmental stress factors on crucial biological activities of P. afra. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of P. afra’s plant parts, using three antioxidant assays, with four extraction solvents of different polarities under concurrent extreme temperatures (hot & cold) and water deficit condition. Results The present study examined the simultaneous impact of varying temperatures [(mid-range high (30/40ºC); and mid-range low (10/15ºC), extreme high (35/45ºC); and extreme low (0/5ºC)] together with water deficit, on the antimicrobial, antioxidant properties, in addition to the extraction of phytochemical compounds from the methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and aqueous (60°C) extracts of P. afra The determination of combined abiotic stress-induced acclimation's impact on the qualitative and quantitative composition of certain phytochemicals was carried out. The assessment of antioxidant potential within leaf, stem, and root extracts was conducted employing the metal chelating activity assay, hydrogen peroxide scavenging (H₂O₂), and the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay for the respective plant parts. Qualitative phytochemical investigation of extracts of all the selected plant parts, compared to the control samples, showed an increasing trend with the stronger presence of coumarins, volatile oil, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, phytosteroids, as well as carbohydrates while test for amino acids was negative. The qualitative phytochemical analysis clearly revealed that the concurrent cold temperatures [ (10/15ºC and 0/5ºC)] and water deficit condition, especially after a 144-hour treatment period, had the strongest phytochemical presence across all plant parts. In contrast to the control group, methanol, and aqueous extracts from all plant sections in both concurrent extreme temperatures with water deficit settings showed the most presence of phytochemicals. In comparison to the control group, notable increases in both total phenolic (TPCs) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) were evident across various plant parts, with varying concentrations depending on the extraction solvent, temperature, and treatment period. In the comparative analysis of plant components, the result showed that the extracts derived from various plant parts exhibited maximal accumulation of TPCs and TFCs during the period of concurrent extreme high temperatures (35/45ºC) with water deficit conditions. This was observed in the ethyl acetate leaf and methanolic leaf extracts, after a 96-hour treatment period (9962.29±35.63 and 8598.59±14.28 mg/g, respectively). In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of P. afra’s plant parts were investigated by implementing the agar-well diffusion technique. The assessment focused on evaluating the inhibitory effects against three distinct microorganisms, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptomyces griseus. Experiments revealed that the plant extracts under the extreme hot temperatures (35/45ºC) with water deficit condition demonstrated more potent inhibitory effect against gram-negative E. coli compared to the gram-positive microorganisms. The highest level of inhibitory effect of 21mm was recorded against gram-negative E. coli from the methanolic root extracts after a 48hr-treatment period. However, the inhibitory activities mainly observed in the mid-hot temperatures (30/40ºC) were intermediate, ranging from 11-13mm against gram-positive Streptomyces griseus and Staphylococcus aureus. Observation from this investigation showed that plant extracts under the hot temperatures [mid-range high (30/40ºC); and extreme high (35/45ºC)] with water deficit condition showed better activity against all the microorganisms. The antioxidant activity data showed that the most significant DPPH and metal chelating antioxidant activity was found under the mid-range hot temperatures (30/40ºC) in the ethyl acetate root extracts after a 96-hour treatment period and the methanolic leaf extracts after a 144-hour treatment period (0.26±0.065 and 0.40±0.078 mg/ml respectively), in comparison with IC50 values (3.00±0.092 and 6.66±0.629 mg/ml) for control samples of ethyl acetate root and methanolic leaf extracts respectively. However, n-hexane stem extract under concurrent extreme hot temperatures (35/45ºC) and water deficit condition was the most potent for hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (0.14±0.048 mg/ml) after a 144-hour treatment period, when compared with the control sample with IC50 values (2.94±0.017 mg/ml). Conclusion This investigation indicates how environmental factors in combination can influence the antimicrobial, antioxidant properties and the phytochemical profile of P. afra parts. It is evident that abiotic factors in combination impact the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, potentially resulting in enhanced yields of phytomedicine and the production of phytocompounds such as volatile oils, coumarins, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids which are known to be lead phytocompounds for treating ailments such as respiratory diseases, cancer, ulcers, central nervous system, and cardiac ailments. Ultimately, this report agrees with a complicated and elaborate response system that varies for each plant parts, species of plant, abiotic factor, treatment/harvest period and extraction solvent. The exploration and investigation of combined abiotic stress applications for the purposeful synthesis of phytocompounds, aimed at targeted phytopharmaceutical production and the examination of associated biological properties, warrant further comprehensive research.

Background: No prior research has explored the use of medicinal plants for treating maternal and paediatric health-related ailments in the Nkomazi Local Municipality. This study aimed to investigate the utilization of medicinal plants by traditional healers in the region for specific maternal and paediatric-related conditions. Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected between July 2021 and October 2021 using semi-structured questionnaires and guided field walks with traditional healers. Plants were identified by collecting plant specimens from the wild and existing literature. Quantitative analysis was done through quantitative ethnobotany indices such as relative frequency of citations. Results: The study documented 19 plant species from 13 families commonly used for maternal and paediatric ailments, with the Fabaceae family being the most prevalent. Roots were the most frequently utilized plant part, followed by bark and leaves. Decoction was the predominant method of preparation, and oral administration was the most common route of administration. The plant species with the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC) were Capparis tomentosa, Grewia monticola, and Ximenia caffra. Conclusions: Nineteen plant species from thirteen families were identified as commonly used for maternal and paediatric related ailments, in rural communities of the Nkomazi Local Municipality. The study also identified four previously undocumented plant species. The findings underscore the need to educate traditional healers about sustainable harvesting practices and provide potential avenues for scientific investigation and cross-cultural comparisons. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Maternal healthcare, Paediatric healthcare, traditional.

Carpobrotus edulis is an edible medicinal plant from South Africa and is used for the treatment of different ailments and disorders, including diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a persistent metabolic condition distinguished by high levels of glucose concentrations in the bloodstream. Due to climate change-related conditions, plants may be subjected to extreme temperature events such as cold fronts and heat waves. Hence the aim of the study was to expose Carpobrotus edulis leaves to temperature conditions and then assesses their antidiabetic activity against alpha-amylase in different solvents. The objective was to keep plants in growth chambers set at either 15/10oC and 45/35oC (day and night), respectively, and harvested at 48-hour intervals (48, 96, and 144). These were compared to plant samples in control conditions (25/15oC). Under control (25/15°C) conditions, the aqueous extract displayed effective inhibition of alpha-amylase (IC50 = 195mg/ml). In contrast to the control extracts, the hexane solvent consistently exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against alpha-amylase under both low (15/10°C) and high (45/35°C) temperature conditions. This trend was observed across all three harvest durations. After 48 hours of high-temperature conditions, the IC50 value was 131mg/ml. While after 96 and 144 hours of low-temperature conditions, the IC50 values were 214mg/ml and 131mg/ml, respectively. The results suggest that Carpobrotus edulis, exposed to low and high temperature conditions, has potential antidiabetic properties against alpha-amylase. This is an interesting aspect of how environmental conditions can impact medicinal properties. The outcome may have significant implications for the use of the plant by indigenous people, who depend on it for the treatment of various ailments, including diabetes. It will also have implications for the antidiabetic research of the plant as well as climate change research.