Page 96 - 2025中醫藥與天然藥物聯合學術研討會-中醫藥與天然藥物的挑戰Ｘ機遇與未來大會手冊

Botanical Breakthroughs: Harnessing Indigenous Wisdom for Modern

Cosmeceuticals

1
Namrita Lall, 1,2,3 Payne BD

1 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0002, South
Africa
2 College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mauritius
3 School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Missouri, USA

* Email: namrita.lall@up.ac.za

Abstract
Cosmeceuticals—hybrids between pharmaceuticals and cosmetics—offer therapeutic

benefits through topical application, addressing both health and aesthetic concerns, particularly
in women. South Africa (SA), home to approximately 25,000 plant species, ranks third globally
in biodiversity, following Brazil and Indonesia. This immense botanical wealth, coupled with
rich traditional knowledge, presents vast yet underexplored potential for developing novel

treatments for conditions ranging from cancer and tuberculosis to acne and gum disease.
My research group has harnessed this potential by scientifically validating the efficacy of
several indigenous South African plants. We have developed prototypes and products targeting
skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, acne, wrinkles, photoaging, first

time from SA plants for periodontal problems, as well as health supplements with
hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory properties. The target and mechanism of action in
each has been novel. Only about 2% of tested plant extracts demonstrate sufficient efficacy to
progress to the clinical development stage. Given the competitive nature of the global cosmetic

industry, rigorous benchmarking against existing commercial products is essential.
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of our research into medicinal
plants for dermatological disorders, including pigmentary imbalances, wrinkling, and
melanoma. The ethical and equitable ways to ensure benefit-sharing with local communities

who have traditionally used these plants, thereby fostering both scientific innovation and social
impact will also be reported and discussed.

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