PhD Journey Advances Indigenous Knowledge Through Science

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Having completed her undergraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), newly-capped Dr Kareshma Doolabh was inspired early on by the academic environment that surrounded her.

“During my years at UKZN, I got to know and learn from the various experienced lecturers who were actively engaged in vast and innovative research,” she said. “Their knowledge and expertise motivated me to pursue my postgraduate studies and ultimately my PhD.

“Being part of such a research-driven institution with excellent research facilities and resources greatly impacted my academic growth and the successful completion of my doctoral studies,” she said, adding: “Plus, the University was close to home!”

Supervised by Professor Yougasphree Naidoo and Dr Karen Pillay, Doolabh’s doctoral research explored the ethnomedicinal plant Kedrostis nana (commonly known as porcupine potato or ystervarkpatat), contributing significantly to an under-researched field. Her thesis is titled: ‘The Morpho-Anatomy, Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of the Medicinal Plant Kedrostis nana (Lam.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae)’.

Found along the coast of the Western Cape through to KwaZulu-Natal, the plant has been used by traditional healers to treat ailments and illnesses ranging from constipation and menstrual complaints to cancer.

“My study focused on the micromorphology of the leaves and stems, the phytochemistry and biological activity of this species as well as the plant’s ability to synthesise silver nanoparticles, which were also tested for its biological activity,” she explained.

Doolabh’s study is the first to describe the plant’s micromorphology, highlight its bioactive compounds and investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant and toxicity levels of both the plant and the synthesised nanoparticles.

Her work gained recognition on multiple platforms, including presentations at the UKZN Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium (PRIS), the 57th Microscopy Society of Southern Africa Congress, and an international conference in India, where she earned first place for her presentation.

The driving force behind her research was a desire to bridge gaps between traditional knowledge and modern science. “There is a need to explore ethnomedicinal plants that have not yet been scientifically investigated,” she said. She emphasised that many such plants remain understudied despite their long-standing use and highlighted the growing interest in combining plant-based compounds with green nanotechnology for sustainable innovation.

Doolabh’s research is significant both for scientific and societal reasons. “There is a dearth of scientific literature on the micromorphology, phytochemical and biological activity of this species,” she said, noting that her work contributed to validating and documenting previously overlooked ethnomedicinal plants; and by doing so, supported accurate plant identification, pharmacognostic authentication and the discovery of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical potential.

Furthermore, her research underscores the importance of sustainable practices, particularly through the green synthesis of nanoparticles, while also helping integrate traditional remedies into modern healthcare systems.

Doolabh recently joined Chirandu Botanica as an ethnobotanist, where she applies indigenous knowledge to develop innovative systems in nutrition, health and sustainability. “The company’s work focuses on translating natural interactions into frameworks that benefit people, communities and the environment, which aligns with my research interests and skills,” she said.

She credited her late father as her greatest inspiration during her PhD journey. “He always encouraged me to pursue my education and believed in my abilities, and his words continue to inspire me even today,” she said. Beginning her PhD after his passing in 2020, she dedicated her degree to his memory. She also acknowledged her mother, husband, family, friends and supervisors for their unwavering support and guidance.

In her spare time Doolabh enjoys watching movies and series, spending time with loved ones in Johannesburg, and caring for her three ball pythons - a unique hobby that reflects her curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini