Research interests
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Natural Products
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Molecular Networking
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Diabetes
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Medicinal Plants
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Drug Discovery
About
Ms Duduzile Marengwa was born and raised in Mamelodi, a vibrant township in Pretoria. Her passion for science and the natural world led her to pursue higher education in Botany. She holds a master’s degree in Botany, specialising in ethnobotany and molecular systematics. Her work combined traditional knowledge of plants with advanced genetic analysis bridging cultural heritage with modern science. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at the University of Johannesburg under the supervision of Dr. Msizi Mhlongo (UJ), Prof. Edwin Madala (UNIVEN), Dr. T Mafuna (UJ) and Dr. LJ Sitole (UJ), where she continues her research and academic journey. With a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in her field, she aims to contribute significantly to both scientific understanding and environmental conservation. Her proposed research focuses on the exploration of South African herbal mixtures for potential antidiabetic agents using a comprehensive LC/MS-based metabolomics approach. This study aims to develop robust quality control methods for these mixtures while employing advanced fractionation techniques. Enzyme assays will be performed to assess the inhibitory effects of these herbal extracts on key enzymes linked to diabetes, such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Cytotoxicity tests will also be conducted to ensure the safety of the bioactive fractions. Ultimately, this research seeks to identify promising compounds that could contribute to the development of effective antidiabetic therapies.
Her research interests lie at the intersection of ethnopharmacology, plant metabolomics, and drug discovery. She is particularly interested in using advanced analytical techniques like LC/MS to identify bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. Additionally, she is passionate about exploring traditional medicine as a source of novel therapeutic agents, especially in the context of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Developing quality control methods to ensure the safety and efficacy of these herbal remedies is also a key focus of her work.
