profile
of personnel
Rand Afrikaans University
(RAU)
Prof
Ben-Erik van Wyk
Citizenship: South African
Qualification: Ph.D. (Botany, University of Cape Town, 1989)
 Experience
Prof van Wyk has 18 years experience as lecturer and professor
of botany (since 1990). Author and co-author of eight books
on plants (including aloes, medicinal plants, poisonous plants,
trees) and some 160 research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Past students include 5 Ph.D and 8 M.Sc. Students (including
3 RAU Chancellor’s Medal recipients). NRF-rated scientist
(currently B2-rated); Past recipient of the NRF President’s
award. Experienced in new crop development and new product development,
as part of a team (headed by SA druggists). This led to the
first African Medicine that was developed, packed and branded
in a modern (as the “Healer’s Choice range”).
Involved in a private company, Phyto Nova (Pty) Ltd, who developed
cancer bush (Sutherlandia) and other plants from wild plants
into crop plants and medicinal products. Since 1995 chairperson
of the Indigenous Plant Use Form (NRF).
Contribution
to project
Botanical and ethnobotanical aspects, project co-ordinator
Prof Fanie van Heerden
Citizenship:
South African
Qualification: Ph.D (Organic Chemistry, UOFS, 1980)
 Experience
Prof van Heerden has 9 years experience in natural product chemistry
research at national Chemical Research Laboratory, SCIR. Main
inventor on patent of Hoodia compound, P57 – one of only
two chemical compounds from within South Africa to be subjected
to major clinical trials. Associate professor at RAU University
for the past 13 years. Author of 60 scientific publications
in peer-review journals. Co-author of “Poisonous Plants
of South Africa”. Past students include 2 Ph.D and 10
M.Sc. students (one a recipient of the S2A3 medal for M students).
NRF-rated scientist (current C1-rated). A past recipient of
the NRF President’s award.
Contribution
to project
Chemistry (isolation and characterisation of compounds, analysis
of extracts, patenting of new compounds, liaison with activity
testing, design of protocols for quality control and validation). |
