Tag: biofortification
Vignette on a vital vitamin for vegans
Vitamins are organic (carbon- and hydrogen-based) molecules that are essential nutrients for humans. There are 13 different vitamins, of which the B vitamin group has eight, and they all function as co-factors (non-protein components) for various cellular enzymes. Vitamin B12 is a unique molecule that is not made in animals or plants, but it is vital for cell metabolism and […]
Harnessing the health benefits of plants
Plant-derived medicines have been used by humans for thousands of years. Currently, there is much focus on phytocannabinoids, usually extracted from cannabis plants. However, these health-benefitting compounds can also be found in other plants. Dr Bianke Loedolff, Dr Shaun Peters, Ethan Hunter, Alukhanyo Xonti and Vincent Malizukiswe Vacu at Stellenbosch University are investigating the role of plants in developing new […]