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Antibacterial activity and immunomodulatory effects of fractions isolated from cotyledon orbiculata
Author(s)
Van Schalkwyk, Lucille Deanne
Date Issued
2026
Type
master thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics and urgent need for alternative immunomodulatory therapies have driven growing interest in plant derived bioactive compounds. Medicinal plants have historically been a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological properties, yet a large number of species remain unexplored for their therapeutic potential. Among these, Cotyledon orbiculata has shown promising traditional uses, suggesting the presence of biologically active constituents. However, scientific validation of their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory effects of solvent-derived fractions from Cotyledon orbiculata plant leaves. Water and methanol extracts were prepared and then fractionated. After fractionation, all fractions were spotted on TLC plates to either pool together as a combined sample or kept individually. Separation was based on observed visual TLC profiles. The water extract yielded 32 fractions whereas the methanol extract yielded 46 fractions which were collected in glass vials. The resulting fractions were evaluated for antimicrobial efficacy against a panel of microorganisms namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standardized microbiological assays. The selected fractions showed notable antimicrobial activity, and the immunomodulatory effects were assessed through cytokine profiling.
Additional information
Thesis (MSc (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026
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Lucille_van Schalkwyk (Thwala)_213174332.pdf
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