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PhD study investigates cannabis as potential cancer treatment

12 December 2024 | Story André Damons | Photo André Damons

A lecturer and researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Pharmacology hopes her research into the use of cannabis in reversing anticancer drug resistance is a step forward into treating various cancers especially in Southern Africa.

Dr Innocensia Mangoato graduated on Tuesday (10 December 2024) with the degree Doctor of Philosophy with specialisation in pharmacology at the Faculty of Health Sciences’ December graduation ceremony. She started her career as a research scientist in the area of African traditional medicines in 2018 and her research received both national and international recognition.

“It’s an amazing (feeling to graduate today). My PhD journey was smooth and beautiful and with mentorship of Prof (Motlalepula) Matsabisa, who groomed me well, I did not shed a tear,” said Dr Mangoato. Dr Gudrun S Ulrich-Merzenich from the University of Bonn in Germany, was her co-supervisor with Prof Matsabisa.

According to the graduation programme, Dr Mangoato, Lecturer and Researcher in the UFS Department of Pharmacology, with her thesis titled Investigating the anticancer and possible resistant reversal effects of cannabis sativa l. extracts in cervical cancer cell lines and modulation of ABC transporters comprehensively explored the therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa L. in overcoming drug resistance in cervical cancer using in vitro and network pharmacology approaches.

A step forward for treating various cancers

The research looked at the chemical fingerprints and pharmacological targets of C. sativa L. extracts, highlighting its antiproliferative properties against normal non-cancerous cells, cervical cancer cells and the cisplatin-resistant cervical cancer cells. Through PCR analysis, distinct gene expression profiles were identified, revealing the potential effects of combination treatments to counteract cisplatin resistance by downregulating genes associated with drug transporters and crucial signalling pathways. This work provides valuable insights into innovative therapeutic strategies for improving cervical cancer treatment, highlighting new avenues for overcoming resistance and enhancing treatment efficacy though the possible use of plant extracts.

“I hope my research takes a step forward in treating various cancers – especially gynaecology cancers in the Southern Hemisphere in Africa. Hopefully the research can later transcend into clinical trials and hopefully influence more policymakers. We also hope to further develop cannabis to be used as an adjuvant therapy for those drugs that are failing to treat cancer,” says Dr Mangoato, who was the recipient of the Women in Science Master’s Student in 2018.

Her graduation was also a proud moment for Prof Matsabisa, an expert in traditional African medicine, who was like a father to her during her studies. “Prof identified me from my honours degree and walked this journey with me. He has been a great mentor, a father and an amazing supervisor.”

Dr Mangoato says she will for now focus on research only and helping and monitoring upcoming researchers, especially female researchers as there is a scarcity of them her field.

News Archive

Multilingualism and exclusion to be discussed

2007-11-27

Some of the UFS staff who will be attending the colloquium on multilinguisim and exclusion in Antwerp, Belgium are, from the left, front: Prof. Theo du Plessis and Ms Susan Lombaard; back: Prof. Johan Lubbe and Mr Roelof Geyser. All are from the Unit for Language Management.

Multilingualism and exclusion to be discussed

Five members of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Unit for Language Management will be taking part in an international colloquium at the University of Antwerp in Belgium on the theme: “Multilingualism and exclusion – perspectives on language and society” this week.

“During this week’s colloquium, approximately twenty South African and Flemish colleagues will reflect on the complex relationships within multilingual communities, where a variety of factors can contribute to the inclusion or exclusion of individuals or communities. Some of the papers will focus on policy measures (“from above”) with regard to the relative position of languages in a particular state, and the impact of these policy measures on the lives of language users. Others will investigate perceptions and “appropriation” (“from below”) by the same language user. In view of the multiple points of departure, the colloquium should contribute towards a better understanding of the dynamics within multilingual communities,” said Prof. Theo du Plessis, Director of the Unit for Language Management at the UFS.

“To give expression to the theme of multilingualism and exclusion, lectures will be presented in three languages, namely Afrikaans, English and Dutch. Several postgraduate students (from South Africa and Flanders) will also have an opportunity to report on investigations they are conducting within the framework of their master’s degree and doctoral studies,” said Prof. Du Plessis.

The colloquium is a follow-up of an international symposium held at the UFS during April 2006 in which a considerable number of outstanding scholars from various countries participated.

According to Prof. Du Plessis, the proceedings of the symposium held last year will be released in book form as part of the unit’s publication series “Studies in Language Policy in South Africa”, published by Van Schaik Publishers.

This sixth issue in the series entitled: “Multilingualism and Exclusion. Policy, Practice, Prospects” will be released tonight (26 November 2007) by the Permanent Deputy of the Province of Antwerp at a prestigious event during the colloquium. The issue was edited by Prof. Du Plessis, Prof. Pol Cuvelier (University of Antwerp), Dr Michael Meeuwis (University of Ghent) and Ms Lut Teck (Institute for Higher Education and the Arts in Brussels).

The UFS will be represented by Prof. Du Plessis, Prof. Johan Lubbe, Ms Susan Lombaard and Mr Roelof Geyser of the Unit for Language Management, as well as Prof. Jackie Naudé of the Department of Afro-Asiatic Studies, Sign Language and Language Practice. Representatives from the universities of Pretoria, Johannesburg, North West and the Monash University in Johannesburg will also be participating in the colloquium.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
26 November 2007

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