Olusola Watti Conferred PhD for Anti-Diabetic and Cosmetic Discovery in SouthAfrican Plants

Nigerian-born researcher Olusola Watti has made a remarkable contribution to the fields of natural medicine and cosmetic science through her doctoral work at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. Her study has identified valuable chemical compounds in three South African medicinal plants that show promising potential in managing diabetes and skin-related conditions.

With a background in natural products and medicinal plant chemistry, Olusola focused her research on three species from the Asteraceae family — Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Euryops abrotanifolius, and Artemisia afra. These plants are well known in traditional South African medicine for treating various ailments, including high blood pressure, digestive issues, and diabetes. However, little scientific work had been done to validate their effectiveness, particularly in diabetes management and skin pigmentation treatment.

Her research involved extracting plant materials using methanol and further separating them into various fractions for detailed chemical analysis. Through advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance, she was able to identify and isolate twelve distinct compounds. Several of these compounds were being reported in these plants for the first time.

Among the most notable findings was the compound apigenin, which demonstrated strong alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, a key marker for anti-diabetic potential. In fact, apigenin performed better than the commonly prescribed drug acarbose in laboratory tests. Two other compounds, scopoletin and isokaempferide, also showed promising results in this regard.

While some tests for amylase inhibition did not yield significant results, Olusola’s research revealed that the plants possessed strong tyrosinase inhibitory properties. Tyrosinase is an enzyme involved in melanin production, and its inhibition is often targeted in skin-lightening and anti-aging products. Apigenin again stood out for its ability to match the performance of Kojic acid, a well-known ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

Speaking on her findings, Olusola highlighted the importance of scientific research in validating traditional medicine. “These plants have long been used in folk medicine, but it’s important that we understand their chemistry and how they interact with the human body. What we’ve discovered could have real applications in both healthcare and cosmetics,” she said.

The research not only fills a gap in existing knowledge but also opens the door for further studies and possible development of plant-based therapies and cosmetic products. For Euryops abrotanifolius in particular, this was the first time its chemical composition was being studied and documented.

Olusola Watti was officially awarded her PhD in Chemistry in April 2025. Her work stands as a testament to the value of African medicinal plants and the power of science to transform traditional knowledge into modern solutions.