A New Dawn for Health: From indigenous knowledge to nanomedicine
By. Dr. Albertina Shatri, University of Namibia (UNAM)
The Situation Before: A Silent Crisis and an Untapped Legacy
For too long, the fight against life-threatening diseases like persistent diarrhea, inflammation, pneumonia, root canal infections, and chronic ulcers in Namibia and across many parts of Africa has been well-documented. Traditional healthcare, deeply rooted in centuries of indigenous wisdom and plant-based remedies, offered solace and some relief. But its efficacy was not well documented. This limited their mainstream use and acceptance in modern medicine. Moreover, the active components faced biological barriers once ingested. Similarly, modern pharmaceuticals, while effective for many conditions, came with their own set of challenges. These include widespread systemic side effects, inefficient delivery to the exact site of the disease, and rising reports of antimicrobial resistance, which render many vital drugs ineffective. Patients often struggled with complex dosing regimens, leading to poor adherence and recurring health issues.
Vibrant images depicting traditional knowledge holders and Dr Albertina Shatri (A) and Prof Davis Mumbengegwi (C) on a knowledge documentation session: Preserving the knowledge for a better tomorrow
The situation described above indeed presents a paradox: a wealth of traditional plant knowledge, largely undocumented and scientifically unvalidated, exists alongside a healthcare system reliant on conventional drugs that, while powerful, often lack precision and sustainability. The gap we identified was a lack of dedicated research bridging these two worlds, especially regarding the advanced use of nanotechnology to enhance natural products. Through the joint efforts of Seedcorn funding from the University of Namibia and a research grant from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, our team was determined to validate and elevate Namibia’s rich phytomedicinal heritage with cutting-edge science.
The Change Process: Cultivating Innovation, Nurturing Talent
Recognizing this significant knowledge gap, our journey began. It was not only about developing next-generation treatments but also about transforming how medicine is delivered and how science can serve communities. The first bold step was establishing a dedicated research team at the University of Namibia, led by a multidisciplinary expert. As the principal investigator, I (Dr. Albertina Shatri) led this effort, shaping the vision and securing the necessary resources. However, this was never a solo effort. The core of this transformation was our talented team of collaborators, including Prof. Davis Mumbengegwi, Dr. Silas Bere, and Ms. Denise Bouman (UNAM), postgraduate students like Dr. Andreas Andreas and Ms. Naungwe Simasiku, clinical investigator Ms. Maneria Halweendo, and international partners such as Ms. Charity Maepa (UP), Ms. Nonkululeko Phili (UP), and Prof. Mohammed Imran (Islamabad). Together, the team became the hands and minds behind the daily experiments, data analysis, and the cycles of design and refinement. This integrated approach meant we weren’t just conducting research but actively developing the next generation of highly skilled Namibian scientists.
Our approach was multifaceted, combining ancient wisdom with modern innovation. We carried out extensive field research to thoroughly understand and document how indigenous plants are used to treat our target diseases. This important step was followed by laboratory work.
- Advanced Nanomaterial Synthesis: We went beyond conventional drug design, developing sophisticated techniques to create tiny, intelligent carriers (nanoparticles), each carefully designed with specific sizes, shapes, and surface chemistries to serve targeted therapeutic purposes.
- Targeted Value Addition to Plant-Based Medicine: This was our key innovation. We started encapsulating extracts rich in phytomedicinal compounds from locally used Namibian medicinal plants into these nanoparticles. These efforts aimed to add value, validate, and enhance efficacy and safety. The nanoparticles acted as protective shields, preventing the degradation of sensitive bioactive compounds in the stomach’s acidic environment while improving their solubility and absorption. This process boosted the therapeutic power of these traditional remedies, making them much more effective than crude extracts.
- Precision Delivery (Surface Functionalization): To ensure these enhanced remedies reached their exact targets, we used FDA-approved chitosan as a shield to protect in acidic environments, monitored through simulations over extended periods. This mechanism was designed to ensure the therapeutic payload was delivered precisely where needed, maximizing efficacy and reducing off-target effects.
- Rigorous Testing and Standardization: Each prototype underwent comprehensive laboratory testing (in vitro and ex vivo) to evaluate efficacy, safety, and potential body interactions. These tests were crucial for validating our approach, and our prototypes are now in the standardization process, a key step toward in vivo application.
From indigenous knowledge to Nanomedicine: A multi-functional approach
Some of the developed prototypes: Plant-based nanoparticles with potential multi-functional properties
Capacity Building: The training of our postgraduate students was an integral, non-negotiable part of the process. They gained invaluable practical skills and theoretical knowledge in nanotechnology, drug development, Scanning and Transmission electron microscopy analysis, Good clinical and Good laboratory practice trainings, high-throughput screening of phytomedicine and clinical research application, becoming pioneers in a crucial field such as medical microbiology, anatomy, and nanomedicine.
Stabilization and continuous laboratory analysis of formulated plant-based nanoparticles in the Tissue engineering and Drug Development lab, the Bio Medical lab, UNAM and Microscopy lab at UP
The journey was not without its challenges. Ensuring the long-term stability of these delicate nanoparticles and scaling up their synthesis for real-world application were significant. Questions of biocompatibility and potential toxicity demanded our attention. Achieving truly precise targeting without unintended accumulation required continuous refinement. Furthermore, integrating the diverse expertise from ethnobotany, chemistry, materials science, biology, and pharmacology demanded constant communication and collaborative problem-solving. We overcame these obstacles through formulation optimization, careful material selection, continuous design improvements, and maintaining an interdisciplinary spirit within our team.
The Outcomes: A Healthier Future, A Stronger Nation
The impact of this journey extends far beyond the laboratory, creating a ripple effect that benefits individuals, strengthens our institution, and contributes significantly to the Namibian nation.
At the individual and community level, the most profound outcome is the promise of improved health outcomes. Our nanoparticle-enhanced plant-based treatments offer a path to more effective, targeted, and potentially safer therapies for root canal infections, ulcers, inflammation, and diarrheal diseases that significantly affect Namibian communities. Imagine: more potent relief for chronic inflammation, faster recovery from pneumonia, and more effective management of diarrhea and ulcers. This is the future goal we are working toward achieving This work aims to provide access to enhanced, locally sourced, and sustainable medicine, reducing reliance on expensive imports and empowering communities with remedies rooted in their heritage, now bolstered by modern science. The integration of traditional knowledge with advanced technology fosters a sense of pride and ownership over healthcare solutions.
At the institutional level, this research enhanced our research profile and reputation. The University of Namibia is now recognized as a hub for cutting-edge innovation in advanced materials science and pharmaceutical development, attracting further funding, international collaborations, and top-tier talent. This has resulted in a research collaboration with the University of Pretoria (Ms Chariti Maepa) and University of Islamabad (Prof Imran Mohamed) This pioneering work has directly contributed to upgrading our scientific out puts through publications in indexed journals as well as infrastructure through the establishment of the Tissue Engineering and Drug development laboratory at the University of Namibia, Hage Gein Gob Campus. Crucially, the human capital development through the postgraduate programs has created a skilled workforce ready to drive Namibia’s scientific and industrial future, fostering a vibrant culture of innovation.
A: Nanoparticles Sample preparation and microscopic analysis training: ICGEB Collaboration research partnership between UNAM and UP
B: Postgraduate students Research proposals Presentation: ICGEB Collaboration research partnership between UNAM and UP
Figure: UNAM: UP Research Collaboration and Capacity building
At the national level, this initiative is a powerful step towards economic diversification and job creation. Successful translation of these prototypes into products could lead to the establishment of a local biopharmaceutical industry, creating high-skilled employment opportunities. Moreover, it reinforces Namibia’s commitment to leveraging its unique biodiversity for national development, promoting sustainable practices in utilizing indigenous resources. This research serves as an inspiring example of how local challenges can drive
global innovation, empowering the nation to create its own solutions. There were no unintended negative consequences; instead, the project fostered unforeseen positive synergies, such as increased interdepartmental collaboration, institution-institution collaboration and a heightened public awareness of the value of scientific research.
Lessons Learned: Building Bridges for Future Progress
This journey has imparted invaluable lessons:
- The Indispensability of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: True breakthroughs emerge at the intersection of diverse fields. Bridging traditional ethnobotany with modern nanotechnology was key.
- Value of Indigenous Knowledge: Respecting and rigorously validating local knowledge is not just culturally significant, but a rich source of scientific discovery. Documenting plant uses is critical for preserving this invaluable heritage.
- The Power of Capacity Building: Investing in the next generation of scientists is paramount. Our postgraduate students are not just learners; they are vital contributors, ensuring the sustainability of this research.
- Precision is Power: Nanotechnology’s ability to offer targeted and enhanced delivery can revolutionize the efficacy and safety of both synthetic and natural medicines.
- Patience and Persistence: Overcoming complex scientific and logistical challenges requires unwavering dedication and iterative refinement.
For future, continued support is essential:
- Funding for Advanced in vivo studies and Clinical Trials: Moving from prototypes to widespread use requires significant investment in in vivo and clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy on a larger scale.
- Establishment of Regulatory Pathways: Clear national regulatory frameworks are needed to facilitate the approval and future commercialization of these novel plant-based nanomedicines.
- Industry Partnerships and Investment: Collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies will be crucial for scaling up production and distribution for the near future.
- Public Awareness and Acceptance: Ongoing engagement with communities to build trust and understanding of these enhanced traditional remedies.
Level-Specific Guiding Questions
Institutional/National Level:
Change Mechanics: This innovation has initiated a systemic shift at the institutional level, fostering a new paradigm where interdisciplinary research is prioritized within our team. It has led to an informal curriculum development within related master’s programs in Biomedical Sciences that integrates advanced nanotechnology, anatomy, microbiology and phytomedicine concepts. Strategic partnerships have been forged, not only within academia but also with local communities for ethical plant sourcing and knowledge exchange through acquiring permits from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Namibia, solidifying the importance of researching plant-based medicine and documenting their uses, while maintaining national laws towards informed consent, access benefit sharing, and community engagement.
UNAM ICGEB funded team conducted a clinical training on informed consent and teeth collection at the Katutura intermediate hospital, Windhoek, Namibia: Toward developing a root canal model for nano-endodontic treatment.
Results: The outcomes are clear: improved research practices with a focus on translational science, a clear shift in institutional policy towards investing in indigenous knowledge-based innovation, and increased collaboration across departments. This has led to greater resource allocation for cutting-edge equipment in the tissue Engineering and Drug development laboratory at Hage Geingob Campus and dedicated personnel for nanotechnology research. The enrolment of the postgraduate students in this program serves as a tangible metric of enhanced human capital.
Strategic Insights: This project offers a profound strategic insight: local context can drive global innovation. Namibia’s rich biodiversity and traditional health practices, when combined with advanced scientific methodologies, create a powerful model for sustainable drug development. This approach can inform future systemic change efforts by demonstrating the immense value of merging indigenous knowledge with modern scientific and technological advancements, positioning the institution as a leader in decolonizing and advancing health solutions.
How did the innovation affect policies, programs, or resource allocation at the institutional or national level? The innovation has influenced research funding priorities as it has resulted in the team acquiring 4 seed corn grants through the University of Namibia and 1 international grant through ICGEB. It has set a precedent for new academic programs in the Department of Human Biological and Translational Medical Science that integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern science and has influenced discussions around national health policies to consider locally sourced, scientifically enhanced therapeutic options.
Did it lead to greater equity, inclusion, or sustainability? Absolutely. By focusing on plant-based medicine, it promotes greater equity by potentially offering more affordable and accessible treatments rooted in familiar local resources, rather than relying solely on expensive imported drugs (plant based medicine could be the solution to tomorrow’s health challenges) It fosters inclusion by valuing and integrating indigenous knowledge into mainstream scientific discourse while creating room for capacity building through postgraduate students’ supervision and multinational collaborations. Furthermore, by emphasizing the sustainable sourcing and development of plant-based treatments, it contributes significantly to environmental sustainability.
Are there examples of institutional learning or adaptation as a result of the innovation? Yes. The institution has adapted by becoming more agile in pursuing interdisciplinary grants, recognizing the value of unconventional research partnerships. There’s a noticeable shift towards fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among faculty and students, with greater emphasis on patenting and translating research into tangible products. The success of this project serves as a compelling case study, guiding future strategic planning and resource allocation towards similar high-impact, locally relevant scientific endeavours. This initiative has also resulted in the establishment of the Tissue Engineering and Drug Development laboratory at the faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (A first-of-its-kind of its kind facility that is equipped with nanotechnology-based equipment for high-level scientific analysis and nano-based drug development). The lab web is showing ongoing activities at:
Continuous engagement with Stakeholders on the developed prototypes
