Medicinal Chemistry at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa
Dr. Nontobeko Patience Mncwangi is a registered pharmacist and the Acting Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s School of Pharmacy in South Africa. She holds extensive experience in both the private and public healthcare sectors of the country, having worked for over 15 years. Her role at the university involves the development and implementation of pharmacy curricula for undergraduate students, alongside overseeing research methodologies for postgraduate students. Dr. Mncwangi is also engaged in collaborative research involving regulatory bodies like the South African Pharmacy Council to inform policy and legislation. Her professional involvement extends to being an External Medicine Evaluator for the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), with a focus on the Pharmaceutical and Analytical Committee. As a visiting scientist at various prestigious national and international institutions, she has enhanced her expertise in the field of medicinal plant research, particularly focusing on phytomedicines. Dr. Mncwangi’s passion for research has been demonstrated through her publications and presentations at both local and international scientific meetings.
Profile:
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Education:
Dr. Mncwangi’s educational journey reflects her deep commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences. She earned a Doctor of Technology in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2017, with a thesis titled “Metabolomic Profiling of Harpagophytum Species, Devil’s Claw.” Prior to this, she completed a Master of Technology in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2009, graduating cum laude with a dissertation on the “Metabolomic Profiling of Sutherlandia.” Her foundation in pharmacy was laid at the University of Limpopo (MEDUNSA), where she obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 2006.
Experience:
Dr. Mncwangi’s career has spanned various academic and research roles. She currently serves as the Acting Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, a position she has held since 2021. Her duties include curriculum development, student evaluation, and postgraduate supervision. Previously, she was a Senior Lecturer in the same department, from 2019 to 2021. Dr. Mncwangi’s academic career began at Tshwane University of Technology, where she served as a Lecturer from 2011 to 2019. During this time, she contributed to the development of the BPharm program and supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her work in the Medical Research Council’s Herbal Drugs Research Unit at TUT also enriched her expertise in the field of medicinal plants and phytomedicines.
Research Interests:
Dr. Mncwangi’s research interests are focused on phytomedicines, specifically the phytochemical analysis and biological assays of medicinal plants. She is passionate about exploring the therapeutic potential of natural products, with a particular emphasis on their quality assurance and quality control. Her interests also extend to pharmacy practice, where she investigates ethics and law, human resource development, and pharmaceutical services, particularly monitoring and evaluation in public health contexts.
Awards:
Dr. Mncwangi has received several accolades throughout her career. Notably, in 2013, she was awarded the Best Pharmacology Publication by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (APSSA). This award recognized her paper titled “Devil’s Claw – A Review of the Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activity of Harpagophytum Procumbens,” published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Additionally, she received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 2013 Faculty Research Day at Tshwane University of Technology, further showcasing her proficiency in communicating her research. In 2012, Dr. Mncwangi earned second place in the oral presentation category at the Indigenous Plant Use Forum for her work on “Towards a Rapid Quality Control Procedure for Devil’s Claw.”
Publications:
Dr. Mncwangi has contributed to numerous publications, underscoring her expertise in the field of medicinal plant research and pharmaceutical sciences. Key publications include:
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Mncwangi, N.P., Chen, W., Vermaak, I., Viljoen, A.M., Gericke, N. (2012). Devil’s Claw – A review of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and biological activity of Harpagophytum procumbens. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143, 755-771.
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Mncwangi, N., Viljoen, A.M., Vermaak, I. (2013). Metabolomic profiling of Devil’s Claw. Faculty of Science Research Day.
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Mncwangi, N., Viljoen, A.M., Vermaak, I. (2012). Towards a rapid quality control procedure for Devil’s Claw using vibrational spectroscopy. Indigenous Plant Use Forum (IPUF).
These publications have been widely cited by other researchers in the fields of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences.
Conclusion:
Dr. Mncwangi’s distinguished career in pharmacy and medicinal plant research has made significant contributions to the scientific community, particularly in the areas of phytomedicines and pharmacy practice. With an extensive academic background, numerous publications, and a proven track record in research and education, she continues to play a pivotal role in advancing pharmaceutical sciences in South Africa and internationally. Through her leadership in academia, involvement with regulatory bodies, and dedication to research, Dr. Mncwangi remains a key figure in the development of pharmaceutical practices and medicinal plant research.