Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
AFTER enduring a traumatic injury to his tongue during childhood, Mr Ezekiel Makambwa received life-saving treatment with traditional herbs from an elderly man in Zhombe, Midlands Province.
The experience ignited a passion in Mr Makambwa, now a Master’s student, to research pharmacology and develop alternative drug compounds for diabetes treatment.
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science at Universitas Indonesia under the Faculty of Pharmacy, and having studied Applied Chemistry at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Mr Makambwa has embarked on an ambitious project to document Zimbabwe’s traditional medicines and herbs.
He aims to compile this invaluable information into a comprehensive database, which will serve as a reference for researchers and medical experts, ensuring the longevity of this traditional knowledge.
His initiative, the Zimbabwean Natural Products Database (ZiNaPoD), is dedicated to cataloguing the country’s rich biodiversity and its medicinal potential. The project is not only a scientific endeavour but also a tribute to the traditional knowledge that has supported communities for generations.
“The inspiration for ZiNaPoD stemmed from a personal story of resilience and the power of traditional medicine. I recall a childhood incident where a severe tongue injury was miraculously healed by an elderly man using herbal remedies, saving me from a life-altering disability. This experience ignited my passion for exploring the untapped potential of Zimbabwe’s natural resources, leading to the creation of ZiNaPoD,” said Mr Makambwa.
The project employs advanced computational methods, including virtual screening and molecular dynamics to identify potential drug candidates. These methods are cost-effective and efficient, significantly reducing the time and resources required for drug discovery.
Additionally, Makambwa envisions integrating ZiNaPoD with existing traditional medicine databases to create a comprehensive and unified resource. This integration will enhance the accessibility of valuable data and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, paving the way for innovative discoveries in drug development.
Mr Makambwa emphasises that Zimbabwe, like many African nations, faces significant healthcare challenges.
“With a population exceeding 15 million, 63,3 percent of whom reside in rural areas, access to modern medical facilities and pharmaceuticals is limited. Traditional medicine remains a primary healthcare option for many, yet it lacks the scientific validation and systematic documentation needed for integration into modern healthcare systems.
“ZiNaPoD aims to bridge this gap by creating a comprehensive database of Zimbabwe’s medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds, facilitating research and drug discovery,” he noted.
Makambwa asserts that ZiNaPoD is more than a mere repository of information, it is a tool for innovation.
“The database will encompass data on over 300 unique plant species and 6 000 natural compounds, meticulously curated from various sources, including scientific literature, other databases, and collaborations with experts. Similar to the South African Natural Products Database (SANCDB), ZiNaPoD will allow for user-submitted data updates through a rigorous verification process. Its schema will include detailed information on each plant’s traditional uses, chemical compounds, potential therapeutic applications, molecular descriptors and 3D structures,” he explained.
Using ZiNaPoD, Mr Makambwa and his colleagues have identified compounds that can activate Glucokinase (GK), a target linked to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
“T2DM is an escalating health concern in Zimbabwe, with an estimated 85 000 people diagnosed with the condition as of 2022. The high cost of medication poses a significant barrier to treatment, making the discovery of affordable, locally sourced therapeutics a priority.
“By leveraging the unique chemical profiles of Zimbabwean plants, ZiNaPoD uncovered four promising candidates that could lead to the development of new diabetes treatments,” he said.
According to Mr Makambwa, ZiNaPoD offers numerous benefits to Zimbabwe, the scientific community, and the global population. For Zimbabwe, it provides easy access to reliable information on medicinal plants, empowering local researchers and practitioners.
He further asserts that it has the potential to bolster the country’s economy by facilitating the commercialisation of natural products and creating new opportunities for sustainable development.
“The scientific community stands to gain from ZiNaPoD’s contribution to drug discovery. The database establishes a tested pipeline for virtual screening, enabling researchers to identify bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential using AI.
“This could lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals for a range of diseases, including diabetes, malaria, and tuberculosis. Our initiative also aims to motivate researchers to contribute additional data that can facilitate drug discovery,” he added.
He underscored the importance of collaboration with traditional healers as a critical aspect of ZiNaPoD’s potential, noting that by working closely with these practitioners, researchers can validate the efficacy of medicinal plants while gaining insights into their traditional applications.
“This partnership not only enriches the database with indigenous knowledge but also helps bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine. Such collaborations can lead to the development of culturally relevant and scientifically validated treatments, ensuring that traditional medicine is both respected and effectively utilised,” he added.
