A groundbreaking cancer research study by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University academic Dr Mmei Cheryl Motshudi is positioning African medicinal plant research at the forefront of innovative cancer treatment discovery, following her graduation with a PhD in Botany during the university’s recent autumn graduation ceremony.
Dr Motshudi, a lecturer in the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, completed her doctoral research titled Integration of multi-omics approaches with in silico analysis for novel therapeutic target discovery: Focus on neuroblastomas as a model. Her study explored new therapeutic strategies for neuroblastoma, an aggressive paediatric cancer that remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among children worldwide.
Conducted through collaborative partnerships with institutions including Rhodes University, Inqaba Biotechnologies and Universitas Tadulako, the research combined transcriptomics, plant metabolomics, computational modelling, and laboratory validation to identify plant-derived compounds with anti-neuroblastoma potential.
The study focused on medicinal plants such as Acorus calamus and Lippia javanica, both recognised for their traditional medicinal value. Dr Motshudi’s findings revealed promising therapeutic compounds capable of targeting stress-adaptive signalling and redox metabolism pathways linked to tumour survival and treatment resistance.
Among the compounds identified, Amino(1H-indol-2-yl) acetic acid emerged as the strongest lead candidate due to its significant anti-neuroblastoma activity and stable molecular interactions with key therapeutic targets.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dr Motshudi said the completion of her doctorate represented years of dedication and a commitment to advancing scientific innovation rooted in African biodiversity.
“This research demonstrates the potential of integrating advanced multi-omics technologies with indigenous medicinal plant knowledge to address critical global health challenges,” she said.
“I remain passionate about contributing towards translational cancer research that can ultimately improve treatment outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where survival rates remain poor.”
She added that the multidisciplinary nature of the study strengthened both her scientific expertise and leadership capabilities.
“The study allowed me to collaborate with leading academic and research institutions locally and internationally. It reinforced the importance of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence in addressing complex diseases such as neuroblastoma,” said Dr Motshudi.
Her doctoral study received funding support from the National Research Foundation through the DSI-NRF Full Cost of Study funding programme, as well as the prestigious Sibusiso Bengu Development Grant.
Beyond her research achievements, Dr Motshudi has spent nearly five years lecturing within the Bachelor of Science Extended Curriculum Programme at SMU, where she teaches Biology and mentors students enrolled in the MBIB000: Introduction to Life Science Studies module. Her responsibilities include curriculum support, practical supervision, academic administration, and student consultations aimed at strengthening scientific learning and academic success.
She has also contributed extensively to community engagement and science outreach initiatives, including environmental awareness programmes, science demonstrations for school learners, and postgraduate student mentorship.
Dr Motshudi has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed scientific publications spanning metabolomics, medicinal plants, virology, environmental biology, and cancer research, further establishing her growing contribution to biological and biomedical sciences.
Her achievement reflects SMU’s continued commitment to research excellence, innovation, and the advancement of health and scientific knowledge. Through pioneering scientific discovery, academic development, and transformative health sciences education, the university continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes and advancing impactful research for communities in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
