General Laboratory Area
Dry and wet labs for sample preparation: freeze drier, rotary evaporators, drying and accelerated ageing ovens.
Learn more →National Phytotherapeutics Research Centre, Kenyatta University
Centre addressP.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi
LocationKenyatta University, off Thika Road
Call us020 870 3370/1
About the Centre
The National Phytotherapeutics Research Centre (NPRC) is a specialised research facility at Kenyatta University with a mandate to spearhead scientific studies and development of plant-based (herbal) therapeutics. It serves as a national centre of excellence that promotes indigenous knowledge systems and integrates them with modern science to address healthcare needs, particularly through phytotherapy: the use of plant-derived medicines.
Vision
To be a dynamic, all-inclusive, globally competitive centre of excellence in the provision of quality assurance services, training and research for sustainable development.
Mission
To provide quality assurance services, training and research through knowledge generation, research, innovation and creativity in phyto-medicine.
Key objectives of NPRC
- 1
Identification of plants with therapeutic claim or potential.
- 2
Phytochemical screening of both active and inactive ingredients.
- 3
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of the phytotherapeuticals.
- 4
Microbiological analyses and quantification of both micro and macro nutrients in herbal plants.
- 5
Creating fingerprints for herbal extracts and subsequent products (phytotherapeuticals).
- 6
Establishing quality assessment parameters for phytotherapeuticals.
- 7
Upscaling production of the phytotherapeuticals and marketing.
Facilities and equipment
NPRC hosts specialised laboratories, all equipped to support herbal product research, development and quality assurance.
Quality Assurance Section
LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HPTLC, XRF, UV-Vis and FTIR for chemical analysis and fingerprinting of herbal materials.
Learn more →Microbiology Section
Microbiological analysis of samples, raw materials and finished herbal products.
Learn more →Upscaling Section
Semi-commercial essential oil distiller, oil expeller, rotor mill and packaging lines.
Learn more →Featured products
Frankincense Oil
Benefits:
- An effective antiseptic
- For arthritis and pain relief
- Supports skin health
- For relaxation and stress relief
Rosemary Oil
Benefits:
- Improves memory and concentration
- Improves digestion
- Helps in pain relief
- Stimulates hair growth
- Insect repellent
Mint Tea
Benefits:
- Improves digestion
- Improves memory and concentration
- For relaxation and stress relief
Lemongrass Tea
Benefits:
- Boosts oral health
- Relieves anxiety
- Increases urination
- For pain relief
Watch: introduction to NPRC
Learn more about the National Phytotherapeutics Research Centre, its vision, mission and impact in promoting herbal-based healthcare solutions in Kenya.
Partnerships
NPRC works closely with the Ministry of Health, NACOSTI, NRF, traditional medicine practitioners' associations, and international universities and pharmaceutical research institutions.
