Capacity Building in National Phytotherapeutics Research Center(NPRC)
Several training activities have been carried out at NPRC, and some are currently ongoing. NPRC staff undergo continuous training on Quality Control techniques of herbal drugs. NPRC staff have undergone training on operations of several instruments and equipment installed at the centre. These trainings have been attended by technical staff from other departments within Kenyatta University. Several postgraduate students from Kenyatta University and one from an external university have been trained on the use of advanced analytical techniques like GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, XRF, UV-Vis, FTIR, and HPTLC. Undergraduate students from the School of Pharmacy undertook a practical shadowing on Quality Control and Chromatographic techniques at NPRC.
In the long term, the NPRC is working towards bridging the gap between research and industry, as well as creating knowledge-based job opportunities through phytomedicines.
NPRC addresses the Kenya Big 4 Agenda by Promoting Universal Health Coverage through Manufacturing of Quality Herbal Medicine.
Current Activities in Phytotherapeutics at NPRC
Analytical Work
- Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Active Ingredients in Pesticide Formulations
- Phytochemical Screening of Secondary Metabolites in Herbal Products
- Nutritional, Physical, and Functional Properties of Some Grains
- Quantification of Alkaloids in Vegetables
- Identification of Herbal Products Using Macroscopic and Microscopic Techniques
Upscaling and Processing Activities
- Processing of Prunus africana Powder
- Essential Oil from Lemon Grass
- Essential Oil from Eucalyptus
- Processing of Stinging Nettle Powder
- Processing of Sorghum Grain Powder
- Fixed Oils from Canola Seeds
- Fixed Oils from Amaranth Seeds
- Fixed Oils from Chia Seeds
- Fixed Oils from Ground Nuts
ISO IEC17025:2017 Training at Kenyatta University
The conference comprised Lab Technologists across Kenyatta University departments and NPRC Board members, 2nd – 4th September 2024. The image captures a group photo taken during a three-day ISO/IEC 17025:2017 training workshop held at Kenyatta University. The training brought together laboratory technologists from various university departments alongside board members of the National Phytotherapeutics Research Centre (NPRC). The event was organized to strengthen institutional capacity in laboratory quality management systems, enhance competence in analytical testing, and ensure alignment with international standards for laboratory accreditation.
The workshop covered critical areas such as quality assurance, traceability, method validation, calibration, equipment maintenance, and risk-based thinking. Participants engaged in practical sessions and discussions aimed at fostering a culture of continuous improvement and compliance with ISO requirements.
Coastal Region Visit (24th – 28th June, 2024)
We managed to visit the Ufanisi Conservation Group in Kilifi County. A group of women in Majimboni village, Kilifi County, led by Mama Salome, have been depending on the indigenous trees from Kaya forests for the production of their herbal medicines. Indigenous trees play a big role in the environment and the ecosystem. However, cutting them down for various uses has led to serious repercussions, including climate change, which is now a menace globally.
The Ufanisi Conservation Group performs the following activities of clinical significance: Treat human disease and wounds using herbal medicine, perform traditional massage, treat animal diseases using plants, and sell herbal medicines. Some of the conditions they manage include: male and female infertility, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, stroke, dysmenorrhea, measles, malaria, renal disorders, diabetes, among others.
Kitui Campus Visit (31st October – 2nd November, 2023)
KU staff from Kitui campus and NPRC at Kitui campus. The main purpose of the visit was to:
- Meet and discuss with the Deputy Executive Dean in charge of Agriculture at Kitui campus.
- Identify plants with therapeutic claim or potential at Kitui campus.
- Identify a portion of land and obtain permission to conserve medicinal plants.
- Develop a road map to cultivate medicinal plants.
