CWISA is actively unraveling the untapped therapeutic potential of weeds that dominate African landscapes. We combine field ecology, indigenous knowledge, and advanced plant metabolomics to map bioactive compounds in both indigenous and invasive species. Our integrated approach identifies novel metabolites, evaluates their pharmacological efficacy and safety, and explores pathways for their sustainable use. By transforming ecological challenges into opportunities for health, livelihoods, and local economies, CWISA is generating actionable insights and community-benefiting solutions, positioning weeds not as threats, but as reservoirs of medicinal and socio-economic value.
Objectives
- Map and characterize the metabolomic profiles of indigenous and invasive weeds to identify bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.
- Validate pharmacological activity and safety through laboratory assays and community-informed evaluation.
- Translate validated bioactive compounds into sustainable applications that benefit local communities and inform policy.
Contact: info@cwisa.org