Citrus waste prepared for pectin extraction.
A groundbreaking health supplement developed by young scientists at the University of Pretoria is set to tackle South Africa’s soaring rates of lifestyle diseases by recycling mountains of agricultural waste into an affordable medical lifesaver.
The innovative project, named NutraPectin, transforms discarded citrus peel into a powerful nutraceutical designed to combat diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol. The project is led by postdoctoral research fellow Dr Kadima Tshiyoyo, recent Master of Science graduates Ryan Bosch, and Marni Oberholzer.
The team uses green extraction technology to recover pectin and other bioactive compounds from fruit waste generated by the commercial citrus industry. When consumed with food, the resulting supplement slows sugar absorption, lowers cholesterol levels and significantly improves gut health, offering a low-cost preventative healthcare solution tailored for low-income communities.
"South Africa’s growing burden of lifestyle diseases and abundance of agricultural waste inspired our work," said Dr Tshiyoyo, explaining how the project effectively addresses two critical national challenges simultaneously.
