Vivey Phasha

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa

Abstract Title: Development of nutricosmetic and cosmeceutical products from pumpkin peel extract for skin and hair health

Biography:

Ms. Vivey Phasha is a PhD candidate in Medical Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and a Senior Researcher at the Council For Scientific and Industrial Research (South Africa). She holds a Chemistry degree from the University of Johannesburg, a Postgraduate Diploma in Cosmetic Product Formulation (Cum Laude) from North-West University, South Africa, and an Honors degree in Formulation Sciences from Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. Additionally, she earned a master’s degree in medical sciences, specializing in Medical Biochemistry. Currently a Senior Researcher at the CSIR's Advanced Agriculture and Food Cluster, Ms. Phasha focuses on developing, formulating, and testing the safety of cosmetic and cosmeceutical products. Her work highlights the utilization of South Africa's biodiversity, creating high-value products such as cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and traditional African medicines from indigenous plants. She is also dedicated to supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in translating research into market-ready solutions. With over a decade of research experience, beginning as a Chemistry intern at CSIR in 2013, she is also a published author. Her expertise includes processing plant materials, extracting active compounds, and analyzing their applications.

Research Interest:

Agricultural and food-processing byproducts, such as pumpkin peels, are increasingly valued for their high content of bioactive compounds, with promising applications in the technological, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, these often contribute to environmental challenges such as land pollution, storage difficulties, and high disposal costs. In response, the cosmeceutical industry is exploring sustainable practices by incorporating natural ingredients derived from food byproducts and applying green chemistry innovations. This approach not only addresses ecological concerns but also reduces the overharvesting of plant species, ensuring long-term environmental and human safety. This study explores the potential of pumpkin peel extracts from Cucurbita spp. in developing nutricosmetic (oral) and cosmeceutical (topical) products aimed at improving skin and hair health. The peel extracts will be characterized for bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins, known for their protective and restorative properties. In-vitro models will be employed to investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, along with their role in collagen synthesis and hair follicle stimulation.
Based on existing literature, it is anticipated that the pumpkin peel extracts will exhibit significant antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects, making them effective against oxidative stress-induced skin and hair damage. Furthermore, enhanced collagen production and hair follicle regeneration models have shown promising results in support of their potential as cosmeceutical agents. In summary, this research highlights the potential of pumpkin peel extracts in creating innovative, sustainable solutions for skin and hair care, advocating for the effective repurposing of agro-industrial by-products for dermatological applications.