Understanding the factors influencing the bioactivities and components of Kuuku I'yu medicinal plant Dodonaea polyandra

About this project 

This project forms a part of a wider Australian Research Council Linkage Project called Co-research supporting the development of Aboriginal plant knowledges', which is a partnership between the University of South Australia, Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation and Melio Skincare. This wider project aims to understand the processes that would be needed for Aboriginal-led product development from a traditionally-used plant, Dodonaea polyandra (Uncha) which has anti-inflammatory activity. This includes examining how plant materials could be sustainably managed and harvested on the Kuuku I’yu Aboriginal homelands, the quantities of plant materials needed for product development and the feasibility of a homelands business.

This PhD project will focus on examining factors that may influence the levels of compounds and bioactivities in the leaves and stems of the plant and the stability of these compounds when plant extracts are formulated as a skin cream will also be examined.

The primary objectives of the PhD project include:

• examining the impact of harvesting and regrowth and fire regrowth on the bioactive clerodane diterpenoid compounds found in the leaves and stems of the Uncha plant on the Kuuku I’yu homelands;
• examining the impact of post-harvest treatment of plant materials (including drying and storage) on the bioactive compounds in the plant;
• understanding the other factors that influence the quantities of the bioactive compounds in the Uncha plant and extracts of the plant such as season, time and location of harvest, plant maturity, whether plants bear male or female flowers, herbivory by insects;
• stability of clerodane diterpenoid bioactive compounds when plant extracts are formulated into a skin cream;
• characterisation of other minor compounds in the plant extracts that may also have bioactivities.

This project aligns with the priorities of partner organisation Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation who have worked for several years with UniSA researchers to share a Traditional Knowledge and Western scientific perspectives on the components and actions of the Uncha plant. This important medicinal plant has anti-inflammatory activity, with future potential for commercial development. Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation’s core strategy is to foster economic and cultural development of the Kuuku I’yu people. This project aligns with that core strategy by providing the scientific knowledge and understanding required for potential future commercialisation of Kuuku I’yu Homeland plants within the context of Kuuku I’yu Culture and to increase the Kuuku I’yu people’s economic sovereignty. 

What you’ll do

This project will provide an understanding of the factors influencing the bioactivities and components of the medicinal plant Dodonaea polyandra (Uncha) and will share with this an Aboriginal understanding of the actions and ecology of this species. As part of a wider project, this PhD study will also contribute to new knowledge on the practical steps towards future plant product development conducted in a way that is led by and of benefit to the Traditional Custodians of the plants and knowledge about them. This could inform the development of Indigenous-led plant product enterprises capitalising on the cultural and environmental advantages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups or Communities, to provide economic benefits and wider social, cultural, wellbeing and environmental impacts.

Melio Skincare is a recently launched company developing evidence-based premium skin care products using locally sourced botanicals which can also benefit communities. Products developed in partnership with an Aboriginal Corporation and using ingredients with scientific evidence for their bioactive properties and chemical composition are in line with these goals, providing an excellent opportunity to develop Australian originated innovation.

Chuulangun will use the outcomes of this project to inform potential future development of plant-based products which can increase economic and social development for Traditional Owner families on the Kuuku I’yu homelands. The Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation and the University of South Australia are bound by a collaborative agreement that ensures that the Kuuku I’yu people and their Cultural and Intellectual Property are protected.

Where you’ll be based 

You will be based in the Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre (QUMPRC).

Dr Semple has ~15 years FTE equiv. postdoc research experience in projects focussed on identification of plant bioactive compounds and projects to support the recognition and protection of Aboriginal Knowledges about plants. She has co-led a project with the Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation to understand the properties of traditionally used plants which has been nationally and internationally recognised for models of Indigenous Knowledge protection, has been lead CI cat 1 funded grants including ARC-Linkage and NHMRC Development projects and a partner in international interdisciplinary collaborations. 

Dr Simpson is a Senior Teaching & Research Academic with expertise in natural products chemistry, plant bioactives, plant chemical ecology, inflammation, and analytical chemistry. with engagement experience with pharmaceutical private enterprise and Government end-users. Simpson has published 35 journal papers and a book and 2 book chapters.

Dr Permal Deo is a balanced Senior academic with Teaching (40%), Research (40%) and Engagement (20%) responsibilities. With 16 years postdoctoral experience, his research focusses on molecular mechanisms of disease pathways and foods. This includes examining the Australian food and medicinal plants as antioxidants and as  inhibitors of advanced glycation end product formation.

Dr Chi Ndi is a natural products chemist with extensive experience in the isolation, structural elucidation and quantification of bioactive compounds from plants with over 20 peer reviewed publications. Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum (2025 rate) is available to eligible applicants. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 (2025 rate) per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.


Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from both Domestic and International applicants. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

Additionally applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Honours or Masters by Research in Natural Products chemistry, Organic chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Science or a related discipline 
• Demonstrated experience in, and understanding of, chromatographic separation techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intermediate understanding of mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Applicant who can also demonstrate the following will be highly regarded:

• Experience in any of the following areas: field studies involving plant collection, work with Aboriginal communities or organisations, pharmacological assay techniques including cell-based assays and/or antioxidant assays, plant ecology
• We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time, and to be based at our City East Campus in the heart of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Wednesday 27 November 2024.