At the intersection of indigenous knowledge and cutting-edge biomedical science stands La-Africa Soother, a natural anti-inflammatory ointment developed by Professor Keolebogile Motaung—a renowned biomedical scientist, Full Professor, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Health Biotech.
The product is the culmination of years of rigorous research, collaboration with traditional healers, and a deep commitment to creating affordable, plant-based healthcare solutions. “Through rigorous research and development, we strive to stay at the forefront of medical breakthroughs,” said Professor Motaung.
“We ensure our customers have access to the latest advancements in the field of musculoskeletal health.” Musculoskeletal health refers to the well-being of the body’s system of bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, which enables movement and provides support.
The journey of La-Africa Soother began with a case study that ignited Motaung’s curiosity. “It was based on a story of someone who had fractured their hand and visited a traditional healer,” she said.
“The healer gave the person a cocktail mix to drink. When they went back to the hospital for X-rays, it was discovered that the bone had formed.” Motivated by this remarkable case, Motaung sought to scientifically validate what traditional healers had long practiced.
“I was excited to validate this scientifically because, quite often, traditional healers face scepticism simply because their remedies haven’t been scientifically proven,” she said.
“We needed to bring in the scientific part to assist them in understanding how to go about it.” Together with Dr Johannah Mpilu, a respected traditional healer, and two then-doctoral students—Dr Makwese Maepa and Dr Mapula Razwinani—Motaung established Global Health Biotech. Based at the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency’s BioPark at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria, the company employs a team of 10 and sells its flagship product online.
Research and development for La-Africa Soother took place between 2015 and 2017. The team began by identifying the plant traditionally used to relieve pain and treat fractures. “The plant was often used for joint and muscle pain,” she recalls.
“I requested a sample from the healer and began validation for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.” By 2018/19, the team had developed their first prototype. “We had to do our own formulation, stability testing, and numerous other tests,” Motaung said.
“Our first sale came at the end of 2019—just before COVID-19 disrupted everything.” Despite the challenges, the ointment has gained traction among those seeking natural, culturally resonant healing.
“People are tired of expensive, chemical-heavy pain relief products that don’t resonate with their values, culture, and bodies,” Motaung said.
“Many suffer in silence with chronic joint and muscle pain, especially in underserved communities. La-Africa Soother was created to reconnect people with nature-based healing backed by science.” Global Health Biotech holds patents for La-Africa Soother in both South Africa and Europe, demonstrating global ambitions.
“We are currently scaling up and revising our marketing and branding strategy,” said Motaung.
“I’m very optimistic that it will go far.”
Beyond La-Africa Soother
Beyond La-Africa Soother, the company is developing a plant-based morphogenetic factor to promote bone and cartilage regeneration. Morphogenesis is the biological process that causes a cell, tissue or organism to develop its shape. “We’re currently conducting animal studies on this,” Motaung said.
“We aim to develop a full suite of products for musculoskeletal injuries.”
Motaung’s advice to others interested in commercialising traditional remedies is clear: “Before taking a product to market, it must be tested and backed by evidence. Quite often, small and medium enterprises think they can just brand a product and sell it. But even if it’s been used traditionally, you need to make sure it’s thoroughly tested.”
With La-Africa Soother, Motaung is not only offering relief from pain but also helping to bridge the gap between traditional healing and modern science—paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare future.
Visit globalhealthbiotech.co.za
For more information contact Biopark@Gauteng on Tel: 012 844 0305 / email: biopark@theinnovationhub.com
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