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At Achelab Laboratory Services, our Research and Development (R&D) program is spearheading the discovery and characterization of bioactive compounds from East Africa’s indigenous medicinal plants to develop novel therapeutics aimed at combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This initiative integrates traditional medicinal knowledge with modern analytical science, bridging the gap between ethnopharmacology and evidence-based medicine. Our overarching goal is to harness the region’s biodiversity to identify, standardize, and develop bioactive compounds with strong antimicrobial potential, contributing to sustainable healthcare innovation in Africa and beyond.

Focus Plant: Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh)
Myrrh is a natural oleo-gum resin obtained from the Commiphora species, particularly Commiphora myrrha, which grows in arid regions of Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine, recognized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. Myrrh has also been historically valued in perfumery, spiritual rituals, and embalming, illustrating its long-standing significance in both cultural and therapeutic contexts.

Our Research Approach
Achelab’s R&D division is initially focusing on the extraction and standardization of a comprehensive library of myrrh extracts, including aqueous, ethanolic, and essential oil fractions. These extracts will serve as the foundation for the development of two prototype dosage forms — an ointment and a capsule — designed for pre-clinical evaluation. The analytical workflow integrates advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). These methods are employed to profile, quantify, and standardize the key chemical constituents within each extract, ensuring reproducibility, purity, and potency.
Preliminary in vitro antimicrobial assays will generate essential biological activity data, forming the foundation for a draft mini-dossier to guide subsequent pre-clinical studies. These results will support Achelab’s broader mission of developing safe, effective, and scientifically validated natural products derived from indigenous medicinal flora.

Bioactive Constituents of Commiphora myrrha
The pharmacological potential of myrrh arises from its complex mixture of bioactive compounds spanning multiple chemical classes. These constituents exhibit diverse biological activities, contributing to the plant’s efficacy against microbial infections and inflammation.
Terpenoids: The essential oil of myrrh is rich in sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, compounds known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Sesquiterpenes: These are the dominant components of myrrh oil and include furanosesquiterpenes such as furanoeudesmanes and furanogermacranes. Key examples include curzerene, furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, and lindestrene, which are linked to the resin’s analgesic and antimicrobial activities.
Triterpenoids: Predominantly found in the resin, triterpenoids represent the most biologically active class, encompassing dammarane, cycloartane, and oleanane derivatives.
Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds are present in the plant’s stem and are associated with antioxidant and protective effects.
Lignans: Located primarily in the stem, lignans contribute additional antioxidant and potential antimicrobial activity.
Steroids: Found in the lipophilic fraction of the resin, steroids play a role in anti-inflammatory and membrane-stabilizing functions.
Phenolic acids: These compounds enhance both antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities, reinforcing myrrh’s traditional therapeutic profile.

Our Commitment
Through this drug discovery initiative, Achelab Laboratory Services is committed to transforming traditional medicinal knowledge into standardized, quality-controlled, and scientifically validated pharmaceutical products. By employing rigorous analytical techniques and adhering to international quality standards, our aim is to produce reproducible formulations suitable for pre-clinical and eventually clinical evaluation.
Our long-term vision is to create a platform for continuous innovation in natural product research, fostering collaboration among universities, research institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry. Achelab strives to position East Africa as a key contributor to the global search for new therapeutic agents, particularly in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. By aligning traditional knowledge with modern scientific validation, we are paving the way for the next generation of affordable, effective, and sustainable medicines.