Thomas is a scientist and consultant with over 30 years of experience in the field of natural product development, registration, and licensing, for medicine, food and cosmetics.
He is an expert in botanical research, product innovation, regulatory affairs, and sourcing of raw materials.
Thomas has contributed to the development and implementation of quality standards, herbal pharmacopoeias, and scientific publications for several organisations and agencies, including the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Centre for Development of Enterprise, and the International Trade Centre.
He is a co-founder of the Association of African Medicinal Plants Standards and the Southern African Botanical Products Association, non-profit organizations that promote quality standards for and trade in African medicinal plants.
Thomas holds a PhD in Botany from the University of Johannesburg and has published more than 60 papers and books on topics related to ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, phytotherapy, and natural product regulation.
Thomas is a member of the editorial boards of several journals, and a board member of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology and of the American Botanical Council.
In addition, he is member of and works closely with US and EU trade and scientific organizations.
In 2024, Thomas was appointed Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago and Adjunct Fellow of the National Center for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, East Lismore, Australia.
In 2025 he was elected member of the Council of Experts and Chair of the USP Botanical Dietary Supplements & Herbal Medicines Expert Committee for the 2025-2030 cycle.
Botanical ingredients like ashwagandha are facing growing scrutiny across Europe, often fuelled by misinformation and outdated myths. Despite centuries of safe use, these ancient botanicals are now subject to misplaced concerns. To bring clarity to the conversation, the first episode of KHNI Talks podcasts features scientific experts who take a deep dive into the evidence surrounding…
