COVID-19 treatment: Nigerian researcher leads breakthrough with African medicinal plant

In the ongoing global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers worldwide are actively seeking effective oral therapies to combat the disease.

Among them, a notable group of Nigerian researchers has been dedicated to exploring the potential of medicinal plants in providing therapeutic solutions to alleviate the impact of the virus.

One such researcher, Opeyemi Iwaloye, has emerged as a leading figure in this endeavour, focusing on advancing therapeutics centred around medicinal plants for COVID-19 treatment.

With a background in biochemistry from Adekunle Ajasin University and a Master’s degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Iwaloye’s journey in medicinal chemistry began long before his quest to find plant-derived compounds to combat the viral disease.

His pioneering work has garnered global recognition, with his research articles published in top-tier journals in the field and accumulating over 300 citations to date. Iwaloye’s contributions have marked a significant milestone in the scientific community’s efforts to combat COVID-19.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Iwaloye and his team have identified two bioactive compounds, melitric acid A and salvanolic acid A, extracted from the African medicinal plant Melissa officinalis. These compounds have shown promising interactions with the catalytic dyad of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, suggesting a potential avenue to inhibit viral replication.

Building on this breakthrough, Iwaloye and his team are currently engaged in four other research projects related to COVID-19. Their latest endeavour involves exploring the potential of chemicals from Artemisia annua in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, with a focus on rhamnocitrin for experimental studies and drug development against COVID-19.

Additionally, Iwaloye has identified a new series of imidazoles and natural compounds as potential drug candidates to target various drug targets of the coronavirus. His tireless efforts have extended beyond regional boundaries, highlighting the global significance of his findings in the fight against the pandemic.

The impact of Iwaloye’s research has not gone unnoticed, with his COVID-19 studies receiving over 100 citations from the global scientific community.

Currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the United States, Iwaloye remains dedicated to researching effective immunotherapy for glioblastoma, the most malignant brain tumour in adults.

His ambition is to continue making impactful research discoveries that contribute to the development of therapies for various diseases, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to improving global healthcare.