About the Department

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About the Department

Historical Background

The Drug Research and Production Unit (DRPU) was established from various Departmental Units in the Faculty of Pharmacy, approved by the University Senate and the National University Commission (NUC) in 1979.

The goals of the Unit are as follows:

  • Encourage, provide facilities for and initiate research into natural drugs and pesticides.
  • Develop herbal drugs into appreciable dosage forms and appropriate pharmacopoeias.
  • Production of High quality generic and herbal drugs registerable by National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
  • Provide a forum for contact, interaction dissemination of information to enhance cooperation among various researchers in and outside Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in the discipline of natural products.
  • Produce drugs in various dosage forms for clinical trials and Health Services of the Community.
  • Provide substantial drug manufacturing training and experience for Pharmacy students and professionals.
  • Render consultancy services in drug research production, quality control and private sectors of the community.
  • Produce high level manpower in the area of Phytomedicines through offering postgraduate programmes leading to the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Science (M.SC.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Phytomedicines.

Besides the above main goals, the Strategic Objectives of DRPU are to:

  • Embark on generic drug and Herbal drug production on commercial scale
  • Establish Medicinal plant plantation for the sourcing of raw materials for the herbal drug production and commercialization
  • Upgrade of Unit to Centre for Medicinal Plant Research and Herbal Production (CEMPREHP).
  • Produce high level man power in the area of Phytomedicines

Staff Strength of DRPU

The Unit has establishment for 11 academic members of Staff. 8 positions are presently occupied, which is inclusive of a Visiting Professor on Sabbatical. There are 3 established positions for senior administrative staff and all the three are presently occupied. In the Senior Technical category, there are 8 established positions only three positions are occupied and in the Junior staff category, there are 13 established positions only two positions are occupied.

 DRUG DEVELOPMENT FROM NATURAL PRODUCTS

Our abundant natural resources (medicinal plants, animals and inorganic residues) remain good sources of medicines and raw materials for pharmaceutical products.  Higher plants are comparatively cheap sources of very important active substances for the pharmaceutical industry.

The Unit has been involved in the following:

  • The chemistry and biology of plants used against malaria e.g. Khaya grandifoliola, Morinda lucida, Dracaena fragrans, Tithonia diversifolia, Eugenia uniflora, and Crypssopteries febrifuga among others
  • Studies of medicinal plants with anti-infective properties, e.g. Acalypha wilkesiana, Ageratum conyzoides, Kalanchoe crenata, Dennetia tripetala, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Elais guineensis
  • Studies on plants used in the control of schistosomiasis g. Tetrapleura tetraptera, Zingiber officinale.
  • Studies of natural products with anticonvulsant, sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities e.g. tetraptera fruit, Solanum spp. Clausena anisata, Urena lobata, Witheria indica, Bixa orellana
  • Studies on the chemistry and biology of the Nigeria Zanthoxylum spp (Rutaceae) e.g. Zanthoxylum rubescens, Z. leprieurii, Z. tessmannii
  • Essential oils of Aristolochia ringens, Terminalia ivorensis
  • Trypanocidal activity of Nigeria Medicinal Plants
  • Toxicological investigations of plant extracts with bioactive properties e.g. Tetrapleura tetraptera, Zingiber officinale.
  • Development and pharmaceutical adjuvant from locally available raw materials
  • Acetylcholine esterase inhibition properties of alkaloids from African Crinum
  • Ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants used in the management of Sickle cell disease (SCD) and development and production of drugs for chemotherapy of SCD.
  • Training Workshops for TMPs in standardization, toxicology and safety of herbal products across South West Nigeria.

Many Nigerian medicinal plants had been screened and studied for their biological activities.  These studies have led to the formulation of some herbal products which are already listed and  registration of others had been initiated with NAFDAC.

Products Developed from Natural Sources by the Unit:

FP Schisto soaps (laundry and toilet), FP Peltor herbal mouth gaggle, FP Bridfeg herbal mouth wash, FP Tonic herbal tea, FP Chancellor herbal tea, FP MAMA decoction, FP JEDDY decoction and FP MAMA powder.

 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The following are the major research areas in the Unit

Phytochemistry

Microbiology

Antimalarial Research

Anti- Sickling Research

Anti-parasitic Research – Molluscicidal, Trypanocidal and Anti trychomonal,

Insecticidal – Repellency, larvicidal and ovicidal research

Neurodegenerative and Neuropharmacological Research

Toxicology – Biochemical and pathology research.

Drug Formulation and Pharmaceutical Technology Research

Anti- cancer Research

Achievements

  • The OAU/ Pharmacy Venture of the Unit successfully listed 3 herbal products with NAFDAC. These are JEDDY Herbal Decoction for stomach disorder, flatulence, Haemorrhoids and two antimalarial herbal drugs; MAMA Herbal decoction and MAMA Herbal powder
  • The Unit continues to be recognized as Centre of excellence (Southern hemisphere) of TWAS- UNESCO Associateship programme. A Researcher from University of Addis Ababa Dr. Mariamawith Y. Yeshak visited the University in July 2017

The Unit continues to establish and maintain linkages with Universities and Research Institutes within and outside Nigeria . Memorandum of Understanding are signed between the DRPU/ OAU and these Institutions. Some of the existing linkages include:

  • Kwazulu Natal University South Africa
  • University of Newcastle UK
  • University of Nairobi
  • DRPU is TWAS- UNESCO Centre of Excellence
  • DRPU is WHO Collaborative Centre for Traditional Medicine
  • DRPU Sickle Cell Research Laboratory is becoming a recognized Centre for (SCD) research. With adequate funds, Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biology and Tissue Culture will engage in anti- cancer and in vitro antimalarial researches among others. An Acre Parcel of land within the University had been allocated to DRPU for the building of the Centre for Medicinal Plant Research and Herbal Production. The Unit requires funds for the project

List of 2015-2018 Publications

  1. Awokunlehin, A., Elusiyan, C.A., Bejide, R.A., Obuotor, E.M. and Adewunmi, C.O.  (2015). Studies of the Antitrypanosomal and           Toxicological Properties of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. &         (Combretaceae) and Vitellaria Paradoxa C. F. Gaertn       (Sapotaceae) in mice. Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de        Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas (BLAPMA) 14(2): 118 – 130.

 

  1. Oyemitan, I.A., Olayera, O. A., Alabi, A., Abass, L.A., Elusiyan, C.A., Akanmu, M.A. and Oyedeji, A.O. (2015).      Psycho-      neuropharmacological Profile and Chemical composition of      essential oil of fresh fruits of Piper guineense (Piperaceae) in mice.   Journal of Ethnopharmacology 166: 240-249.

 

  1. Oyekunle, A., Soriyan, A. and Agbedahunsi J.M. (2015). Evaluation of the Knowledge of Herb Sellers in the Diagnosis of Sickle cell disease in Osun and Oyo States, South western Nigeria. Nigeria Journal of Natural Product and Medicine 19: 51 -55.

 

  1. Fatokun, O.T., Agbedahunsi, J.M., Elujoba A.A (2015). Antisickling Activities of some Nigerian Medicinal Plant.  Nigeria Journal of      Natural Production and Medicine 19: 92-97.

 

  1. Cyril-Olutayo C.M and Agbedahunsi J.M. (2015). Effects of the ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus acunitifolius (Mill) I.M.Johnst on   HBS Red Blood Cells in vitro Nigeria Journal of Natural Production   and Medicine  19: 115-121.

 

  1. Adefokun, D. I., Iwalewa, E. O., Omisore, N., Olorunmola F.O., Akinkunmi, E.O. Iwalewa, O. (2015). In vitro antiplasmodial     activity of methanolic root extract of Boerhavia diffusa on      chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum. European Journal     of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research 2(6): 65-68.

 

  1. Famobuwa, O.E., Lajide, L., Osho, I.B., Owolabi, B., Hassan, G.F. (2015). In vitro antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of         the fruit and stem bark of Tetrapleura tetraptera. Journal of      Pharmacological and Toxicological Investigations 1 (2): 42-44.

 

  1. Fajemiroye, J.O, Ferreira, N.L, de Oliveira, L.P, Elusiyan, C.A, Pedrino, G.R, da Cunha, L.C and da Conceição, E. (2016).     Matricaria recutita and its Isolate-Apigenin: Economic Value,   Ethnopharmacology and Chemico-Biological Profiles in           J. Pharmacog. and Phytochem. 4(4): 17-31.

 

  1. Agbedahunsi, J.M., Adepiti, A.O., Adedini, A.A., Akinsomisoye, A. and Adepitan, O. (2016). Antimalarial Properties of Morinda lucida         and Alstonia boonei on Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine and          Curcuma longa in Mice. Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal     Plants 22: 1-10.

 

  1. Amujoyegbe, O.O., Idu, M., Agbedahunsi, J.M., and Erhabor, J.O. (2016). Ethnomedicinal Survey of Medicinal Plants used in the   Management of Sickle Cell Disorder in Southern Nigeria. Journal    of Ethnopharmacology 185: 347-360.

 

  1. Elufioye, T.O., Obuotor, E.M., Agbedahunsi, J.M. and Adesanya A. (2016). Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity and Structure Elucidation of a New Phytol Derivative and a New Cinnamic Acid   Ester from Pycnanthus angolensis. Brazilian Journal of      Pharmacognosy 26(4): 433 – 437.

 

  1. Elufioye, T.O., Obuotor, E.M., Agbedahunsi, J.M. and Adesanya, A. (2016). Isolation and Characterization of Berginin from   Peltophorum pterocarpum Leaves and its cholinesteraseinhibitory Activities. European Journal of Medicinal Plants 11(2): 1-7.

 

  1. Adediji D.A., Agbedahunsi J.M. and Adewoyin F.B. (2016). Larvicidal and Ovicidal Properties of Some Plants from Asteraceae                  Family against Zika Virus, Dengue and Chikungunya Vector, Aedes        aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine 20: 37-42.

 

  1. Amujoyegbe, O.O., Idu, M., Agbedahunsi, J.M., Obuotor, E.M. and Bazuaye, G.N. (2016). In vitro antisickling and antioxidant     properties of aqueous and ethanol extracts of fifty selected plants used in the management of sickle cell disorder in Southern    Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine 20:    146-160.

 

  1. Oyedapo O.A., Agbedahunsi J.M. and Cyril-Olutayo C.M. (2016). Anti-Sickling Activities of the Stem Bark of Three Khaya Species       Found in Nigeria: senegalensis A. Juss., K. grandifoliola, (Welw)         Cdc., and K. ivorensis A. Chev. Nigerian Journal of Natural           Products and Medicine 20: 161-166.

 

  1. Adewoyin, F.B., Omisore, N.O., Odaibo, A.B., Adewunmi, C.O., Iwalewa, E.O. (2016). In vivo antiplasmodial activity and       haematological parameters of the methanolic extract of     Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker leaves on Plasmodium berghei   berghei in mice. European J. Medicinal Plant 12 (1): 1 – 8.

 

  1. Akanji, O.C., Cyril-Olutayo, C.M., Elufioye, O.T. and Ogunsusi, O.O. (2016).  The antimalarial effects of Momordica charantia and Mirabilis jalapa L. leaf extracts using animal model. Journal of          Medicinal Plants Research, 10(24): 344-350.

 

  1. Olasunkanmi, O.O., Akinpelu, D.A., Adeniyi, P.A., Ajayi, O.F., Omololu-Aso, J. and Olorunmola, F.O. (2017). Investigation into     Antibacterial, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of        Vitelaria paradoxa (Gaertn.) Stem Bark Extracts. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International 20 (6): 1-17.

 

  1. Fisusi, F.A., Notman, R., Granger, L.A., Malkinson, J.P., Schätzlein, G., Uchegbu, I.F.  (2017). T-shaped Peptide Amphiphiles Self         Assemble into Nanofiber Networks. Pharmaceutical    Nanotechnology 5 (3): 215-219.

 

  1. Akinpelu, B.A., Makinde, A.M., Amujoyegbe, O.O., Isa, M.O., Onwobiko, V.C., Akinwotu, A.O., Oladimeji, E.S., Agbedahunsi,          M., Oyedapo, O.O. (2017). Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Antisickling Potentials of Archidium ohioense (Schimp. ex Mull) Extracts. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences 12(1):   18-26.

 

  1. Elufioye, T.O., Agbedahunsi, J.M., Obuotor, E.M. and Adesanya, A. (2017). Anticholinesterase Constituents from the Leaves of      Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae). Biologics 11: 107-114.

 

  1. Fajemiroye, J.O., Mourao, A.A. Marques, S.M., de Oliveira, J L., de Oliveira Neto, P.R., Elusiyan, C.A., Pedrino, G.R., Costa, E.A., da    Cunha, L.C. and Zjawiony, J.K. (2017). Preclinical Assessment of     Cardiovascular Alterations Induced by Birch Polypore Mushroom   Piptoporus betulinus (Agaricomycetes). International Journal of      Medicinal Mushrooms 19(23): 257-265.

 

  1. Olugbade, T. A., Kolipha-Kamara, M. I., C. A., Onawunmi, G. O. and Ogundaini, A. O. (2017).       Essential Oil Chemotypes     of Three Ocimum Species Found in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Med         Aromat Plants 6: 284. doi:4172/2167-0412.1000284.

 

  1. Oyemitan, I. A., Elusiyan, C. A., Onifade, A. O., Akanmu, M. A., Oyedeji, A.O. and McDonald, A. G. (2017). Neuropharmacological         profile and chemical analysis of fresh rhizome essential oil of         Curcuma longa (turmeric) cultivated in Southwest Nigeria. Toxicology Reports 4: 391–398.

 

  1. Elusiyan, C.A., Olawuni, I., Olugbade, T.A., Orafidiya, O. and McDonald, A. (2018). Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Effect and   Characterization of the Essential Oil of Plectranthus aegyptiacus    (Forssk.) C. Chr. Growing in Nigeria. Aromat. Plants 7 (2):        316-320. DOI: 10.4172/ 2167-0412.1000316.

 

  1. Adeniyi, P.A., Olasunkanmi, O.O., Akinpelu, D.A., Ajayi, O.F., Omololu-Aso, J. and Olorunmola, F.O. (2018). Studies of Bioactive Potentials of the Root Extracts of Elais guineensis Against        Pathogens Implicated in Wound Infections. Journal of Advances in          Microbiology 10 (3): 1 – 13.

 

  1. Cyril-Olutayo, M.C., Adewoyin F.A. and Ogunyemi A.O. (2018) Evaluation of the Effects of Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker        Leaf Extracts on Sickle Red Blood Cells. European Journal of   Medicinal Plants 24 (1): 1-10.

 

  1. Fisusi, F.A., Schätzlein, A.G., Uchegbu, I.F. (2018). Nanomedicines in the treatment of brain tumors. Nanomedicine (Lond.) 13 (6):         579-583.

 

  1. Imoru, A., Onibi, G. E., Osho, I. B., Akinola, O. J. (2018). Nutritional and phytochemical evaluations of Moringa (Moringa oleifera ) leaf meal as a potential livestock feed ingredient.        Research Journal of Agriculture 5 (2): 1-6.

 

  1. Imoru, A., Onibi, G. E. and Osho, I. B. (2018). Nutritional and biochemical compositions of Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn)     rhizome powder- A promising animal feed additive. International        Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research 9 (1): 424-429.

 

  1. GRANTS FROM 2014 TILL DATE
  2. Advocacy and development of drugs for sickle-cell disorder in SouthWest Nigeria. Dr. J.M. Agbedahunsi, Dr. N.O. Akinola, Dr. F.A. Oladimeji, Dr. A. Akanmu and Dr. O. Olaogun, GRANT amount N 9,868,488:00
  3. Chemical and biological studies of Tetrapleura tetraptera for livelihood improvement. International Foundation for Science 2014; Dr. (Mrs.) C.A. Elusiyan, GRANT amount USD 15,000.
  4. TETFUND grant for Academic staff training and development programme utilized at Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. November 2014 to February, 2015; Dr. (Mrs.) C.M. Cyril-Olutayo.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICES 

S/N Community services rendered Target population Location Date
1 Production of Paracetamol and Herbal products Nigerians Ile-Ife and Osun State 2015 till date
2 DRPU in collaboration with ATHMSI’s Training Workshop for Traditional Herbal Medical Practitioners Herbal Practitioners Gbongan

Oke Ila Ifedayo L.G,

and OdeOmu (Aiyedaade Local Government) in Osun State

 2015

2016

2016

 
3

 

 

 

 Awareness campaign against Child Sexual Abuse

 

 

 Secondary School students: Ife Girls’ High School, Faith Standard Secondary School etc. Ile-Ife      2015-2016
4 Sickle cell Club  and organization of annual sickle cell day Secondary School students Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife

Moremi High School Obafemi Awolowo University. Ile- Ife

 2016

 

2018

 

ACHIEVEMENTS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS

S/N Extraordinary achievements Date Other achievements Date
1 The Unit initiated the registration of six herbal products, produced in the Unit with NAFDAC. Listing /Registration of three of the Units Herbal Products:- MAMA Decoction, JEDDY Decoction and MAMA Powder with NAFDAC is nearing completion. 2017 Successful completion   of two PhD, five M.Sc (Phytomedicines) graduates and one PGD

(Phytomedicines) from the Unit.

 

The identification and synthesis of many biologically-active compounds isolated from Nigerian Medicinal Plants.

 

Three M.Sc. graduated

 2015

 

 

 

2016

 

 

2017
2 Commencement of clinical trial of a formulated antisickling herbal drug (IFE SICKLIN) at the OAUTHC Heamatology clinic 2016  

 
3 DRPU as TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme Centre of Excellence

Dr Mariamawith Yohanna YESHAK, Addis Ababa had been awarded the Associateship grant to utilise it in the Unit 2016 – 2019

 2016
4 Provisional Patent – Siculine Syrup: A herbal medicine for the management of Sickle Cell Disease.

 

 2017

CONFERENCES ATTENDED

S/N Name Department Programme Location Date
1 Prof. J.M. Agbedahunsi DRPU 2015 World Sickle Cell Day. Theme: Control of Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria at Primary Health care level. National Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. 17th-19th June, 2015.
2 Prof. J.M. Agbedahunsi DRPU 7th Scientific Conference of The Western African Network of Natural Product Scientists (WANNPRES)

Attendance at the 5th National Conference of WANNPRES as National Coordinator of WANNPRES

 Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

 

 

University of Nigeria Nsukka

 9th-13th

August, 2016

 

30th May – 2nd June, 2018
3 Dr. F. O. Olorunmola DRPU 2nd Training workshop on the application of biotechniques to medicinal plant research,

 

Premier medicinal plants summit for west Africa. Theme; The role of medicinal plants research in sustainable healthcare delivery in west Africa.

 

5th Nigerian National Scientific Meeting. Theme: New frontiers in transforming the future of medicinal plants and natural products research.

 Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

 

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

 

 

University of Nigeria, Nsuka.

 June 20-24th

2017.

 

June 28-30th

2017.

 

 

May 30th – June 2nd 2018.
4 Dr. (Mrs) C. A. Elusiyan DRPU Training workshop on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, From Sampling to Data Interpretation, sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry/ Pan Africa Chemistry Network Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana 16-20 March, 2015
5 Dr. H.G. Subair DRPU West African Society for Pharmacology. WASP-SOAP 2015. Development of Indigenous West African Drugs: Pharmacological Perspective.

 

 

World Malaria Day

One-day Conference

 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

 

Department of Medicine, OAUTHC

 18th – 22nd October 2015.

 

 

 

 

26th April, 2018.
5 Miss A. A. Aina DRPU Current Trends for Providing Technological Support for Scientific Knowledge Transfer in the 21st Century University University-Staff Training and Development/Industrial Relations Unit, OAU, Ile-Ife 12th and 13th May, 2015