The Scholars
of the WANIDA network
Curriculum :
M. Tech, Food Safety
ACE affiliated :
African Center of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety (ACEMFS), Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
Thesis title :
Investigation of traditional and recent herbal approaches to the treatment of COVID-19.
Start date : January 2021
Problem statement:
The COVID -19 pandemic has had a different impact on people's lives, ranging from the high cost of living to death. It has also wreaked havoc on economies, as business is not going as usual, with the application of lockdown, leading to increased poverty and inequality worldwide. COVID-19 is therefore a health crisis that affects societies and economies at their very core. At present, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Only candidate vaccines have been launched in various countries, but these have been criticized because many people are skeptical about them. Moreover, with speculation of side effects in the body such as blood clots, only a small percentage of people are willing to take the vaccine. What's more, some countries charge a high price for vaccine administration, leaving the man in the street with no choice but to be vaccinated.
Expected result:
The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic activity of known medicinal plants against COVID-19, providing information that will prove beneficial to the healthcare sector, as it will play a global role in pharmacological research, drug and vaccine development for COVID-19, as herbal medicines are considered natural and safe. It will also provide an avenue for the exploration of herbal metabolites as therapeutic agents for COVID-19 infection.
Impact:
This research contributes directly to good health and well-being (United Nations MDG 3) and enables better public access to health information, thereby increasing confidence in medicines. The data and results of this research will guide international organizations and agencies in formulating policies and making decisions concerning COVID-19 infection.
Supervisor :
Dr Dickson Musa, African Center of Excellence for Mycotoxins and Food Safety (ACEMFS), Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
Co-supervisor :
Dr Ibrahim Chindo, African Center of Excellence for Mycotoxins and Food Safety (ACEMFS), Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
Other contributors under PhD/MSc supervision:
Professor Hussaini Makun, ACEMFS center chief.