At least nine (9) reasons for increased investment in Natural Products Chemistry research were stongly canvassed by a leading Chemist, Professor Dulcie Mulholland, at the Public Lecture of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, which held on Monday, April 29, 2024.
Presenting on the topic, “Why we study Natural Products Chemistry: Some examples of successful projects”, the Head of Natural Products Chemistry Group at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom traced the commercial and medical value of natural products back to the ancient times of the Egpytian and Chinese empires. She showed, with numerous scientific and historical examples, ways natural products have been integral to drug discovery efforts across civilisations and centuries.
“Natural products have been, and still remain critical to drug discovery”, she said.
She made many references to her research work in South Africa to give credence to the fact that African traditional medicine works. She illustrated this with a kind of leaf, Asteracea, which is used as a traditional oral analgesic. She also mentioned Grewia occidentalis, another gift of nature that is used to ease childbirth and is native to Southern Africa.
Professor Mulholland advocated for increased investment in research into Natural Products Chemistry, enumerating the advantages that come with it.
“Investing in Natural Products Chemistry will help us to understand nature, validate the uses of natural products, find new drugs and new agro chemicals. It comes pack with economic benefits that will better the lot of a country like Nigeria, and it is also a great field for collaborations”, she said.
In his introductory remarks, Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Prof. S.A. Adesegun, described the Guest Lecuter as “an exemplar in the field of Natural Products Chemistry, who has published over 250 publications and produced 50 PhD’s”. He expressed the Department’s gratitude for Prof. Mulholland’s willingness to share her knowledge and experience spanning her entire career.
The blended public lecture (physical and virtual) had in attendance students, industry practitioners, and very senior members of the Faculty, led by the Dean, Prof. Adepoju Bello.
REPORT: Isaiah Kumuyi
PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael Joshua
