By Dickson Omobola

A Nigerian research scientist, Mr Toheeb Balogun, has made promising findings from natural products with therapeutic applications for cancer, neurodegenerative and viral diseases.

With cancer cases rising globally, the need for effective treatments is more pressing than ever, particularly in resource-limited settings across Africa, including Nigeria, where access to advanced medical care remains limited. Many people in these areas turn to herbal remedies, although many lack scientific validation and regulatory oversight.

Balogun, through his research, made remarkable progress in developing cancer therapies derived from natural products, providing hope in the fight against the disease.

His research focuses on discovering bioactive compounds in medicinal plants as therapeutic agents.

One of his standout discoveries involves mangiferin, a compound found in mangoes. Using computational methods, Balogun demonstrated that mangiferin could block key pathways in cancer progression, making it a promising drug candidate for breast cancer treatment. This study has been recognised as top 0.5% most cited articles in the Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics where the work was published.

Balogun said: “Natural products have long been used for managing metabolic disorders, and they offer promising therapeutic applications in cancer as well. Uncovering the structural basis and dynamics of mangiferin’s inhibition of cancer progression is a breakthrough discovery.”

In addition to mangiferin, Balogun identified three drug-like molecules in the common elephant ear plant: myricetin, rosmarinic acid, and trans ferulic acid. Computationally, these compounds displayed better binding affinity than the approved drug-gefitinib against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, EGFR, which plays a role in various cancers.

These findings were so compelling that Balogun won “Best Oral Presenter” award at the 2021 Nigeria Bioinformatics and Genomics Network Conference.

Balogun, currently a doctoral researcher at the University of California, San Diego, has also authored over 20 research papers, with his work cited more than 250 times in scientific literature. His current research involves investigating viral inhibitors, particularly for COVID-19 and Ebola virus.

As Cancer Awareness Months emphasises early detection and treatment, Balogun’s groundbreaking work on plant-based therapies shines a light on new treatment avenues. His efforts exemplify the potential of natural products in addressing cancer, offering accessible solutions to patients in Nigeria and other developing countries.