Nigerian Scientist Dr. Esther Nwanna Receives Prestigious Fellowship for Groundbreaking ResearchNigerian Scientist Dr. Esther Nwanna Receives Prestigious Fellowship for Groundbreaking Research Nigerian scientist and biochemist Dr. Esther Nwanna has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the field of biochemistry. She has been awarded the prestigious International Postdoctoral Fellowship by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Dr. Nwanna’s research focuses on harnessing the power of herbal products to combat metabolic diseases in both humans and animals. She is currently studying the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological potential of plant extracts, with the aim of developing alternative medicine solutions. Her groundbreaking work has demonstrated the anti-anemic, antimicrobial, and gut health-promoting properties of fluted pumpkin leaf extracts. She has also established the anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anticholesteremic effects of diets supplemented with native eggplant fruits. Dr. Nwanna’s research is particularly significant in the context of sustainable agriculture and global health. Her findings aim to reduce the reliance on antibiotics in livestock farming, promote animal welfare, and provide natural alternatives to conventional medications. Her work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has garnered international recognition. Dr. Nwanna’s research has been published in renowned journals, books, and conference proceedings, showcasing her expertise as a global researcher. The AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowship is a testament to Dr. Esther Nwanna’s dedication and innovation. It will enable her to advance her research and further contribute to the advancement of global health and sustainable development.
Nigerian scientist and biochemist Dr. Esther Nwanna has been awarded the prestigious International Postdoctoral Fellowship by the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
The grant recognizes significant contributions to the field of biochemistry and supports groundbreaking research into the molecular mechanism, pharmacological and therapeutic potential of herbal products against metabolic diseases in both humans and animals.
Nwanna is currently conducting groundbreaking research into the application of plant extracts in ethnoveterinary medicine, with the aim of promoting sustainable agriculture in Africa and globally.
Her work not only promises to provide natural alternative medicines to conventional treatments, but also aligns with global efforts to reduce antibiotic use in livestock farming, combating antimicrobial resistance and supporting One Health initiatives.
Her innovative work uses various diagnostic tools and models to explore how bioactive compounds from African medicinal plants can be harnessed to develop alternative medicine solutions. She proposed that Nigeria’s rich biodiversity of medicinal plants has the potential to effectively address global health challenges.
The highlight of Nwanna’s research efforts is her ability to scientifically prove that the leaf extracts of the fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) have anti-anemic, antimicrobial and gut health functions. She has also established the anti-diabetic hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective and anticholesteremic properties of diets supplemented with native eggplant (Solanum spp.) fruits.
Her research in product development has demonstrated the effectiveness of indigenous food sources rich in bioactive compounds from plant products (such as leaves, fruits, seeds and roots) in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Her research is of global relevance and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She has published interdisciplinary research in the field of biochemistry in renowned journals, books and conference proceedings, demonstrating her exceptional qualities as a global researcher with a Hirsch index of 21.
