In an era where the need for sustainable, natural healthcare solutions is becoming more critical than ever, Chika Cecilia Unegbu, a visionary researcher, has pioneered two revolutionary patents that promise to redefine the treatment of chronic diseases and contribute significantly to the pharmaceutical industry.
With a remarkable blend of indigenous knowledge and cutting-edge science, her innovations in the fields of diabetes treatment and bioactive compound extraction have already begun to make a lasting impact, transforming healthcare and pharmaceutical practices in Nigeria and beyond.
Her contributions are encapsulated in her two patents: The first is titled, ‘The Process of Producing Cocktail from Pteridium aquilinum, Mucuna pruriens, and Newboldia laevis Leaves Extract for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.’
This patented cocktail offers a revolutionary approach to diabetes treatment by harnessing the therapeutic properties of three indigenous plants: Pteridium aquilinum (eagle fern), Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean), and Newboldia laevis (boundary tree).
Clinical trials on this plant-based cocktail have shown promising results, demonstrating its ability to regulate blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance, offering a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical-based diabetes medications.
The second patent is on ‘The Process of Optimisation of Solvent-based Extraction and Characterisation of Bioactive Compounds from Jatropha tanjorensis for Therapeutic Applications.’
In this patent, the innovation focuses on enhancing the extraction process of bioactive compounds from Jatropha tanjorensis, a plant long recognised for its therapeutic potential.
By optimising solvent extraction methods, she has unlocked a more efficient way to extract potent bioactive compounds, which have immense potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and even cancer.
These patents represent more than just scientific achievement, but also embody a transformative shift in the healthcare industry.
By developing natural remedies from locally sourced plants, she has bridged the gap between modern pharmaceutical research and traditional healing practices, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and culturally relevant solution to the treatment of chronic diseases.
Her patents are poised to have far-reaching consequences for both the local and global pharmaceutical markets, ushering in a new era of plant-based therapeutics. For instance, diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world, and its management remains a significant challenge in many regions, particularly in developing countries.
Again, the patented cocktail offers a promising, sustainable, and affordable alternative to expensive chemical treatments, making it accessible to those who need it the most. The ability to use indigenous plants that have been part of local healing traditions for centuries adds an extra layer of cultural relevance and trust.
Similarly, the optimisation of Jatropha tanjorensis’s extraction process is a major leap forward in the world of phytochemicals. By improving the extraction of bioactive compounds, she has unlocked the plant’s full therapeutic potential, enabling pharmaceutical companies to produce more potent, cost-effective treatments for a range of diseases.
This innovation paves the way for further exploration of other indigenous plants, with the potential to revolutionise the global herbal medicine market. In addition, her innovative research is a boost to local pharmaceutical industries, and the adoption of her patents by local pharmaceutical companies demonstrates the direct impact of her work on the industry.
By empowering local manufacturers with the tools to create affordable, effective treatments, patents are contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector and creating economic opportunities within the region.
The profound impact of these inventions has been felt not just in academic and research circles but also in the commercial pharmaceutical industry.
Three prominent pharmaceutical companies in Imo State have already adopted these patented processes, marking a significant milestone in the development and production of locally sourced therapeutic products.
Game changer for pharmaceuticals
Michael Okosuno, chief executive officer of Evalife Pharmaceuticals Ltd, described the groundbreaking work on the cocktail made from Pteridium aquilinum, Mucuna pruriens, and Newboldia laevis as a game-changer for pharmaceuticals.
“The proven efficacy in managing diabetes naturally aligns with our mission to provide effective, plant-based healthcare solutions to Nigerians. We are proud to be the first to bring this product to market, and the results so far have been outstanding,” he said.
Also, Ifeoma Osunwa, the product manager at Cleansa Herbal Solutions, remarked, “Incorporating Dr. Unegbu’s work on Jatropha tanjorensis into our product line has significantly boosted the therapeutic potential of our anti-inflammatory treatments.
The optimised extraction process ensures maximum potency, and the plant’s bioactive compounds are now more accessible for our patients. We are confident this will revolutionise treatment options for chronic diseases like arthritis and diabetes.”
Peter Anadume, Production Head of Dinos Pharmacy, “We’ve been using Unegbu’s optimised extraction method to produce high-quality bioactive compounds for our new range of metabolic disorder treatments.
The process not only enhances the compounds’ bioavailability but also ensures that we can scale production efficiently. This is a breakthrough in the way we approach therapeutic formulations in our industry.”
The significance of these patents cannot be overstated, especially when considering their potential to improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.
Her invention is addressing healthcare gaps, due to the rising incidence of diabetes and chronic diseases, particularly in developing nations, these patents provide much-needed solutions that are both cost-effective and accessible.
The use of locally sourced plants reduces dependence on expensive foreign drugs and contributes to the local economy by promoting indigenous plant-based therapies.
Her work has significantly enhanced the push for sustainability and the search for natural remedies. The focus on bioactive compounds from indigenous plants aligns with global efforts to develop sustainable, natural remedies. These patents contribute to the growing body of research aimed at harnessing the power of nature to treat diseases in a way that is safe, sustainable, and effective.
Furthermore, the innovative research has significantly improved economic growth. By empowering local pharmaceutical companies to produce these innovative treatments, the patents have the potential to stimulate the pharmaceutical industry in Imo State and the broader Nigerian economy.
Furthermore, these innovations align with the Nigerian government’s initiatives to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported medical products.
“The work has not only pushed the boundaries of scientific discovery but has also created a new paradigm for the future of healthcare in Nigeria and Africa at large,” said Ngozika Nsofor, a renowned medical scientist.
“Her patented processes are poised to set a new standard for how we think about treatment, moving beyond synthetic pharmaceuticals to harness the power of nature in ways that are both sustainable and highly effective.”
The patents have already begun to make a profound impact on the pharmaceutical industry, from their adoption by local companies to their potential to improve patient outcomes worldwide.
These innovations are more than just scientific achievements, but also transformative solutions to pressing healthcare challenges, demonstrating the power of indigenous knowledge and modern science coming together to create a brighter, healthier future.
