Gustav Komlaga

I am an Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy at KNUST, with a dual academic background, holding a PhD in Pharmacognosy (KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana) and Microbiology (University of Paris-Saclay, Chatenay Malabry, France). My interdisciplinary training empowers me to approach the field of natural products research with a comprehensive understanding of both the botanical and microbiological sciences.As a dedicated Natural Products Scientist, my research focuses on exploring medicinal plants for their potential therapeutic applications, with a special emphasis on infectious diseases such as malaria. I am committed to validating the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines traditionally used in Ghanaian communities, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry. Through my work, I seek to provide robust scientific evidence to support the rational and effective use of medicinal plants, thereby facilitating their acceptance in both local and global healthcare settings.My research also extends to the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, with the goal of identifying drug candidates for the treatment of various diseases. Additionally, I am passionate about documenting and preserving the rapidly diminishing traditional knowledge of medicinal plant use, particularly among the communities in Northern Ghana and the Volta Region, where the health benefits of leafy vegetables are often overlooked.Currently, I am leading translational research efforts aimed at developing herbal products that are not only effective but also safe, ensuring they meet global healthcare standards. I strive to contribute to the creation of sustainable and accessible health solutions, particularly in resource-limited settings.With over 20 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious scientific journals, I have also contributed to numerous local and international conferences, furthering discourse on the potential of natural products in modern medicine. My expertise has led me to serve as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for several esteemed journals, including Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry Letters, Parasitology Research, Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Advances in Medicinal Plant Research, African Journal of Biotechnology, Journal of Drug Development and Clinical Trials, and International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Developmental Research.In addition to my academic and research commitments, I am an active member of professional organizations such as the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), and the West African Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (WANNPRES).I completed my O'Level education at Asuom Secondary School in the Eastern Region of Ghana and my A'Level studies at Mawuli School in Ho, Volta Region.