Gustav Komlaga
Department of PharmacognosyLife SciencesHealth SciencesPhysical Sciences

Gustav Komlaga

47 Publications23 Research Themes31 Open Access
Research Overview & Focus

The overall research focus is centered around innovative plant-based treatments for health conditions, employing diverse methodologies such as traditional pharmacology, bioactivity studies, and synthetic approaches to address various therapeutic needs across different organisms.

Faculty Biography

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.

Key Research Themes (23)
Life Sciences

Agriculture and Rural Development Research

Health Sciences

Biological Stains and Phytochemicals

Physical Sciences

Carbohydrate Chemistry and Synthesis

Health Sciences

Diverse Scientific Research Studies

Life Sciences

Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection

Life Sciences

Enzyme Production and Characterization

Life Sciences

Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

Life Sciences

Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies

Physical Sciences

Heavy Metals in Plants

Life Sciences

Insect Pest Control Strategies

Health Sciences

Malaria Research and Control

Health Sciences

Morinda citrifolia extract uses

Life Sciences

Moringa oleifera research and applications

Life Sciences

Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions

Health Sciences

Natural Antidiabetic Agents Studies

Life Sciences

Natural product bioactivities and synthesis

Health Sciences

PARP inhibition in cancer therapy

Life Sciences

Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Studies

Life Sciences

Phytochemistry and Biological Activities

Health Sciences

Saffron Plant Research Studies

Life Sciences

Seed and Plant Biochemistry

Life Sciences

Synthesis and bioactivity of alkaloids

Life Sciences

Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Annonaceae

Publications (47)

<i>Duranta erecta</i> L. extracts exert hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-induced toxicity via inactivating NF-kB pathway

Open Access
2025Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and ProtectionDOI: 10.1093/rpsppr/rqaf007

Antidiabetic Activity of a Ghanaian Herbal Product, DBT-57A: An Observational Study

Open Access
2025Natural Antidiabetic Agents StudiesDOI: 10.1101/2025.05.14.25327662

Antimalarial activity of the aqueous extract and anthraquinones from the root of Senna siamea (LAM) H.S. Irwin &amp; Barneby (Fabaceae).

Open Access
2025Essential Oils and Antimicrobial ActivityDOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02579

A bioactive fraction from the leaves of Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. exhibits antiproliferative activity via cell cycle arrest at the G1/S checkpoint and initiation of apoptosis via poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1) cleavage in HeLa cells.

2025PARP inhibition in cancer therapyDOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119363

Malaria: Epidemiology, Life Cycle of Parasite, Control Strategies and Potential Drug Screening Techniques

Open Access
2024Malaria Research and ControlDOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1007804

In vitro cytotoxic activity of five Ghanaian plants on human cancer cell lines

Open Access
2024Natural Antidiabetic Agents StudiesDOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02477

In vitro antiproliferative activities of some Ghanaian medicinal plants

Open Access
2024Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants StudiesDOI: 10.1186/s40816-024-00383-w

In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Five Ghanaian Plants on Human Cancer Cell Lines

Open Access
2024Diverse Scientific Research StudiesDOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4880373

A review of preclinical evidence of Cryptolepis nigrescens (Wennberg) L. Joubert. and Bruyns., Prosopsis africana (Guill. and Perr.) Taub. and Pterygota macrocarpa K. Schum. traditionally used to manage tumours in Ghana

2023Synthesis and bioactivity of alkaloidsDOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117475

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used to treat HIV, cancer and diabetes in some communities of Ashanti Region, Ghana

2023Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants StudiesDOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2023.100648

Antimalarial Properties of <i>Sida cordifolia</i> L. Leaf Extract in Mice: Survivability Depends Less on Parasitaemia Suppression

Open Access
2023Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants StudiesDOI: 10.1155/2023/5560711

Safety evaluation of hydroethanolic fruit extracts of Duranta erecta Linn

Open Access
2022Phytochemistry and Biological ActivitiesDOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6330280

Safety evaluation of hydroethanolic fruit extracts of Duranta erecta Linn

Open Access
2022Phytochemistry and Biological ActivitiesDOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2022.18.2.0067

Hura crepitans stem bark extract: A potential remedy to sub-acute liver damage

2021Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and ProtectionDOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114768

Antimalarial Property and Acute Toxicity of the Leaves of Theobroma cacao L.

Open Access
2021Traditional and Medicinal Uses of AnnonaceaeDOI: 10.1155/2021/2852442

Evaluation of the Acute Hepatoprotective Potential of Hydroethanolic Extract of Duranta erecta L. Parts

Open Access
2020Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and ProtectionDOI: 10.1155/2020/8815719

Extracts of Hura crepitans L. stem bark attenuate liver injury and inflammation induced by CCl4 in rats

2020Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and ProtectionDOI: 10.1007/s00580-020-03172-2

Five new cassane diterpenes from the seeds and bark of Erythrophleum suaveolens

Open Access
2020Biological Stains and PhytochemicalsDOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104700

Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Safety Evaluation of Hura crepitans (L.) Stem Bark Hydroethanolic Extract in Animals

Open Access
2020Natural Antidiabetic Agents StudiesDOI: 10.9734/ejmp/2020/v31i830255

Toxicity of the Hydroethanolic Leaves Extract of Duranta erecta L. in Rat Models

2020Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection

Toxicity of the Hydroethanolic Leaves Extract of Duranta erecta L. in Rat Models

Open Access
2020Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and ProtectionDOI: 10.9734/jpri/2020/v32i630441

Hepatoprotective Potential of Hura crepitans L.: A Review of Ethnomedical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies

Open Access
2020Natural Antidiabetic Agents StudiesDOI: 10.9734/jocamr/2020/v9i230136

Evaluation of the Microbial Load and Heavy Metal Content of Two Polyherbal Antimalarial Products on the Ghanaian Market

Open Access
2020Heavy Metals in PlantsDOI: 10.1155/2020/1014273

Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Profiles of <i>Duranta erecta</i> L. Parts

Open Access
2019Phytochemistry and Biological ActivitiesDOI: 10.1155/2019/8731595

Phytochemistry, proximate and antioxidant properties of some indigenous leafy vegetables

Open Access
2019Seed and Plant BiochemistryDOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2019.3.1.0044

Toxicity and Safety Implications of Herbal Medicines Used in Africa

Open Access
2019Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants StudiesDOI: 10.5772/intechopen.72437

Antiplasmodial Securinega alkaloids from Phyllanthus fraternus: Discovery of natural (+)-allonorsecurinine

2017Phytochemistry and Bioactivity StudiesDOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2017.08.045

Antileishmanial and Trypanocidal Activities of Extracts and Aporphine Alkaloids Isolated from Monodora Genus (Annonaceae)

Open Access
2017Traditional and Medicinal Uses of AnnonaceaeDOI: 10.4172/2472-0992.1000136

Pyrrolidine alkaloids and their glycosylated derivatives from the root bark of Dichrostachys cinerea (L) Wight &amp; Arn. (Fabaceae)

2016Carbohydrate Chemistry and SynthesisDOI: 10.1016/j.phytol.2016.05.002

Antiplasmodial activity of selected medicinal plants used to treat malaria in Ghana

2016Phytochemistry and Bioactivity StudiesDOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5080-8

The Antimalarial Potential of Three Ghanaian Medicinal Plants

Open Access
2015Diverse Scientific Research StudiesDOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8366366

Search for antiplasmodial compounds from Ghanaian medicinal plants

Open Access
2015Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Studies

Medicinal plants and finished marketed herbal products used in the treatment of malaria in the Ashanti region, Ghana

2015Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants StudiesDOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.041

Cassane diterpenoids from stem bark of Erythrophleum suaveolens [(Guill. et Perr.), Brenan]

2015Biological Stains and PhytochemicalsDOI: 10.1016/j.phytol.2015.04.002

The Antimalarial Potential of Three Ghanaian Medicinal Plants

Open Access
2015Traditional and Medicinal Uses of AnnonaceaeDOI: 10.21767/2472-0151.10004

Vegetative growth of different strains of Pleurotus and Lentinula species on cassava (Manihot esculenta) and yam (Dioscorea rotundata) wastes in Ghana.

2014Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Selective Antibacterial Effects of &lt;i&gt;Euadenia eminens&lt;/i&gt; Root Bark

Open Access
2012Natural product bioactivities and synthesisDOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v9i2.14

Hypoglycaemic and Antioxidant Activities of the Stem Bark of Morinda Lucida Benth in Streptozotocin – Induced Diabetic Rats

2011Morinda citrifolia extract usesDOI: 10.5530/pc.2011.2.5

Pharmacognostic Standardization of the Leaves and Root Bark of Caesalpinia benthamiana

2011Biological Stains and PhytochemicalsDOI: 10.5530/pj.2011.24.6

Acaricidal effect of an isolate from Hoslundia opposita vahl against Amblyomma variegatum (Acari: Ixodidae)

Open Access
2011Insect Pest Control StrategiesDOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.85004

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of the leaves and stem bark of Glyphaea brevis (Spreng) Monachino (Tiliaceae): A comparative study

Open Access
2011Moringa oleifera research and applicationsDOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.85001

Antiypertensive action of ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica leaves in animal models.

Open Access
2010Saffron Plant Research StudiesDOI: 10.5897/jmpr09.298

Influence of variety and growth environment on β-amylase activity of flour from sweet potato (Ipomea batatas)

2009Enzyme Production and CharacterizationDOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2009.05.005

Antimicrobial Activity Of Essential Oils Of &lt;i&gt;Xylopia aethiopica&lt;/i&gt;

Open Access
2008Traditional and Medicinal Uses of AnnonaceaeDOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v5i4.31295

Flavonoid constituents of the mature fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera schum. Et Thonn.)

Open Access
2006Natural product bioactivities and synthesisDOI: 10.4314/just.v26i1.32961

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF Hymenostegia afzelii AND Napoleanea vogelii

Open Access
2006Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies

Proceedings of quarter 2 and year 2 project review meeting. Final report 2 on project outputs 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3. Food Research Institute (FRI), Accra, Ghana. 19 pp.

2004Agriculture and Rural Development Research
Academic Metrics
DepartmentDepartment of Pharmacognosy
Total Publications47
Research Themes23
Open Access Papers31

Department of Pharmacognosy

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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