Pharmacognosy And Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Dr. Paul Magutu Njaria - Chairman

Prof. Nicholas Kamindu Gikonyo

 Dr. Evelyne Nafuna Wanzala

Dr. Gladys Nyamoita Mokua

Dr. Onyambu Meshack Ondora

Dr. Howard Siambi Kikete

Mrs. Lillian Josephine Njeri

Mr. Gedion Omondi

Mr. Edward Ngigi kariuki

Mrs. Milllicent Odhiambo

Mrs. Angela Mutisya

Mr. Joseph Mwirigi

Mrs. Susan Njeri Muturi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bachelor of Pharmacy

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacognosy)

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry)

1. Pharmacognosy & Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory

The department has an expansive state-of-the-art undergraduate lab facility in the Department. The lab is equipped with equipment, analytical instruments, and specialized resources where students studying Pharmacognosy gain practical experience and hands-on training in the field of natural products and also for advanced research in Pharmacognosy. Some of the lab equipment and apparatus includes; Dissolution Machine, UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Rotary Evaporator, Disk Mill, Lyophilizer, Ultra Low Freezer, Tablet Hardness Tester , Drug Disintegration Tester, Tablet Making Machine, Ampule Filling And Sealing Machine, Electrophoresis Machine, Viscometer, Centrifuges, Analytical Balances, Ovens And Incubators, Organ Bath Systems, Langendorf Apparatus, Analgesiometer, Electrocardiogram Machine and many more!.  

 

2. Kenyatta University Medicinal Research Garden

The Kenyatta University research medicinal garden was formally established and designed by former members of the faculty, Technical staff and undergraduate students of the then department of pharmacy and complementary/alternative medicine in the year 2007. It is strategically situated within the main university land and sits on a 15-acre site, next to Kenyatta university conference centre. The main purpose for its establishment was for fostering teaching and research in the field of pharmacognosy and highlights conservation, cultivation and utilization of different species of plants both in-situ and ex-situ. From inception there has been increased efforts to develop integrative conservative approaches towards indigenous species of plants and those that have been introduced over time as they form a key resource for raw materials used in the development of alternative medicines. It forms an integral part in training undergraduate and post graduate students in the current department of Pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical chemistry in herbal and Complementary/Alternative medicine. The medicinal plants in the botanical garden are also key in the practical sessions of the herbal medicine preparation.

 

Objectives for establishment

 

• To promote cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants both in-situ and ex-situ within the medicinal research garden.
• To strengthen the educational system and research on Medicinal Plants
• To undertake Researches on the development and formulation of Herbal drugs in close collaboration with researchers within the university, Research Institutions and industries
• To develop safe and effective cultivation techniques for herbal medicines
• To employ technology in improving production of medicinal plants within the botanical garden agro-ecological conditions
• To develop micro-propagation systems that are cost effective for mass production of medicinal plants
• To introduce the cultivation of new and exotic medicinal plants of medicinal value to minimize on expenditure.
• To create optimum awareness amongst people about cultivation ,conservation and effective utilization of Medicinal Plants
• To develop a data bank of plants used in traditional medicine in collaboration with herbalist and traditional healers.

 

Table 1. A provisional checklist for potential medicinal plants at Kenyatta university medicinal research garden

 

• National Phytotherapeutics, Research Centre

• Muliru Farmers Conservation Group

• Ufanisi Conservation Group; working under KEFRI-Gede