Prof. Rotimi Olusanya of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, on Wednesday, cautioned Nigerians against the practice of concurrent intake of drugs with alcohol.
Olusanya gave the warning while delivering a paper at the 228th Inaugural Lecture of the university, entitled: “Modulating the Mediators of Life Processes: The Strategic Place of Enzymes in Health and Wellness”.
He explained that antibiotics medication and alcohol could be a dangerous mix, which might increase the risk of unsafe side effects.
The Biochemist, who teaches in the Faculty of Life Sciences, however, recommended the increased, regular and general consumption of ewedu (Corchorus olitorius leaves) because of its potent blood sugar modulatory and immune-boosting activities.
The don pointed out that Nigeria’s common indigenous fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts were very rich in antioxidants, short peptides, and micronutrients.
According to him, studies have shown that they are good modulators of relevant enzymes with the potential to prevent and protect against diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and ulcer.
Olusanya, whose studies span through the search for antihypertensive, diarrhoea, antimalarial, antiulcer, and antidiabetic medications, explained that understanding the structures and functions of enzymes was important for drug design and target prediction.
He explained that the pharmaceutical, food, beverage, detergent, and biofuel industries have reaped the advantages of enzyme catalysis in commercial-scale applications.
The don further explained that other industries, such as natural gas conversion and fine chemical production have more recently considered their use.
While highlighting the significance of Biochemistry in all life sciences, Olusanya appealed to the government to adequately fund and equip laboratories and classrooms in Nigerian universities with state-of-the-art equipment.
He added that the classrooms should also be equipped with facilities that would enhance teaching, training, and research.
Olusanya also advised the pharmaceutical, food, and drinks industries in Nigeria to fund research as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
He encouraged researchers to embark on more collaborative research efforts with the industries as well as clinical and representative studies.
According to him, collaborative efforts will ensure most of the research outputs are not left to gather dust on the shelves but are developed into beneficial products.
(NAN)
