Babatomiwa Kikiowo, expert researcher at Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Virginia, United States, has revealed significant advancement in research that underscores the potential of plant-based compounds in revolutionizing drug discovery. Graduating top of his biochemistry cohort at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Babatomiwa advanced to the role of research scientist at the Center for Biocomputing and Drug Development at the same university, before pursuing his doctoral degree at Virginia Polytechnic and State University.
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In an exclusive interview, he noted “There are hidden gems in nature that if critically explored, possess tremendous biochemical possibilities to address some of the toughest public health challenges globally. Phytochemicals from these plants can be extracted to expertly target specific cells and genes to inhibit the action of disease agents in the body”.

In one such research, Babatomiwa Kikiowo explored the potential of compounds such as naringenin, dihydroresveratrol, baicalein, apigenin, and cannabitriol, found in Cannabis sativa, to address breast cancer.

The WHO reports that in 2022, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally, making the disease amongst the top 1 causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Babatomiwa’s groundbreaking research showed the efficacy of these compounds to effectively inhibit ER-α (estrogen receptor alpha), the protein involved in the proliferation of breast cancer cells.
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Babatomiwa, who has previously identified the therapeutic potential of Chromolaena odorata phytochemicals, ombuin and quercetin, in effectively inhibiting human pancreatic α-amylase for the treatment of type II diabetes with minimal side effects, where long term treatment is necessary remarked that “By examining the intricate compounds found in plants, we can potentially unlock powerful new treatments that address significant health issues around the globe.”

His research suggests that these compounds, often overlooked in traditional drug discovery processes, could hold the key to developing more effective therapies for a variety of diseases, including those resistant to current medications.

Kikiowo’s research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in drug discovery, drawing from nature’s vast reservoir of medicinal compounds to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. This is also critically captured in his research such as “A multi-target approach for the discovery of Anti Breast Cancer Agents from Plants Secondary Metabolites” published in the Letters in Drug Design & Discovery journal, “Discovery of traditional Chinese medicine derived compounds as wild type and mutant Plasmodium falciparum dihyrofolate reductase inhibitors: Induced fit docking and ADME studies”, published in the Current Drug Discovery Technology journal and “In silico molecular studies of natural compounds as possible anti-Alzheimer’s agents: ligand-based design”, published in the Network Modeling Analysis in Health Informatics and
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Bioinformatics journal
As the global health landscape evolves, the work of expert pathobiology researchers like Babatomiwa Kikiowo is crucial in developing innovative, plant-based solutions that are both accessible and effective. As Kikiowo continues to set the pace in drug development and discovery, his research shows significant promise that the future of drug discovery may well depend on these plant-based compounds.
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