Northern Nigerian Muslim Female Scientist at Bayero University, Kano Nigeria Makes Striking Progress on Anti-Cancer Drug Using Plants

[Oluwatoyin Vincent Adepoju]

My subject title highlights religion, gender, region of origin and of work of the scientist in order to direct attention to issues relating to these particular indices as reflected in this instance  in the development of forms of knowledge in Nigeria and the world as a whole.

Article in Prestigious Journal Nature 

Developing cancer drugs from African plants

Mansurah Abdulazeez discusses how her visionary plant research could help in the fight against cancer.

Abdullahi Tsanni

•  
•  

Molecular biologist Mansurah Abdulazeez recruits African plants in the fight against cancer. Credit: Mansurah Abdulazeez

Mansurah Abdulazeez is a molecular biologist at the Center for Biotechnology Research, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. Her research aims to identify potent anticancer agents in African plants. Last November, the government of Spain awarded her their Science by Women Fellowship. And in June, she won a Nigerian National Research Grant of 31 million naira (US $86,000) from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. Nature asked Abdulazeez about her life and research.

What can you tell us about your scientific background?

Growing up, I always enjoyed science. I originally wanted to become a medical doctor, but I ended up studying biochemistry during my undergraduate studies at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria. I got my master’s degree, and then my PhD there, studying antihypertensive and anticancer activities of African plants. I was also a visiting scholar at Chiang Mai University in Thailand for six months as part of my PhD research.

Careers toolkit: An early career researcher’s guide to the working world of science, from Nature Careers.

What does your research focus on?

My research is aimed at identifying potent, safe and effective anticancer agents from Nigerian plants. We have screened and confirmed the cytotoxic activities of extracts of the drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and soursop (Annona muricata) trees as well as the native Nigerian shrub Peristrophe bicalyculata on cervical carcinoma and fetal lung carcinoma cell lines. We also studied what anticancer mechanisms these plants exhibit. We found that these plants act in the body through a variety of mechanisms — there is no single mode of action for all plants1.

Why is the study of African plants important for cancer research?

It is well documented2 that these plants have an enormous, largely unstudied anticancer potential. Research into herbs such as Guiera senegalensis, which is used by traditional African healers and known as ‘Sabara’ by locals, has led to the discovery of several anticancer drugs. In my view, this demonstrates how the study of African plants can result in the development of valuable drugs.

What is your advice to young African women who want to pursue science?

Participate in local and international conferences that are relevant to your fields of study, so as to keep yourself updated on cutting-edge research tools, methodologies and funding opportunities. Always ask for support from senior colleagues — and family members — whenever you need it. Remain focused, tenacious and hard working.

doi: 10.1038/d41586-019-02564-x

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

References

1. 1.

   Mansurah, A. A. et al. Rom. Biotechnol. Lett. 18, 7995–8006 (2013).

   • • Google Scholar
2. 2.

   Kuete, V. & Efferth, T. Biomed. Res. Int. 2015, 914813 (2015).

   • • PubMed
     • Article
     • Google Scholar

[Jane Dyer]

This article discusses a phenomenal woman, Mansurah Abdulazeez, and her amazing contribution to the field of science. Abdulazeez studied at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, where she earned her undergraduate degree, master's and PhD. She has studied how different African plants can help cure cancer. Abdulazeez has been successful in finding plants that help destroy cervical and fetal lung cancer. I really enjoyed reading this brief article. I find it very inspiring that people all over the world are contributing to the amazing world of science and adding to global knowledge. I know many people who are currently suffering cancer, so this topic is very important to me. I also think its very inspiring that a woman scientist has done so much for cancer research. She has not been limited in her career due to her gender and has made great and remarkable strides in finding new ways to combat the awful disease. I am also fascinated by the fact that scientists are testing unique and rare plants to cure this disease. I find it very interesting that a flower may be the cure for such a widespread illness! 

[Jesse Zhang]

It is amazing that Mansurah Abdulazeez has been able to acquire such advanced education and achieve significant milestones in scientific research. She would be the perfect role model for women wanting to pursue a career in science and technology. The path of using plants is really intriguing since it would represent a natural way of fighting cancer. If these plants have been historically used for medicine, then it makes a lot of sense to research their chemical properties and try to utilize them. It really goes to show that no matter where you are from or what gender you are, you can achieve anything from passion and hard work.

On Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 11:05:43 PM UTC-5, Oluwatoyin Vincent Adepoju wrote:

[Sunny Kang]

Mansurah Abdulazeez sets a great example for young African women pursuing education. She earned up to her Ph. D at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, studying various plants in the search for a cure for cancer. I find it intriguing that the cure to illnesses not limited to cancer can be found in nature and developed by persistent researchers like this woman. She not only recognizes that African plants have significant potential in the development of valuable drugs, but also encourages young African women to remain focused and really seek the resources that will equip them in their fields of study. This type of cooperation in our functions in society will do much to further our progress in scientific discovery and ultimately, the helping of other people across the globe.

On Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 11:05:43 PM UTC-5, Oluwatoyin Vincent Adepoju wrote:

[Alexandra V Rodrigues]

This article, written by Abdullahi Tsanni, tells the story of an incredible molecular biologist by the name of Mansurah Abdulazeez who studies African plants' possible roles in anticancer treatments.  I find this article, specifically Dr.Abdulazeez herself, incredibly inspiring because she has broken gender barriers that are even more pronounced in Nigeria than here in the US and an example of how a strong work ethic can lead to great success.  Her advice section seems to be on the optimistic side, telling young African women to "Participate in local and international conferences that are relevant to your field of study..." which does not seem like it would be feasible for many young girls but perhaps she believes her audience has access to these possibilities.  I think it's fascinating that she is using traditional practices of healing with plants as a way to focus her studies on plants that have already shown potential medicinal benefits.  

-- 

Alexandra Rodrigues

[Alani]

Mansurah Abdulazeez’s research focuses on the use of African plants as a potential cure for cancer. This research has global importance, especially considering how many individuals and families are suffering from cancer. She is such an inspiration to young women and students, and it is wonderful that she is encouraging other young women to pursue their goals. I am very interested to see what the outcome of this research will be. It has the potential to provide hope to so many people and possibly revolutionize the scientific world.

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

--
Listserv moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfric...@googlegroups.com
To subscribe to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDial...@googlegroups.com
Current archives at http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
Early archives at http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialo...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/usaafricadialogue/CAOwuCrJAagy8ZpE6RW87JuZ4YtZYF2kej6GzAA11nmD2ejcqRg%40mail.gmail.com.

 

[Alani Day]

Mansurah Abdulazeez has the potential to impact millions of individuals suffering from cancer through her research on African plants. It is so inspiring to see a woman who is excelling in her field while also encouraging other young women to pursue their goals. I am interested to see where this research leads. It is so important due to the large global population of people suffering from cancer. Her dedication will hopefully inspire others in her field to participate in this consequential research. 

On Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 11:05:43 PM UTC-5, Oluwatoyin Vincent Adepoju wrote:

[Alani Day]

It is so inspiring to see a woman encouraging other young women to work hard to pursue their goals. Her research is so fascinating and relevant to what so many people are going through globally. I am interested to see the outcomes of this research, and their benefits to the world of science as a whole. Her story serves as an inspiration and provides hope to those suffering from cancer. 

On Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 11:05:43 PM UTC-5, Oluwatoyin Vincent Adepoju wrote:

[Katherine Serradell]

This article talks about Mansurah Abdulazeez, an amazing molecular biologist at Bayero University in Nigeria. In it, she answers questions that talk about her research, how she got her start in science, and her advice to other young African women who want to pursue careers in science. I enjoyed reading this article because of the great focus it has on her accomplishments as an African woman in the field of science. The science field is already very male-dominated, so to see her breaking down gender barriers is inspiring. Aside from that, her research on the health properties of African plants to find anticancer agents is absolutely extraordinary. To see more women in her field of work paves the way for other young women, and to hear her advice of remaining “focused, tenacious, and hard-working” leaves me and many others inspired by her challenges to social norms to overcome the obstacles we face in pursuing our careers as well.

On Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 11:05:43 PM UTC-5, Oluwatoyin Vincent Adepoju wrote:

[Ifeoma Okonkwo]

This article highlights the wonders women bring to the world. I relate to the article on many reasons, but the one I love the most is the confidence she had to continue her passion of science. Not many women in Nigeria let alone Muslim Women have the opportunity to seize a lifetime achievement such as this one.