Harnessing the expertise and support of the Nigerian diaspora could be decisive in turning them into treatments that benefit patients
A Canada-based Nigerian scientist has appealed to members of the diaspora and the global research community to collaborate in developing affordable treatments for type-2 diabetes using Nigeria’s rich biodiversity. He emphasised that stronger ties between local researchers and international institutions could accelerate the search for new therapies through sharing expertise, data and technology .
He called for national investment in computational drug discovery, clinical trials for indigenous plants, and integrating herbal medicine into official treatment guidelines. He also urged partnerships with local farmers to cultivate and sustainably harvest medicinal plants .
“By leveraging our biodiversity with modern drug discovery methods, we can identify active compounds that could be developed into effective and affordable treatments for diseases such as type-2 diabetes,” he said .
In his latest study, the scientist used computer modelling on the n-butanol fraction of Blighia welwitschii leaves, identifying compounds—including rutin, quercetin, cyanidin and others—that bind to and inhibit the enzyme 11β-HSD1, which is linked to high blood sugar and insulin resistance .
He noted that while current treatments are effective, they can be costly and have side effects—highlighting that plant-based solutions may offer culturally familiar, cost-effective alternatives. He stressed that translating computer-based predictions into real-world treatments requires political will, dedicated funding and coordinated action between local institutions, diaspora networks and international partners .
“These findings are more than scientific possibilities; they are pathways to locally driven solutions,” he said. “Harnessing the expertise and support of the Nigerian diaspora could be decisive in turning them into treatments that benefit patients.”