Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ambunu in Eczema Treatment: A Natural Approach to Inflammatio
Board Location: #55
Discipline: Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: biochemistry
Session: 3
Derrick Nichols - Oakwood University
Co-Author(s): Vierre Richardson Angelique Lightbody
Eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and impaired skin barrier, is often associated with dysregulation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Conventional treatments, while effective, can lead to undesirable side effects, prompting the need for alternative therapies with fewer adverse effects. This study explores the potential of plant-based treatments, focusing on Ceratotheca Sesamoides (Ambunu), a plant native to East Africa, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Using a combination of separation techniques and spectral analysis, saponins present in Ceratotheca Sesamoides were isolated and characterized. Computational analyses were then employed to evaluate the efficacy of these bioactive compounds. Further, computational modeling demonstrated the plant’s ability to interact with key proteins in the JAK-STAT pathway, thereby reducing inflammatory markers associated with eczema. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of indigenous plants like Ceratotheca Sesamoides in managing chronic inflammatory conditions. This research paves the way for future exploration of plant-based dermatological treatments.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF
Faculty Advisor: Cheri Joy Hodnett, cfreeman@oakwood.edu
Role: I was primarily the main researcher that participated in every aspect of this research such as the creation of the hypothesis, abstract, methods, and analysis of the results. Other student researchers assisted with methods carried out for this experiment.