Simbarashe Sithole | Natural Products Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Simbarashe Sithole | Natural Products Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Zimbabwe

Author Profiles

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🎓 Academic & Professional Background

Mr. Simbarashe Sithole has conducted extensive research on the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants indigenous to Zimbabwe. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his findings at national and international conferences. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry and is currently pursuing a PhD in Natural Products Chemistry, focusing on natural compound discovery and pharmacological applications.

🧬 Professional Memberships

Mr. Sithole is a dedicated member of Natural Products Research for Eastern and Central Africa – Zimbabwe (NAPRECA–Zim), a network that fosters regional collaboration and development in the field of natural products research.

🧪 Research Contributions

His key contributions include the isolation, purification, and structural elucidation of natural compounds from Dolichos kilimandscharicus. He has also engaged in bioactivity screening and pharmacological evaluation of these compounds for potential antibacterial and anticancer applications. Mr. Sithole actively explores medicinal plants for the discovery of novel bioactive molecules with pharmaceutical relevance. Additionally, he advocates for sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly extraction methods to minimize the environmental impact of natural products research.

Notable Publications📝


📝Determination of the Cytotoxic Effect of Different Leaf Extracts from Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae)

Authors: Anesu Kundishora, Simbarashe Sithole, Stanley Mukanganyama

Journal: Journal of Toxicology

Year: 2020


📝In vitro toxicity determination of antifungal constituents from Combretum zeyheri

Authors: Santana Mapfunde, Simbarashe Sithole, Stanley Mukanganyama

Journal: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Year: 2016


📝An Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Tormentic Acid Congener and Extracts From Callistemon viminalis on Selected ESKAPE Pathogens and Effects on …

Authors: Tafadzwa Chipenzi, Genuine Baloyi, Tatenda Mudondo, Simbarashe Sithole, Godloves Fru Chi, Stanley Mukanganyama

Journal: Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Year: 2020


📝The Effects of Combining Cancer Drugs with Compounds Isolated from Combretum zeyheri Sond. and Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A. Lawson …

Authors: Morris Wende, Simbarashe Sithole, Godloves Fru Chi, Marc Y Stevens, Stanley Mukanganyama

Journal: BioMed Research International

Year: 2021


📝Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effect of the Extracts of the Pods of Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne‐Redh. (Fabaceae)

Authors: Memory Makosa, Simbarashe Sithole, Stanley Mukanganyama

Journal: Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Year: 2021


📝Phytochemical Fingerprinting and Activity of Extracts from the Leaves of Dolichos kilimandscharicus (Fabaceae) on Jurkat‐T Cells

Authors: Simbarashe Sithole, Paul Mushonga, Llewellyn NR Nhamo, Godloves Fru Chi, Stanley Mukanganyama

Journal: BioMed Research International

Year: 2020

Ms. Cynthia Wakhungu, Agricultural Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Ms. Cynthia Wakhungu, Agricultural Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Ms. Cynthia Wakhungu, Technical University of Kenya, Kenya

Professional Profile

Scopus

Professional Summary

  • Dedicated science professional with a strong background in process, research, and analysis. Proficient in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Experienced in report writing, concept notes, proposals, and grants. Excellent tutor and researcher with a passion for developing new technologies and improving processes.

Career Objective🎯

  • To contribute to national economic growth through research and knowledge transfer, while strengthening human development and values.

Skills🛠️

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in data collection, management, and analysis
  • Competent in preparing reports, manuscripts, and proposals
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Effective in multicultural environments

Education🎓

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology (2019 - Present)
    University of Nairobi
  • M.Sc. in Plant Pathology (2016)
    Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
  • B.Sc. General (Botany and Zoology) (2013)
    Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya

Professional Experience💼

  • Assistant Lecturer (03/2023 - Present)
    The Technical University of Kenya
    Teaching, student supervision, and research collaborations
  • Field Officer (01/2021 - 06/2022)
    International Food Policy Research Institute, Kenya
    Market survey on aflatoxin contamination awareness
  • National Program Supervisor/Technical Advisor (06/2021 - 07/2021)
    Ministry of Health Kenya
    Coordination of Measles and Rubella Vaccine campaign
  • Project Team Leader (01/2016 - 03/2016)
    Bioversity International Kenya
    Promotion of agrobiodiversity activities and their impacts on nutrition

Research Interests🔬

  • Mycotoxin analysis and mitigation
  • Plant pathology and disease management
  • Sustainable agricultural practices
  • Biodiversity and environmental conservation

Conferences Attended🌍

  • Responding to Climate Change through Land Governance (2023)
  • Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (2023)
  • Fourth Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (2023)
  • The Future of Malabo Declaration Beyond 2025 (2024)
  • Innovations for Sustainable Production of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (2024)

Notable Publication📝

  • Paper Title: Mycotoxins contaminating herbs and spices in Africa: A review
  •           Authors: Wakhungu, C.N, Okoth, S, Wachira, P, Otieno, N.A
  •           Journal: African Journal of Biological Sciences
  •           Volume: 3
  •           Issue: 3
  •           Pages: 10-28
  •           Year: 2021​

 

  • Paper Title: Incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt on Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea L.) landraces in Western Kenya
  •           Authors: Nderitu, J., Mwaura, L., & Kimenju, J.
  •           Journal: African Journal of Agricultural Research
  •           Volume: 16
  •           Issue: 3
  •           Pages: 401-410
  •           Year: 2021​ ​
  • Paper Title: Distribution of Fusarium wilt of Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) in farmers’ fields of Busia County in Western Kenya and its management using farmyard manure
  •           Authors: Wamalwa, B.M., Nderitu, J.H., Kimenju, J.W., & Kariuki, I.W.
  •           Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology
  •           Volume: 103
  •           Issue: 2
  •           Pages: 543-552
  •           Year: 2021​