Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Alternate Email Address 1: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Biography: Ebenzer OlatundeFarombi, PhD. FRSC, FAS, FAAS, FATS, FNSBMB, FAMedS Ebenezer OlatundeFarombi is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Toxicology, Fellow Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) UK, Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS), Fellow African Academy of Sciences (FAAS), Fellow Academy of Toxicological Sciences (FATS), USA and Foundation Fellow Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (FAMedS). He bagged Ph.D Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He also holds the National Library of Medicine Training Certificate in Web Resources for Environmental Health and Biomedical Research, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Tennessee, USA. He was Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Liverpool, UK and Visiting scientist at the Institute of Food Safety and Toxicology, Copenhagen, as well as Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Aarhus, Denmark. A former Head of Department of Biochemistry, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, he currently serves as Vice-President of the Society for Free Radical Research (SFRR)-Africa. He is presently the President of Forum of Nigerian Toxicologists (FONToX). Professor Farombi’s research areas over the past 25 years have been on Toxicology of Environmental compounds and Nutraceuticals as Prophylactic agents. He is known nationally and internationally for his novel works on Chemoprevention of diseases such as viral infections, cancers and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases with phytochemicals. Professor Farombi has patented 4 novel compounds from Bitter kola with translational role in the health sector for the management of certain diseases. Worthy of note, his scientific impact globally has been recognized. Following the February 2015 Webometric Ranking of Nigerian scientists, he was ranked number 1 Nigerian Scientist. Ever since, he has been consistently ranked and listed among top Nigerian researchers selected for exceptional research performance and output. In the Top 500 Authors by Scholarly output in Nigeria over the period 2014-2019 by International SciVal Elsevier body, he was Top rated. In the US-based Stanford University World ranking of scientists (2021 & 2022), he was ranked among Top 2% World Scientists, Top 1% Toxicologists in the World and Number 1 Toxicologist in Nigeria. In the AD Scientific Index Ranking of World Scientists (2021), he was ranked best scientist in the University of Ibadan. He has been Visiting Professor to more than 25 world class institutions in 5 continents of the world. He is a recipient of several International Fellowships and Grants including the2014 Society of Toxicology SOT (USA) Global Senior Scholar Exchange Toxicology Fellowship. A very effective, productive and innovative researcher and mentor, he has supervised 120 BSc, 250 MSc and 27 PhD students in Biochemistry and Toxicology. He is the supervisor of the adjudged best PhD Thesis in the discipline of Basic Medical Sciences withing the Nigeria University system during 2009 assessment by NUC and has supervised the best PhD Thesis in the University of Ibadan (2018). He has published 290 scientific articles in reputable international journals, 20 chapters in books, and given over 100 invited lectures in countries spanning 4 continents of the world. My research research areas over the past three decades have been on Environmental Toxicology, Molecular Toxicology, Cellular Oxidative Stress Mechanisms, Reproductive and Antioxidant Redox Biochemistry, Nutraceuticals as Prophylactic agents and Nutrigenomics as well as natural product Biotechnology. The translational works of Professor Farombi have developed and uniquely promoted indigenous knowledge and new therapeutic signatures relevant in disease conditions such as viral infections, liver disorders, neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease Current Research 1. Toxicological and risk assessment of environmental compounds in polluted areas 2. General In vitro, In vivo and Ex vivo toxicity tests and assays forsafety and toxicity of foods, environmental chemicals, cosmetics and drugs 3. Heavy metal detection in polluted areas and in Food products 4. High throughput screening of medicinal herbs and plant substances for safety and toxicity 5. Natural product chemistry and phytochemical analysis of herbal medicinal plants 6. Toxicity and Safety Profile of African based herbal products 7. Genotoxicity and clastogenicity Tests of food, drugs and chemical compounds- Comet and bone marrow micronucleus assays 8. Molecular mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive role of selected natural products in Parkinson and Alzheimer’s diseases 1. Influenza A virus (IAV) is an established pathogenic threat to humans, animals and global health with footprints in almost all continents of the world responsible for the seasonal respiratory infections commonly called FLU, characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary incompetence, mortality and huge economic burden. We demonstrated clearly for the very first time in vivo thatkolaviron prevents influenza virus infection in mice and that it could be explored clinically as anti-influenza and immunomodulatory regimen especially at an early period during Influenza virus outbreak as it modulated influenza-derived morbidity and mortality via moderation of Influenza virus multiplication, regulation of cytokine dysfunction and aberrant immune response, and functional preservation of the lungs and other extra-pulmonary organs. 2. Characterization of a Sesquiterpene lactone compound, Epivernodalolfor the first time from bitter leafVernonia amygdalina and demonstrated its potential anticancer property against human skin cancerusing the skin melanoma cell line (HT-144). 3. We reported for the first time detailed characterisation of kolaviron as an antioxidant and scavenger of reactive oxygen species and metal chelator via inhibition of oxidant-induced DNA strand breaks and oxidised purines and pyrimidines (DNA damage). 4. We demonstrated for the first time in vivo the chemopreventive and antigenotoxic properties of kolaviron against specific liver carcinogens commonly found in our environment such as Aflatoxin B1 5. Our data showed for the first time that Curcumin (diferuloymethane), a yellow colouring agent present in the rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn (Zingiberaceae),administration resulted in enhanced nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) through antioxidant response element (ARE)-directed induction of HO-1 andprotected against drug-induced hepatotoxicity. 6. Deploying a panel of molecular biology tools, we showed for the first time invivo the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties of kolaviron. 7. Protection of polyphenol-rich fraction of soybean via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions against cisplatin-mediated acute toxic injury to the kidney without compromising therapeutic efficacy of the drug. The PhD thesis that emanated from the study was adjudged the best in Basic Medical Sciences in Nigeria Universities by National University Commission (NUC) in the year 2009. 8. Characteriation of α- carotene and β-carotene extracted from red palm oil as free radical scavengers in Azo initiator generated peroxyl radical–mediated peroxidation in organic solution and liposomal membrane. This is the first study to show that α-carotene abundantly present in red palm oil is a better antioxidant than β-carotene in both models. 9. Our study reported for the first time the antiapoptotic activity of Kolaviron in PC12 cells, a rat pheochromocytoma, exposed to endocrine disruptor-atrazine, which established the therapeutic potential against chemical-induced apoptotic cell death in the neuronal system. 10. We showed for the first time in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells the therapeutic intervention of kolaviron in Atrazine-mdiated cytotoxicity. Specifically, for the first time our results demonstrated unequivocally that Kolaviron blocked Atrazine-mediated nuclear changes associated with apoptosis; including nuclear fragmentation, condensation, DNA laddering, and increased caspase-3 activity. Interestingly Kolaviron, prevented Atrazine-induced changes in the expressions of p53, Bax, Bcl-2, p21, and mRNA levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9. These data have opened up a new therapeutic window in progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. 11. In Drosophila melanogaster, we reported the first evidence of the lifespan extension property of Kolaviron and its chemoprotective role in rotenone-induced neuronal damage 12. We reported for the first time the ability ofkolaviron to rescue striatal neuronal damage and redo-inflammation in murine model of Parkinson Disease. 13. Air pollution caused by diesel engine exhaust is a potential environmental risk factor for human health. Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) have a diverse mixture of chemicals including various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and nitrated PAHs. We reported the genotoxic effect of oral administration of DEP using markers of DNA damage, mutations and repair, in the lung of Big Blue® rats. Our data showed for the first time that the lung is a sensitive target organ for primary DNA damage following oral exposure to DEP. 14. We reported for the first time the genotoxicity of chloroquine via generation of ROS in rat liver cells using the alkaline comet assay. 15. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of chemoprevention with 6-Gingerol in ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. 16. Association of Heavy metal accumulation with alteration in the antioxidant enzymes of the African cat fish (Clariasgariepinus) and induction of lipid peroxidation which provided a rational use of biomarkers of oxidative stress in biomonitoring of aquatic pollution. This work reported has received over 700 citations and remains a reference paper for most researchers worldwide in Aquatic toxicology. 17. Induction of transcriptional changes in steroidogenesis marker genes in primary cultures of rat Leydig cells by Atrazine. 18. Induction of Testicular pathology by Nigrostriatal lesioning in rotenone rat model of Parkinson disease-Fresh evidence connecting Parkinson disease with spermatozoa and testicular dysfunction. Selected Publications 1. Farombi E.O.,AwogbindinI.O., Farombi T.H., Ikeji C.N., Adebisi A.A., Adedara,I.A., Aruoma O.I. (2022). Possible Role of Kolaviron, a Garcinia kola bioflavonoid in inflammation-associated COVID-19 InfectionAm J Biopharm Pharm Sci 2022;2:3 CLICK HERE 2. FarombiE.O., Ajayi B.O., Adedara I.A (2020). 6-Gingerol delays tumorigenesis in benzo CLICK HERE 3. Farombi E.O., Awogbindin I.O., Farombi T.H., Oladele J.O., Izomoh E.R., Aladelokun O.B., Ezekiel I.O., Adebambo O.I., Abah V.O.(2019). Neuroprotective role of kolaviron in striatal redo-inflammation associated with rotenone model of Parkinson's disease.Neurotoxicology (Oxford, UK). 2019 Mar 28;73:132-141.CLICK HERE 4. Adedara IA, Abiola MA, Adegbosin AN, Odunewu AA, FarombiE.O., (2019) Impact of binary waterborne mixtures of nickel and zinc on hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in rats. Chemosphere. 237:124501. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124501. CLICK HERE 5. Nkpaa K.W., Amadi, B.A., Wegwu, M.O., Farombi E.O., (2019). Ethanol increases manganese-Induced spatial learning and memory deficits via oxidative/nitrosative stress induced p53 dependent/independent hippocampal apoptosis.Toxicology. 2019 Apr 15; 418:51-61.CLICK HERE 6. Ajayi B.O., AdedaraI.A.,Farombi E.O (2016).Benzo(a)pyrene induces oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, expression of nuclear factor-kappa B and deregulation of wnt/beta-catenin signaling in colons of BALB/c mice.Food Chemical Toxicology (UK). 2016 Sep;95:42-51.CLICK HERE 7. Farombi E.O.,Adedara I.A.,Forcados G.E., Anao O.O., Agbowo A.,Patlolla A.K (2016). Responses of testis, epididymis, and sperm of pubertal rats exposed to functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Environmental Toxicology (USA) 31(5):543-51. CLICK HERE 8. Ebokaiwe A.P.,D’CruzC.S.,Amala Rani, J.S., Mathur P.P., and Farombi E.O. (2015). Nigerian Bonny-Light Crude Oil induces alteration in Testicular Stressresponse Proteins and caspase-3 dependent Apoptosis in Albino Wistar Rats. Environmental Toxicology (USA) 30(2):242-52. CLICK HERE 9. Farombi E.O.,Adedara I.A., Oyenihi A.B.,Ekakitie E., Kehinde S. (2013). Hepatic, testicular and spermatozoa antioxidant status in rats chronically treated with Garcinia kola seed.Journal of Ethnopharmacology 146(2):536-42. CLICK HERE 10. Abarikwu SO.,FarombiE.O., Kashyap M.P., Pant A.B. (2011). Atrazine induces transcriptional changes in steroidogenesis marker genes in primary cultures of rat Leydig cells Toxicology in Vitro (Oxford) 25(8):1588-95.CLICK HERE 11. AbarikwuSO., Farombi, E.O.,Kashyap M.P., Pant A.B. (2011). Kolaviron protects apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells exposed to Atrazine. Free Radical Research (London)45(9):1061-73.CLICK HERE 12. FarombiE.O., Adedara.I.A.,Ebokaiwe A.P.,TeberenR and EhwerhemuephaT. (2010). Nigerian Bonny Light Crude Oil Disrupts Antioxidant Systems in the Testes and Sperm of RatsArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (USA), 59(1):166-74. CLICK HERE 13. Farombi E.O.,ShrotriyaS., Surh Y.J (2009). Kolaviron inhibits Dimethyl nitrosamine-induced hepatotoxicity by suppressing COX-2 and iNOS expression: NF-B and AP-1 as potential molecular targets. Life Sciences (Netherlands) 84: 149-155. CLICK HERE 14. Farombi E.O.,Shrotriya. S., Na H-K., Kim S-H., Surh Y-J (2008). Curcumin attenuates dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver injury in rats via Nrf2-mediated induction of heme oxygenase-Food and Chemical Toxicology (UK) 46:1279-1289. CLICK HERE 15. Farombi E.O.,Fakoya A. (2005). Free radical scavenging and antigenotoxic activities of natural phenolic compounds from dried flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research (USA)49(12):1120-1128.CLICK HERE 16. Farombi E.O., Moller P.,Dragsted L.O. (2004). Ex-vivo and in vitro protective effects of kolaviron against oxygen-derived radical-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in human lymphocytes and rat liver cells. Cell Biology and Toxicology 20 (2): 71-82 (Netherlands). CLICK HERE 17. Müller A.K., Farombi E.O.,MøllerP., Autrup H.N., Vogel U.,Wallin H., Dragsted, L., Loft Binderup M.L (2004). DNA damage in lung after oral exposure to diesel exhaust particles in Big Blue® rats. Mutation Research (Netherlands) (Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis) June 4; 550 (1-2): 123-32. CLICK HERE 18. Farombi E.O.(2000) Mechanisms for the hepatoprotective action of kolaviron: Studies on hepatic enzymes, microsomal lipids and lipid peroxidation in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats. Pharmacological Research (Official Journal of Italian Pharmacological Society) 42(1) July 75-80. CLICK HERE 19. Farombi E.O.,and Britton G (1999). Antioxidant activity of Palm oil carotenes in organic solution: effects of structure and chemical reactivity. Food chemistry (UK) 64 (3): 315-321. CLICK HERE 20. Farombi E.O., Nwankwo J.O.,EmeroleG.O(1997). Possible modulatory effect of browned yam flour diet on chemically induced toxicity in the rat. Food &Chemical Toxicology35: No 11, 975-979 (UK). CLICK HERE CURRENT STUDENTS Masters Level 1. Okana Regina Yenwra (2021): Influence of Tocovid on Cisplatin-induced dysfunction of Endoplasmic reticulum stress and Apoptosis in the brain of mice 2. Rofiat Ayomide Oladimeji (2021): Role OfGarcinia Biflavonoid in Atrazine-induced ReproductiveDysfunction in Male Wistar Rats. 3. Adeboye Adesina Olaseni(2021): Role of Kolavironon Atrazine - induced experiential parkinsonismin Male Wistar Rats. 4. Hadassah Salome Amana (2021): Kolaviron Provides Neuroprotection in Atrazine-induced Neurotoxicity 5. Jessica Miyen-EbiGbemi (2021): Protective Effect of Kolavironon Atrazine-Induced Testicular And Epididymal Dysfunction In Rats. 6. Doris Naomi Olaoyo (2021):Role of Tocovid in Cisplatin-mediated Biochemical and behavioural alterations in the Brain of male mice. Doctoral Level (Selected) 1. Joy PerpetualAnamelechi, Neuroprotective and Pharmacological Roles Diallysuphide On Mercury chloride Induced Neurotoxicity in Balb/C Mice. Year started- 2018 2. MercyOlubunmi. Ojo: Role of 6-Shogaol from ZingiberOfficinale (Ginger) On Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced Oxidative Damage and Inflammation In Female Wistar RatsYear started-2017 3. OyepejuAtarase: The Modulatory Effect of Biochanin A (Bca) On Dextran Sulfate Sodium (Dss)-Induced Colitis InBalb/C Mice. Year started- 2019 4. CynthiaNwamakaIkeji: Neuroprotective influence of Myricetin on AtrazineiInduced Striatal Toxicity In Male Wistar Rats.Year started- 2019 5. Adedayo Adebisi: Modulatory Effects of Gallic Acid on Cyclophosphamide-induced Ovarian Failure. Year started2020 PREVIOUS STUDENTS Masters Level (Selected) 1. Olabiyi Fatima (2016): Ameliorative Role of Taurine In Sodium Fluoride Induced Toxicity Along The Brain Pituitary Testicular Axis. 2. Onyediaka, Caleb Emeka (2017): The Protective Role Of 6-Shogaol and KolavironIn Dextran Sulfate Sodium Model Of Ulcerative Colitis Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Balb/C Mice 3. Maruf OpeyemiRabiat (2018): Chemoprotective Role Of 6-Shogaol in Dextran Sulfate Sodium And Azoxymethane Model Of Colorectal Cancer andits Associated Testicular Dysfunction In Balb/C Mice. 4. Inejulagho, Powoi Stella (2021): Influence of Kolavironon Atrazine - Induced Neurotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats 5. Bamigbade, Dorcas Iyinoluwa (2021):Protective Effect of Tocovidon Cisplatin- Induced Kidney Toxicity in Male Mice Doctoral Level (Selected) 1. *Ekor, M. (2009) Modulation of Gentamicin and Cisplatin-induced renal damage by Methanolic Extract of Soybean in rats 2. Owoeye O (2010): Anticancer activity of Vernonia amygdalina Del. Leaf Extract, its antioxidant and radioprotective properties in the brain of rats. Co-supervised 3. Adesanoye, OA(2010): Antioxidant and Chemoprotective properties of Vernonia Amygdalina Del. Leaf extracts in experimental models of hepatotoxicity and human erythrocyte lysis 4. Akinmoladun AC (2011): Biochemical and Pharmacological properties of methanolic leaf extract of Spondiasmombin Linn 5. Adedara IA (2011): Influence of Kolaviron on Testicular damage and impaired steroidogenesis induced by Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether and Carbendazim in rats 6. Abarikwu SO (2012): The Protective effects of Kolaviron and Quercetin on Atrazine-induced neuronal and testicular damage in cells and rats 7. Oyagbemi AA (2016): Chemopreventive effects of methanol extract of Garcinia kola seed and Kolaviron against cardiotoxicity in experimental rat model 8. *Awogbindin IO (2017): Antioxidative and immunomodulatory effects of Kolaviron on influenza virus-induced toxicity in Balb/c mice. 9. Adeyemo-Salami OA (2017):Antiplasmodial and chemopreventive effects of Paullinia pinnata Linn in ethylene glycol monomethyl ether-induced testicular dysfunction in rodents 10. Maduako I (2021):Chemoprotective Role of 6-Gingerol, A Bioactive Compound From (Zingiber officinal, Roscoe) In Mouse Model of Hepatocellular carcinoma SELECTED PREVIOUS GRANT FUNDING 1. UNESCO Global Network for Molecular and Cell Biology Grant (MCBN) (2001) 2. Danish Research Council Grant (Grant number 9801314) (2002) 3. The John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation Grant for Multidisciplinary Team Research- by open competition (Principal Investigator) (2008) 4. The John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation Grant in the special area of Biotechnology and Medical Chemistry (Principal Investigator) (2009) 5. The John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation Grant for establishment of Center for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP) (2011) Co investigator CURRENT GRANT FUNDING 1. TETFUND National Research Foundation (NRF) Grant (Principal Investigator) on Preclinical Evaluation ofNeuroProtective Role of Kolaviron, a Natural Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Agent, isolated from the Seed of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) in Animal and Drosophila melanogaster Models of Parkinson’s Disease: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms. Role: PI 2. TETFUND Institutional Based Research (IBR) Grant (Principal Investigator) on Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Chemopreventive Role of 6-Gingerol and 6-Shogaol from Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) in Azoxymethane and Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer. 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Name:Ebenezer O. FAROMBI
Designation: Professor
Faculty:Basic Medical Sciences
Department: Biochemistry
Phone Number: +2348023470333
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