B.Sc. (Biochemistry), University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
M.Sc. (Pharmacology and Toxicology), University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
PhD. (Pharmacology), University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Post. Bach. (Biotechnology), Madison Area Technical College, USA
Post. Bach. (Stem cell technologies), Madison Area Technical College, USA
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Pharmacology (medical), Cancer Research, Cell Biology, Complementary and Manual Therapy
Apoptotic Potential of Iloneoside from Gongronema latifolium Benth against Prostate Cancer Cells Using In Vitro and In Silico Approach Gideon A. Gyebi, Saheed O. Afolabi, Oludare M. Ogunyemi, Ibrahim M. Ibrahim, Olufunke E. Olorundare, et al. Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2025 Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men worldwide. The anti-proliferative activity of Gongronema latifolium leaf extracts on some cancer cells has been reported. Herein, we investigated the growth inhibitory effect of the Gongronema latilolium leaf methanol extract and isolated pregnane (iloneoside) against prostate cancer cell lines using the MTT cell proliferation assay, apoptosis quantification, cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry and computational analysis molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation (MDs), binding free energy computation and cluster analysis. In addition, UPLC-ESI-TOFMS chemical fingerprinting of previously isolated compounds was performed. The extract inhibited the growth of the cell lines with an IC50 of 49.3 µg/ml and 28.4 µg/ml for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, for PC3; and 43.7 µg/ml and 22.3 µg/ml for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, for DU145. Iloneoside demonstrated low inhibitory activities against PC3 and DU145 (IC50 > 80 μM). Apoptotic quantification and cell cycle analysis further showed that iloneoside induced apoptosis in a few cells at a dose of 200 uM. The ensemble-based molecular docking of the iloneoside to BCL-XL and BCL-2 proteins, and docking to MCL-1, BCL-A1 and BFL-1 proteins, respectively, presented binding energies of −7.22 ± 0.5, −8.12 ± 0.55, −7.1, −7.2 and −6.3 kcal/mol, while the MM/PBSA binding free energy was −25.72 ± 7.22 and −27.76 ± 11.32 kcal/mol for BCL-XL and BCL-2 proteins. Furthermore, iloneoside was stable during the 100 ns MDs analysis, while the clustering of the MDs trajectories showed that the interactions were strongly preserved. Iloneoside, in part, or in synergy with other constituents, may be responsible for the antiproliferative activities of the leaf, subject to further investigation.
Oxidized dietary lipids induce vascular inflammation and atherogenesis in post-menopausal rats: estradiol and selected antihyperlipidemic drugs restore vascular health in vivo Joy Temiloluwa Folahan, Olufunke Esan Olorundare, Abayomi Mayowa Ajayi, Adeoye Oyetunji Oyewopo, Sunday Sokunle Soyemi, et al. Lipids in Health and Disease, 2023 Background Thermoxidation of edible oil through deep fat frying results in the generation of several oxidized products that promote lipid peroxidation and ROS production when eaten. Consumption of thermoxidized oil in post-menopausal conditions where the estrogen level is low contributes to cardiovascular disease. This study evaluates the role of estradiol and antihyperlipidemic agents (AHD) in restoring the vascular health of ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed with thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) and thermoxidized soya oil (TSO) diets. Method A total of 10 groups of rats (n = 6) were set up for the experiment. Group I (normal control) rats were sham handled while other groups were OVX to bring about estrogen deficient post-menopausal state. Group II (OVX only) was not treated and received normal rat chow. Groups III-X were fed with either TPO or TSO diet for 12 weeks and treated with estradiol (ETD) 0.2 mg/kg/day, atorvastatin (ATV) 10 mg/kg/day, and a fixed-dose combination of ezetimibe and ATV (EZE 3 mg/kg/day + ATV 10 mg/kg/day). Results Pro-atherogenic lipids levels were significantly elevated in untreated TSO and TPO groups compared to OVX and sham, resulting in increased atherogenic and Coronary-risk indices. Treatment with Estradiol and AHDs significantly reduced the total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as AI and CRI compared to untreated TSO and TPO groups, whereas TSO and TPO groups showed significant elevation in these parameters compared to Group I values. Moreover, aortic TNF-α levels were extremely elevated in the untreated TSO and TPO compared to Group I. TNF-α levels were significantly reduced in rats treated with AHDs and ETD. Localized oxidative stress was indicated in the aortic tissues of TSO and TPO-fed OVX rats by increased malondialdehyde and decreased glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels. This contributed to a depletion in aortic nitric oxide. AHDs and ETD replenished the nitric oxide levels significantly. Histological evaluation of the aorta of TSO and TPO rats revealed increased peri-adventitia fat, aortic medial hypertrophy, and aortic recanalization. These pathologic changes were less seen in AHDs and ETD rats. Conclusion This study suggests that ETD and AHDs profoundly attenuate oxidized lipid-induced vascular inflammation and atherogenesis through oxidative-stress reduction and inhibition of TNF-α signaling.
Comparative Therapeutic Effect of Single/Combined Administration of Saxagliptin, Metformin and Intranasal Insulin on Dexamethasone Induced Insulin Resistance in Wistar Rat Model Jephtah Oche, Olufunke Olorundare, Saheed Afolabi, Mary Ologe, Anoka Njan, et al. Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences, 2023 Glucocorticoids have therapeutic benefits in the management of several inflammatory and immunological disorders. Despite these medicinal effects, they have the drawback of causing metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance etc., which is known to be a key indicator of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a major predisposing factor to type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiomyopathy. This study was designed to compare and evaluate the effects of saxagliptin, metformin and intranasal insulin (when used singly or in combination) on dexamethasone induced insulin resistance. Fifty-six female rats were randomly assigned into eight groups. Group 1 represented the control; Group 2 was administered with dexamethasone (1mg/kg) (untreated); Group 3 received dexamethasone + intranasal insulin (2IU); Group 4 received dexamethasone + intranasal insulin + metformin (40mg/kg); Group 5; received dexamethasone + intranasal + saxagliptin (8mg/kg); Group 6 received dexamethasone + metformin (40mg/kg); Group 7 received dexamethasone + saxagliptin (8mg/kg); Group 8 received dexamethasone + saxagliptin(8mg/kg) + metformin(40mg/kg). Treatments were given for one week. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for biochemical assays and pancreas excised for histological examination. Dexamethasone (1mg/kg) induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance and disrupted the structural integrity of the pancreas. Treatment with saxagliptin, metformin and their combination significantly decreased blood glucose level, decreased LDL Level and improved glucose tolerance. The selected hypoglycemic agents used in present study ameliorate the dexamethasone induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance of which the combination of metformin with saxagliptin showed greater efficacy.
Antimalarial phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 guanine N7-methyltransferase (nsp 14): an integrated computational approach Gideon A. Gyebi, Oludare M. Ogunyemi, Adedotun A. Adefolalu, Juan F. López-Pastor, Antonio J. Banegas-Luna, et al. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 2023 The inhibition of capping enzymes such as guanine-N7-methyltransferase (GMT) is an attractive target for regulating viral replication, transcription, virulence, and pathogenesis. Thus, compounds that target the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 GMT (S2GMT) will enhance drug development against COVID-19. In this study, an in-house library of 249 phytochemicals from African medicinal plants was screened using computational approaches including homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, binding free energy calculations based on molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) and Absorption-Distribution-Metabolism-Excretion-Toxicity (ADMET) analysis for inhibitors of S2GMT. The top-ten ranked phytochemicals (TTRP) obtained from the docking analysis to S2GMT were further docked to SARS-COV N7-MTase. Among the TTRP, the top-four ranked phytocompounds (TFRP) viz: 3 alkaloids (Isocryptolepine, 10'-Hydroxyusambarensine and Isostrychnopentamine) and a flavonoid (Mulberrofuran F) interacted strongly with critical catalytic residues whose interference either reduce or completely abolish N7-MTase activity, indicating their potential as capping machinery disruptors. The interactions of TFRP with the catalytic residues of S2GMT were preserved in a 100 ns simulated dynamic environment, thereby, demonstrating high degree of structural stability. The MMPBSA binding free energy calculations corroborated the docking scores with biscryptolepine having the highest binding free energy to S2GMT. The TFRP showed favourable drug-likeness and ADMET properties over a wide range of molecular descriptors. Therefore, the TFRP can be further explored as potential S2GMT inhibitors in in vitro and in vivo experiments.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Screening of Selected Nigerian Medicinal Plants/Seeds for Growth Inhibitory Activity against Human Leukemia HL-60 Cells and DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity African Journal of Biomedical Research, 2021
Gastroprotective effect of locally formulated Nigerian herbal supplement from 5 plants SO Afolabi, GA Gyebi, OE Raji, Damilola & Olorundare Science World Journal 21 (1), 115-120 , 2026 2026
Correction to “Polyalthia longifolia Extract Triggers ER Stress in Prostate Cancer Cells Concomitant with Induction of Apoptosis: Insights from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies” SO Afolabi, OE Olorundare, A Babatunde 2026
Toxicological Assessment of the Moringa Species: A Minireview SO Afolabi, H Adeleye, W Okan, O Asuku, S Oladimeji, FR Babalola, ... Journal of Anatomical Sciences 17 (1), 203-213 , 2026 2026
Recent Trends in Heavy Metal Poisoning and Management: A Concise Review S Afolabi, S Oloyede, A Adeosun, I Funsho, O Rotimi, Y Hassanat, A Njan Journal of Anatomical Sciences 17 (1), 221-231 , 2026 2026
SEX-SPECIFIC SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY AND IMMUNOMODULATORY PROFILE OF A NIGERIAN POLYHERBAL SUPPLEMENT (NAPHERBS) IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS SO Afolabi, O Olorundare, O Akanbi, S Ibiyemi Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences 40 (2), https://doi.org/10.54548/ , 2025 2025
Comparative effects of alternate tobacco products and traditional tobacco smoking on various organ/systems: A guide to regulators and health policy makers SO Afolabi, SO Olaoye, A Nyamgee, AA Njan Toxicology Reports 15, 102100 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Protective Effect of Pleurotus tuberregium Polysaccharide (PTP) and Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide (GLP) on Lead-Induced Testicular Derangement in Rats MO Sobowale, OE Olorundare, SO Afolabi, AM Ajayi, JT Aghogho Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Medicines (ISSN: 2756-6838) 5 (3-4 … , 2025 2025
Sub-Acute Toxicological Evaluation of An Artemesia-Based Moringa Supplement (AMS) SO Afolabi, OE Olorundare, OB Akanbi, MK Bello, JT Folahan, S Ibiyemi The Tropical Journal of Health Sciences 32 (2), 32-38 , 2025 2025
Apoptotic Potential of Iloneoside from Gongronema latifolium Benth against Prostate Cancer Cells Using In Vitro and In Silico Approach GA Gyebi, SO Afolabi, OM Ogunyemi, IM Ibrahim, OE Olorundare, ... Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics 83 (1), 755-776 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Cholinergic Inhibition and Antioxidant Potential of Gongronema latifolium Benth Leaf in Neurodegeneration: Experimental and In Silico Study GA Gyebi, JC Ejoh, OM Ogunyemi, SO Afolabi, IM Ibrahim, GO Anyanwu, ... Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics 83 (1), 1-23 , 2025 2025 Citations: 10
Alleviation of oxidized lipid-induced oxidative stress and hypertension by estrogen and selected antihyperlipidemic drugs in post-menopausal Wistar rats JT Folahan, AO Oyewopo, OA Adejumobi, AM Ajayi, SO Afolabi, O Atolani, ... INNOSC Theranostics and Pharmacological Sciences 7 (4), 3901 , 2024 2024
Mechanisms of stretch-induced electro-anatomical remodeling and atrial arrhythmogenesis RY Medvedev, SO Afolabi, DGP Turner, AV Glukhov Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology 193, 11-24 , 2024 2024 Citations: 18
Hazard assessment and cytogenotoxic effect of different concentrations of mercury chloride sterilant using the Allium cepa assay DA Animasaun, PA Adedibu, SO Afolabi, KA Abdulkareem, S Ibrahim, ... Discover Toxicology 1 (1), 2 , 2024 2024 Citations: 19
Identification of potential inhibitors of cholinergic and β-secretase enzymes from phytochemicals derived from Gongronema latifolium Benth leaf: an integrated … GA Gyebi, OM Ogunyemi, IM Ibrahim, OB Ogunro, SO Afolabi, RJ Ojo, ... Molecular Diversity 28 (3), 1305-1322 , 2024 2024 Citations: 17
Hazzard assessment and cytogenotoxic effects of different concentrations of mercury chloride sterilant using an onion (Allium cepa) assay DA ANIMASAUN, PA ADEDIBU, SO AFOLABI, KA ABDULKAREEM, ... 2024
GC/MS Analysis and a 30-day Toxicological Evaluation of a Nigerian Immunomodulatory Polyherbal Supplement (PHS) SO Afolabi, O Olorundare, OB Akanbi, MK Bello, A Njan, OA Agede, ... Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Medicines (ISSN: 2756-6838) 3 (2), 1-14 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Probing the multitargeting potential of n -hexane fraction of Gongronema latifolium leaves in neurodegeneration via in vitro, GC–MS and in silico studies GA Gyebi, JC Ejoh, OM Ogunyemi, AM Ibrahim, IM Ibrahim, SO Afolabi, ... Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 9 (1), 84 , 2023 2023 Citations: 6
Oxidized dietary lipids induce vascular inflammation and atherogenesis in post-menopausal rats: estradiol and selected antihyperlipidemic drugs restore vascular health in vivo JT Folahan, OE Olorundare, AM Ajayi, AO Oyewopo, SS Soyemi, ... Lipids in Health and Disease 22 (1), 107 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
Antimalarial phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 guanine N7-methyltransferase (nsp 14): an integrated computational approach GA Gyebi, OM Ogunyemi, AA Adefolalu, JF Lopez-Pastor, ... Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 41 (11), 5022-5044 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Comparative therapeutic effect of single/combined administration of saxagliptin, metformin and intranasal insulin on dexamethasone induced insulin resistance in albino wistar … J Oche, O Olorundare, S Afolabi, M Ologe, A Njan, O Akanbi Niger J Physiol Sci 38 (1), 37-46 , 2023 2023 Citations: 9
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Potential inhibitors of coronavirus 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro ): an in silico screening of alkaloids and terpenoids from African medicinal plants GA Gyebi, OB Ogunro, AP Adegunloye, OM Ogunyemi, SO Afolabi Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 39 (9), 3396-3408 , 2021 2021 Citations: 292
Inhibition mechanism of alpha-amylase, a diabetes target, by a steroidal pregnane and pregnane glycosides derived from Gongronema latifolium Benth OM Ogunyemi, GA Gyebi, A Saheed, J Paul, V Nwaneri-Chidozie, ... Frontiers in molecular biosciences 9, 866719 , 2022 2022 Citations: 123
Fisetin targets YB-1/RSK axis independent of its effect on ERK signaling: insights from in vitro and in vivo melanoma models M Sechi, RK Lall, SO Afolabi, A Singh, DC Joshi, SY Chiu, H Mukhtar, ... Scientific reports 8 (1), 15726 , 2018 2018 Citations: 58
A 90 day chronic toxicity study of Nigerian herbal preparation DAS-77 in rats SO Afolabi, AJ Akindele, O Awodele, CC Anunobi, OO Adeyemi BMC complementary and alternative medicine 12 (1), 79 , 2012 2012 Citations: 56
Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry: insight from in silico interaction of drug-like alkaloids with spike glycoprotein, human ACE2, and TMPRSS2 GA Gyebi, AP Adegunloye, IM Ibrahim, OM Ogunyemi, SO Afolabi, ... Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 40 (5), 2121-2145 , 2022 2022 Citations: 54
Alkaloids and flavonoids from African phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of SARS-Cov-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase: an in silico perspective OM Ogunyemi, GA Gyebi, AA Elfiky, SO Afolabi, OB Ogunro, ... Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy 28, 2040206620984076 , 2020 2020 Citations: 38
Dual targeting of cytokine storm and viral replication in COVID-19 by plant-derived steroidal pregnanes: An in silico perspective GA Gyebi, OM Ogunyemi, IM Ibrahim, SO Afolabi, JO Adebayo Computers in Biology and Medicine 134, 104406 , 2021 2021 Citations: 35
Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of aqueous extract of Parquetina nigrescens in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats FI Ojuade, OE Olorundare, OB Akanbi, SO Afolabi, AA Njan Heliyon 7 (6) , 2021 2021 Citations: 30
Iloneoside: a cytotoxic ditigloylated pregnane glycoside from the leaves of Gongronema latifolium Benth GA Gyebi, JO Adebayo, OE Olorundare, A Pardede, M Ninomiya, ... Natural product research 32 (24), 2882-2886 , 2018 2018 Citations: 23
SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry: an in silico investigation of potential inhibitory roles of terpenoids GA Gyebi, OM Ogunyemi, IM Ibrahim, OB Ogunro, AP Adegunloye, ... Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology 19 (1), 113 , 2021 2021 Citations: 22
Safety effect of fractions from methanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on reproduction in male wistar rats AA Njan, SO Olaoye, SO Afolabi, BC Ejimkonye, A Soje, OE Olorundare, ... Toxicology reports 6, 496-504 , 2019 2019 Citations: 21
Hazard assessment and cytogenotoxic effect of different concentrations of mercury chloride sterilant using the Allium cepa assay DA Animasaun, PA Adedibu, SO Afolabi, KA Abdulkareem, S Ibrahim, ... Discover Toxicology 1 (1), 2 , 2024 2024 Citations: 19
Polyalthia longifolia Extract Triggers ER Stress in Prostate Cancer Cells Concomitant with Induction of Apoptosis: Insights from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies SO Afolabi, OE Olorundare, A Babatunde, RM Albrecht, M Koketsu, ... Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity 2019 (1), 6726312 , 2019 2019 Citations: 19
Mechanisms of stretch-induced electro-anatomical remodeling and atrial arrhythmogenesis RY Medvedev, SO Afolabi, DGP Turner, AV Glukhov Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology 193, 11-24 , 2024 2024 Citations: 18
Identification of potential inhibitors of cholinergic and β-secretase enzymes from phytochemicals derived from Gongronema latifolium Benth leaf: an integrated … GA Gyebi, OM Ogunyemi, IM Ibrahim, OB Ogunro, SO Afolabi, RJ Ojo, ... Molecular Diversity 28 (3), 1305-1322 , 2024 2024 Citations: 17
African derived phytocompounds may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping machinery via inhibition of 2′-O-ribose methyltransferase: An in silico perspective GA Gyebi, OM Ogunyemi, AA Adefolalu, A Rodriguez-Martinez, ... Journal of Molecular Structure 1262, 133019 , 2022 2022 Citations: 17
Inhibitory potentials of phytocompounds from Ocimum gratissimum against anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins associated with cancer: an integrated computational study G A. Gyebi, O M. Ogunyemi, I M. Ibrahim, S O. Afolabi, R J. Ojo, U DI Ejike, ... Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 9 (1), 588-608 , 2022 2022 Citations: 15
Cytotoxic Potentials of Clerodendrum Volubile against Prostate Cancer Cells and Its Possible Proteomic Targets S Afolabi, O Olorundare, G Gyebi, DN Syed, H Mukhtar, R Albrecht, ... Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Food Science 2 (1), 046-053 , 2019 2019 Citations: 13
Comparative antileukemic activity of a tetranorditerpene isolated from Polyalthia longifolia leaves and the derivative against human leukemia HL-60 cells S Afolabi, O Olorundare, M Ninomiya, A Babatunde, H Mukhtar, ... Journal of Oleo Science 66 (10), 1169-1174 , 2017 2017 Citations: 12
Identification of neurotherapeutic constituents in Ocimum gratissimum with cholinesterase and mono amine oxidase inhibitory activities, using GC-MS analysis, in vitro, and in … AA Njan, EO Olaleye, SO Afolabi, I Anoka-Ayembe, GA Gyebi, ... Informatics in Medicine Unlocked 39, 101261 , 2023 2023 Citations: 11