Ruth Monyenye Nyang’acha,

2016 To Date
University of Nairobi

PhD in applied parasitology

2008-2012 : Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Master of Science in Medical Parasitology and Entomology

2001-2005 : The University of Nairobi
Bachelor of science degree in Zoology and
Chemistry.
Attained Second Class Honors-Upper Division.

Employment
• Research Officer at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR).

Duties:
• Writing protocols and sourcing for grants for carrying out scientific research on medicinal plants of interest.
• Carrying out scientific research on medicinal plants of interest; specifically i) To assay the activity profile of potential antimalarial drugs using in vitro cultured malaria parasites, ii) to assess the toxicity levels of selected extracts using Vero cell lines cultured in vitro iii) in vivo antimalarial studies in a mouse model.
• Reviewing of publications and proposals passed through KEMRI for approval.
• Training students on attachment in the Center - undergraduates, post-graduates and those undertaking diploma courses.

Publications

Journal publications

Muthaura, C.N., Keriko, J.M., Mutai, C., Yenesew, A., Gathirwa, J.W, Irungu, B.N., Nyangacha, R., Mungai, G.M., Derese, S. (2015) Antiplasmodial potential of traditional phytotherapy of some remedies used in treatment of malaria in Meru-Tharaka Nithi County of Kenya. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 175: 315-23.

Rotich K.C., Nyangacha R.M., Wachira S.W., Ngeiywa M.M., and Kigondu V.M.E. (2015). Antimalarial activities and toxicity levels of selected medicinal plants used in Kenya. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics 4: 92-100.

Muthaura, C.N., Keriko, J.M., Mutai, C., Yenesew, A., Gathirwa, J.W, Irungu, B.N., Nyangacha, R., Mungai, G.M., Derese, S. (2015) Antiplasmodial potential of traditional antimalarial phytotherapy remedies used by the Kwale community of the Kenyan coast. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 170: 148-157.

Nyangacha, R.M., Gathirwa J.W., Muthaura C.N., Mungai G.M., Mwikwabe N., Ondicho J.M., Moindi E., Omar S.A., Rukunga G.M., Maranga R.O. (2012). Antimalarial activity and toxicity evaluation of Kenyan Hugonia castaneifolia Engl. Teclea nobilis Del. and Turraea mombassana C.D.C. African Journal of Health Sciences, 23: 305-315.

Gathirwa, J.W., Rukunga, G.M., Mwitari, P.G., Mwikwabe, M.N., Muthaura, C.N., Kimani, C.W., Kiboi, D.M., Nyangacha, R.M. and Omar, S.A. (2011). Traditional herbal antimalarial therapy in Kilifi district, Kenya. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 134: 434–442.