Inemesit Okon Ben
About me
My research spans areas such as neuropharmacology, natural product pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, pain and inflammation, cardio-metabolic diseases, infectious disease pharmacology, DMPK and computational pharmacology/toxicology. My research goal is to seek practical solutions to pressing health needs by applying pharmacological and biomedical principles and techniques.
I am a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana. My research experience and expertise include in vivo and in vitro pharmacological and toxicological studies of natural plant products, in silico pharmacological and toxicological studies, and basic bioinformatics.
I hold a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology and B.Sc. in Biochemistry all from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. I also have a Post-Doc Fellowship/Visiting Scholar training on DMPK, from WCAIR-University of Dundee, Scotland.
Research
My research interests include drug discovery from natural products (anti-infective and CNS-related agents), antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, and environmental toxicology of microplastics. I have contributed to several high-impact studies, particularly in anti-infective, anti-depressants and anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesics and microplastics research. My doctoral studies focused on the anti-inflammatory and anti-anaphylaxis activity of plant extracts. I am currently championing computational pharmacology and microplastics research at my institution.
I am an expert in in vivo and in vitro pharmacological and toxicological studies of natural plant products (using murine models of disease state), in silico pharmacological and toxicological studies (using ADMET Predictor (SimulationPlus Inc), molecular docking techniques using softwares like PyRx, AutoDock Vina, and Schrödinger Maestro Glide Docking, Molecular Dynamics using DESMOND and GROMACS, PBPK Simulation), in vitro & in vivo bioassay techniques (develop standard operation procedures to carry out drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics (DMPK) assays), microscopy, and spectroscopic analyses, and toxicological studies of microplastics. I have undertaken research in various laboratory settings including DMPK laboratory at the Wellcome Centre for Anti-infective Research (WCAIR), University of Dundee, Dundee (Scotland); Central Laboratory, KNUST, Kumasi (Ghana); Medical Microbiology Department, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu Campus. Additional skills include grant writing skills (Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF), 2023), Short Course Certificate in ICT Programming (Python) (World Friend Korea IT Volunteer Program, 2023), NVIVO Research Tool training (Kims International Limited, 2024), Infectious Disease Modelling (DS-ZOOFOOD, 2024) and Genomic Tools for Microbial Diagnostics Training (DS-ZOOFOOD, 2025).
I have some experience in grantsmanship. I am a member of the team for Commonwealth Health Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS) grants 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 (2019 to 2025)
I am a member of professional organizations, including the Women in Chemistry Network (WICN), University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Organization of Women in Science of the Developing World (OWSD) Ghana Chapter, Ghana Science Association (GSA), Women in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for Girls (WiSTEM) Ghana. I have been involved in several mentorship programmes such as STEM Muse Mentorship Program, USA, The Center for Advanced Studies and Research at Thousand Oaks High School in California, USA, iMENTOR Arena and Women in Technology Mentorship Programme, Ghana and Academic Mentorship, School of Pharmacy, UHAS. I am dedicated to fostering drug discovery innovation in pharmaceutical education and research, to create sustainable healthcare solutions for Ghana and beyond.
Degrees:
Koffuor, G. A., Kyei, S., Woode, E., Ekuadzi, E., Ben, I. O. (2012). Possible mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity and safety profile of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Pistia stratiotes Linn (Araceae). Journal of the Ghana Science Association. 14(1) 69 – 81. ISSN: 0855-3823
Contribution: Carried out anti-inflammation data collection and analysis, Manuscript proofreading
2013
Ben, I. O., Woode, E., Abotsi, W. K. M., Boakye-Gyasi, E. (2013). Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Antioxidant Properties of Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn.) J. J. de Wilde (Meliaceae). Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences. 2(2). 6-15. ISSN: 2026-6294.
Contribution: Lead Investigator, Conceptualization, carried out in vitro antioxidant assays, Data collection and analysis, Manuscript daft preparation
2015
Otoo, L. F., Koffuor, G. A., Ansah, C., Mensah, K. B., Bennah, C., Ben, I. O. (2015). Assessment of an ethanolic seed extract of Picralima nitida ([Stapf]) Th. and H. Durand) on reproductive hormones and its safety for use. Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology. 4(4). 293-301. DOI: 10.5455/jice.20151030085004.
Contribution: Result and Discussion review, manuscript proofreading
Otoo, L. F., Ansah, C., Koffuor, G. A., Bennah, C., Mensah, K. B., Ben, I. O. (2015). Effect of an ethanolic seed extract of Picralima nitida ([Stapf]) Th. and H. Durand) on reproductive abilities and developmental indices in rodents. Journal of Experimental and Integrative Medicine. 5(4). 1-9.DOI: 10.5455/jeim.051115.or.137.
Contribution: Result and Discussion review, manuscript proofreading
2016
Ben, I. O., Woode, E., Koffuor, G. A., Boakye-Gyasi, E., Ehigiator, E. B. (2016). Effect of Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn.) J. J. de Wilde (Meliaceae) extracts on Heamatology, Cytokines and Oxidative stress biomarkers in Rats Adjuvant-induced arthritis. Pharmacologia. 7(1). 32-43. ISSN: 2044-4648. DOI: 10.5567/pharmacologia.2016.32.43.
Contribution: Lead Investigator, Conceptualization, Carried out arthritic and cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers ELIZA assays, Data collection and analysis, Manuscript daft preparation
Etim, O. E., Ben, I. O., Ita, R. O. (2016). Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Napoleona imperialis (mkpodu). International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review. 10(4): 1-8, ISSN: 2231-086X. DOI: 10.9734/IJBCRR/2016/23352.
Contribution: Proximate and Mineral analyses, manuscript proofreading
Dapaah, G., Koffuor, G. A., Mante, P. K., Ben, I O. (2016). Antitussive, expectorant and analgesic effects of the ethanol seed extract of Picralima nitida (Stapf) Th. & H. Durand. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 11(2): 100-112.
Contribution: Result and Discussion review, manuscript proofreading
Ben, I. O., Etim, O. E., Udo, N. M. (2016) Anti-inflammatory effects of Napoleona imperialis P. Beauv. (Lecythidaceae) on Rat Model of Inflammation. Indian Journal of Health Sciences. 9(1): 89-95.
Contribution: Lead Investigator, Conceptualization, Conducting all experiments, Data collection and analysis, Manuscript daft preparation
• Ilechukwu, I., Ezeokoye C. C., Ben I. O. (2016). Hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in soils within the vicinity of a hot mix asphalt (HMA) plant. International Journal of Environmental Sciences Volume 7, No 2. 123-131. ISSN 0976 – 4402.
Contribution: Physicochemical analysis, Result and Discussion editing, Manuscript proofreading
Ben, I. O., Woode, E., Koffuor, G. A., Asiamah. E. A. (2016). Anti-anaphylactic effects of Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn.) J. J. De Wilde extracts on rodent models of anaphylaxis. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 11(5): 397-404.
Contribution: Lead Investigator, Conceptualization, Conducting all experiments, Data collection and analysis, Manuscript daft preparation
2017
Dapaah, G., Koffuor, G. A., Mante, P. K., Ben, I O.. (2017). The possible mode of antitussive and expectorant activity of the ethanol seed extracts of Picralima nitida ((Stapf) Th. & H. Durand). Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 7 (2017) 133-140.
Contribution: Result and Discussion review, manuscript proofreading
Ben, I. O., Woode, E., Koffuor, G. A., Boakye-Gyasi, E., Titiloye, N. A. (2017). Effect of Trichilia monadelpha (Meliaceae) extracts on bone histomorphology in complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis. Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology 6(2) 177-185. DOI: 10.5455/jice.20170218092913.
Contribution: Lead Investigator, Conceptualization, Conducting all experiments, Data collection and analysis, Manuscript daft preparation
Etim O. E., Ben I. O., Modo E. U., Bassey U. E. (2017). Anti-Ulceration, Anti-Diarrheal and Anti-enteropooling Potential of Methanol Extract of Root of Napoleona Imperialis in Albino Rats. International Journal of Academic Research and Reflection. 5(2). 30 – 38. ISSN 2309-0405.
Contribution: Gastric Ulceration experiment result analysis, Result and Discussion Editing, Manuscript Proofreading
Adiukwu, P. C., Bonsu, M., Ben, I. O., Peprah, P., Mensah-Kane, P., Jato, J., Nambatya, G. (2017). Ultraviolet spectroscopic evaluation of bioactive saponin fraction from the aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Esteraeceae) leaf. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences. 11(4):1893-1902. 2919-IJBCS.
Contribution: Participated in conducting the antipyretic studies, Result and Discussion editing, Manuscript proofreading
2018
Ehigiator, B. E., Offonry, N. C., Adikwu, E., Ben I. O. (2018). Safety, anti-inflammatory and analgesic assessments of methanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca peel in Sprague Dawley rats. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics 7 (2(2018)), 46-52.
Contribution: Carried out the egg-albumin inflammation study, Result and Discussion editing, Manuscript proofreading
2020
• Mensah, J, A., Kukuia, K. K. E., Amoateng, P., Osei-Safo, D., Adongo, D. W., Ameyaw, E. O., Ben, I. O., Amponsah, S, K., Asiedu-Gyekye, I. J. (2020). Monoaminergic and L -arginine-no-cGMP pathways mediate the antidepressant–like action of alkaloids from the stem bark of Trichilia monadelpha. Scientific African 8 (2020) e00422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2020.e00422.
Contribution: Result and Discussion review, manuscript proofreading
• Harley, B, K., Dickson, R. A., Amponsah, I. K., Ben, I. O., Adongo, D. W., Fleischer, T. C., Habtemariam, S. (2020). Flavanols and triterpenoids from Myrianthus arboreus ameliorate hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats possibly via glucose uptake enhancement and α-amylase inhibition. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 132 (2020) 110847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110847.
Contribution: Carried out in silico ADMET analysis and participated in the manuscript writing, Result and Discussion editing, Manuscript proofreading
2021
• Harley, B, K., Amponsah, I. K., Ben, I. O., Adongo, D. W., Mireku-Gyimah, N. A., Baah, M. K., Mensah, A. Y., Fleischer, T. C. (2021). Myrianthus libericus: Possible mechanisms of hypoglycaemic action and in silico prediction of pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile of its bioactive metabolite, friedelan-3-one. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 137 (2021): 111379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111379
Contribution: designed and carried out the in silico ADMET analyses, participated in the manuscript writing, Result and Discussion editing, Manuscript proofreading
• Dodoo, C. C., Orman, E., Alalbila, T., Mensah, A., Jato, J., Mfoafo, K. A., Folitse, I., Hutton-Nyameaye, A., Ben, I. O., Mensah-Kane, P., Sarkodie, E. (2021). Antimicrobial Prescription Pattern in Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana: Seasonal Determination Using a Point Prevalence Survey. Antibiotics. 2021 Feb;10(2):199. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10020199
Contribution: Conceptualization, Methodology, funding acquisition, writing—review and editing
• Bright, N. W., Koffuor, G. A., Ben, I. O., Gyanfosu, L., Ehigiator, B. E. (2021). Antithrombotic property of an aqueous extract from Pseudocedrela kotschyi and Adenia cissampeloides. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences 16, no. 4 (2021): 436. doi: 10.4103/1735-5362.319581.
Contribution: contributed to the preparation of the plant extract and experimental procedures
• Kukuia, E. K. K., Amoako, M. J., Amoateng, P., Osei-Safo, D., Koomson, E. A., Torbi, J., Adongo, D. W., Ameyaw, E. O., Ben, I. O., Amponsah S. K., Agyei Bugyei A. K. (2021). Glycine/NMDA Receptor Pathway Mediates the Rapid-onset Antidepressant Effect of Alkaloids from Trichilia Monadelpha. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience. 2021 May 10;12(3):395-408. doi: 10.32598/bcn.12.3.2838.1
Contribution: Original draft preparation, editing and review of manuscript
• Kekessie, F. K., Amengor, C. D. K., Brobbey, A., Addotey, J. N., Danquah, C. A., Peprah, P., Harley, B. K., Ben, I. O., Zoiku, F. K., Borquaye, L. S., Gasu, E. N. (2021). Synthesis, molecular docking studies and ADME prediction of some new triazoles as potential antimalarial agents. Scientific African. 2021 Nov 1;14:e00998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00998
Contribution: Carried out in silico ADMET analysis, participated in the manuscript writing, Result and Discussion editing, Manuscript proofreading
• Kpokiri, E. E., Ladva, M., Dodoo, C. C., Orman, E., Aku, T. A., Mensah, A., Jato, J., Mfoafo, K. A., Folitse, I., Hutton-Nyameaye, A., Ben, I O., Mensah-Kane, P., Sarkodie, E., Awadzi, B., Jani, Y. H. (2021). Knowledge, Awareness and Practice with Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes among Healthcare Providers in a Ghanaian Tertiary Hospital. Antibiotics. 2021 Dec 22;11(1):6. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11010006
Contribution: Conceptualization, formal analysis, participated in participants training, manuscript proofreading
2022
• Harley, B. K., Amponsah, I. K., Ben, I. O., Mireku-Gyimah, N. A., Anokwah, D., Neglo, D., Amengor, C. D. K. Fleischer, T. C. (2022). Hypoglycaemic activity of Oleanonic acid, a 3-oxotriterpenoid isolated from Aidia Genipiflora (DC.) Dandy, involves inhibition of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and promotion of glucose uptake. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 149, p.112833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112833
Contribution: Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology
• Ben, I. O., Gamey, L. E., Harley, B. K., Agyei, P. E. O., Woode, E. (2022). Effect of Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn.) JJ de Wilde (Meliaceae) extracts on C-reactive proteins levels and acute inflammation. Scientific African, 16, p.e01119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01119
Contribution: Lead Investigator, Conceptualization of study, Carried out acute inflammation assays and C-reactive proteins assessment, Data collection and analysis, Manuscript daft preparation
• Amponsah, I. K., Ramos, G. F., Harley, B. K., Sarkodie, J. A., Ekuadzi, E., Ampofo, E. K., Ben, I. O. (2022). Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Guibourtia ehie on Human Prostate (PC-3) and Breast Cancer (MC-7) Cell Lines and in silico Studies on Its Metabolite 7, 4′-Dihydroxyflavone. Chemistry Africa 5, 627–639 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-022-00359-8
Contribution: Carried out in silico ADMET analysis, participated in the manuscript writing, Result and Discussion editing, Manuscript proofreading
• Amengor, C. D. K., Gyan, P., Danquah, C. A., Peprah, P., Harley, B. K., Orman, E., Ben, I. O., Tetteh, M., Adusei, E. B. A., Kekessie, F. K. Okine, N. N. A. (2022) Antimicrobial Activity and in silico ADME Prediction of Synthesised 8-hydroxyquinoline Azo Compounds against Some ESKAPE Human Pathogens and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 34(42A), pp. 68-80. doi: 10.9734/jpri/2022/v34i42A36296.
Contribution: carried out the in silico ADMET prediction studies and interpretation, participated in the manuscript writing, Result and Discussion editing, Manuscript proofreading
• Ilechukwu, I., Ehigiator, B. E., Ben I. O., Okonkwo, C. J., Olorunfemi, O. S., Modo, U. E., Ilechukwu, C. E., Ohagwa, N. J. (2022). Chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on reproductive parameters of male rats. Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology 2022;37(2):e2022015-0. doi: https://doi.org/10.5620/eaht.2022015.
Contribution: Corresponding Author, Investigation, Writing-Reviewing and Editing
2023
• Cornelius C. Dodoo, Hayford Odoi, Adelaide Mensah, Karikari Asafo-Adjei, Ruth Ampomah, Lydia Obeng, Jonathan Jato, Araba Hutton-Nyameaye, Thelma A. Aku, Samuel O. Somuah, Emmanuel Sarkodie, Emmanuel Orman, Kwadwo A. Mfoafo, Inemesit O. Ben, Eneyi E. Kpokiri, Fatima Abba and Yogini H. Jani. (2023). Development of a local antibiogram for a teaching hospital in Ghana. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance, 5(2), dlad024. https://doi.org/10.1093/jacamr/dlad024
Contribution: Conceptualization, formal analysis, participated in participants training, manuscript proofreading
2025
• Anita Fafa Dartey, Vivian Tackie, Ben Okon Inemesit, Beatrice Bella Johnson, Comfort Worna Lotse, Silvia Geraldo, Millicent Afeafa Afedzo, Alfred Ofori Agyemang (2025). The Challenges Faced by Medical Personnel Misusing Drugs: A Phenomenological Study. SAGE Open. 15, no. 1 (2025), 21582440251326348. doi:10.1177/21582440251326348.
Contribution: Conceptualization, manuscript proofreading
• Donatus Wewura Adongo, David Adedia, Augustine Tandoh, Hilda Amekyeh, Killian Asampana Asosega, Charles Kwaku Benneh, Eli Yao Lawluvi, Inemesit Okon Ben, Abigail Hohoayi, Ebenezer Wiafe, Jones Ofori-Amoah, Salifu Nanga, Eric Woode. (2025) Food-drug interactions: Modelling knowledge and attitude among healthcare professionals at the Ho Teaching Hospital. PLoS One 20(5): e0323793. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0323793.
Contribution: Investigation, Methodology, Validation, Writing – review & editing.
• McErlean, M., Kpokiri, E., Panesar, P., Cooper, E. E., Jato, J., Orman, E., Odoi, H., Hutton-Nyameaye, A., Somuah, S. O., Folitse, I., Aku, T. A., Ben, I. O., Farragher, M., Hail, L., Dodoo, C. C., & Jani, Y. H. (2025). Evaluation of a Hub-and-Spoke Model to Enhance Healthcare Professionals’ Practice of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Programmes in the Volta Region of Ghana. Antibiotics, 14(7), 672. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070672.
Contribution: design of the work, writing—critical review or editing.
• Odoi, H., Opoku, N., Adusei, B., Danquah, K., Vordzogbe, G., Mayer, D., Hutton-Nyameaye, A., Jato, J., Somuah, S. O., Orman, E., Ben, I. O., Aku, T. A., Sewornu, R., Panesar, P., Jani, Y. H., & Dodoo, C. C. (2025). Trends of Antibiotic Resistance Patterns and Bacteriological Profiles of Pathogens Associated with Genitourinary Infections in Secondary Healthcare Facilities in the Volta Region of Ghana. Pathogens, 14(7), 696. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14070696.
Contribution: writing—review and editing