PhD in Anatomy graduate, Dr Ugochukwu Offor. Momordica Herb Proven to Preserve Kidney Functionality in Diabetic Antiretroviral Users
Dr Ugochukwu Offor graduated with a PhD in Anatomy for his investigation on the role of Momordica charantia (a medicinal plant) in preserving the kidneys due to the side effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
He was supervised by renowned anatomists, Professor Onyemaechi Azu and Dr Edwin Naidu from the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences.
His study that used a sample of a diabetic Sprague Dawley rats, revealed that Momordica charantia preserves kidney morphology and other parameters assessed.
‘I feel great and humbled. It has always been my dream to earn my PhD on time. Anatomy as a field of study is still not well known and I hope to inspire the younger generation,’ said Offor.
Offor obtained his first degree in Anatomy at the University of Portharcourt in Nigeria.
‘Studying comes with its own trauma. Sometimes you will near breaking point where you just want to quit or sink because of pressure, anxiety and fear. There are just two options - you either forget everything and run or face everything and rise,’ he said.
Offor recently joined the University of Limpopo.
‘UKZN helped me to become a better person. The University environment was like a model of society. There were ups and downs but now I am ready for the real world,’ he said.
Words: Lihle Sosibo
Photograph: Supplied