Profile:
Akua Frema Barfour is a pharmacist, lecturer, and natural products researcher at Central University with a strong interest in pharmacognosy, ethnomedicine, and plant-based drug discovery. Her research focuses on identifying bioactive compounds from indigenous medicinal plants, particularly those with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. She has contributed to studies demonstrating the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential of several Ghanaian medicinal plants and currently investigates medicinal plants for wound care.
She is also passionate about the standardisation, quality control, and development of herbal medicines, with a long-term goal of advancing evidence-based herbal product manufacturing. Akua is committed to teaching and mentorship and aspires to become a leader in natural products research, contributing innovative solutions that improve patient care and quality of life.
Basic Information
Name: Dr. (Pharm) Akua Frema Barfour
Designation: Lecturer
Department: Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy
Institutional Email: abarfour@central.edu.gh
Office Location: SB201, Gadzekpo Block
Academic Qualifications/Education:
- PharmD, Doctor of Pharmacy, Central University, 2025
- M.Phil, Pharmacognosy, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2021
- B.Pharm, Pharmacy, Central University, 2017.
Research Interests
- Natural Plants drug discovery
- Ethnomedicine and Ethnopharmacology
- Standardisation and Quality control of Herbal Products
- Herbal Product development and manufacturing
Publications (5 most recent)
Journal Articles:
- Korsah, S., Quartey, A. K., Konto, D., Apenteng, J. A., Nene, N., Nortey, D., Tagoe, M., Mintah, D. N., Barfour, A.F, & Adofo, P. B. (2026). COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE ON ANTICANCER HERBS: ETHNOBOTANICAL INSIGHTS, PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILES AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION. International Journal of Pharmacy & Integrated Health Sciences, 7(1), 85–126. https://doi.org/10.56536/IJPIHS.V7I1.270
- Sarfo, A., Oteng-Boahen, K., Doe, P., Addy, B. S., Barfour, A. F., Tagoe, M., & Abotsi, W. K. M. (2025). Further studies on the anticonvulsant potential of extracts from Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn in a rat model of convulsion. Journal of Phytopharmacology, 14(2), 96-103. DOI: 10.31254/phyto.2025.14204.
- Quartey, A. K., Korsah, S., Apenteng, J. A., Nortey, N. N. D., Tagoe, M., Mintah, D. N., Barfour, A. F., Owusu, F. W. A., & Kontoh, D. B. (2024). A study of the antimicrobial and wound healing activities of the ethanolic leaf extract of Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl. Pallidus. Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 26(5), 66-75. DOI:10.9734/jamps/2024/v26i5688.
- Barfour, A. F., Mensah, A. Y., Asante-Kwatia, E., Danquah, C. A., Anokwah, D., Adjei, S., Baah, M. K., & Mensah, M. L. K. (2021). Antibacterial, antibiofilm, and efflux pump inhibitory properties of the crude extract and fractions from Acacia macrostachya stem bark. The Scientific World Journal. DOI: 10.1155/2021/5381993.
Professional Memberships
- Member, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH)
- Member, Academic Research and Social Pharmacist Association (ARSPA)
- Member, Lady Pharmacist Association of Ghana (LAPAG)
- Member, Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA, Ghana)
Courses Taught
- Pharmacognosy Theory/Practical – (Level 100) (UG)
- Phytochemistry Theory/Practical – (Level 200) (UG)
- Natural Drug Production & Evaluation Theory/Practical – (Level 300) (UG)
- Ethnopharmacy (complementary and Alternative medicine) (Level 400) (UG)
Additional Roles / Responsibilities
- Chief Invigilator, Central University
- Departmental Exam Officer, Central University
- Member, Audit committee of Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana
Personal Website / Profile Link (if any)
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6433-2950