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Dr. Margaret M. Nganga

Lecturer, Department of Chemistry

Home School of Pure & Applied Sciences Department of Chemistry Dr. Margaret M. Nganga

Dr. Margaret M. Nganga

Lecturer, Department of Chemistry

Research Interests

Ethno botanical Management of Brown Ear tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus
Essential Oils; Extraction and Chemical Profile Analysis, Determination of their Antimicrobial Activity.
Isolation and characterization of antimalarial compounds from medicinal plants used in Kenya.
Aflatoxins in Maize and Major Cereals, in locally brewed beverages and their raw materials, their Residue Levels in Human Blood and their Impact on the Kenya Agro- Based Economy.

Refereed Journal Articles

  1. Hassan Muhumed Ahmed, Margaret Mwihaki Ng’ang’a , Eric Masika & Njagi Njomo. Plant-Derived Nanoporous Biochar for Pesticides Remediation in Water: Recent Progress, Challenges and Opportunities of Biomass Blends. East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, Volume 8, Issue 3, 2025. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.8.3.4234
  2. Alex M Muthengi, Joseph K Mworia, Sauda Swaleh, Ahmed Hassanali and Margaret Ng’ang’a . Structure-Repellence Potential of Stereoisomers of Menthane-Diol and Analogues against the Brown Ear tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus). Acta Scientific Nutritional Health (ISSN:2582-1423) Volume 9 Issue 2 February 2025: https://actascientific.com/ASNH/pdf/ASNH-09-1481.pdf
  3. S.W. Kuria, B.M. Wachira, S.C, Chhabra, M.M, Ng’ang’a , Anthill Eggshell Fishbone Nickel Cobalt Composite Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis from Castor Oil Feedstock. Eurasian J. Sci. Technol., 2025, 5(2), 143-155. https://doi.org/10.48309/ejst.2025.463450.1166
  4. Nambafu Rachel, Judith Waudo, Margaret Nganga , Peter Lusi and Hudson Nyambaka (2023). Bioaccesibility of Trace Elements in Different Oyster Mushroom Varieties Grown in Kenya. Advances in Research Volume 24, Issue 4, Page 29-37, 2023; Article no.AIR.96473 ISSN: 2348-0394, NLM ID: 10166609. https://journalair.com/index.php/AIR/article/view/945
  5. Billiah K. Bwana, Paul O. Mireji George F. Obiero, Consolata Gakii, Modesta O. Akoth, Julius N. Mugweru, Franklin N. Nyabuga , Benson M. Wachira1 , Rosemary Bateta , Margaret M. Ng’ang’a , Ahmed Hassanali (2022) Annotations of novel antennae- expressed genes in male Glossina morsitans morsitans tsetse flies. PLOS ONE 17 (8) e0273543. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0273543
  6. Margaret W. Kariuki, Ahmed Hassanali, and Margaret M. Ng’ang’a (2022). Nanoencapsulation of 4-propylguaiacol in -cyclodextrin, ethyl cellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Journal of Chemistry; Volume 2022 |Article ID 6590850 |https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6590850
  7. Juliet Ochola, Laura Cortada, Onesmus Mwaura1, Meklit Tariku, Shawn A. Christensen, Margaret Ng’ang’a , Ahmed Hassanali, Tahira Pirzada, Saad Khan, Lokendra Pal, Reny Mathew, Dick Guenther, Eric Davis, Tim Sit, Danny, Charles Opperman, and Baldwyn Torto (2022). Wrap-and-plant technology to manage sustainably potato cyst nematodes in East Africa. Nature Sustainability, VOLMay 2022 425–433. www.nature.com/natsustain .
  8. Ruth Kihika-Opanda, David P. Tchouassi, Margaret M. Ng’ang’a , John J. Beck, and Baldwyn Torto Chemo-Ecological Insights into the Use of the Non-Host Plant Vegetable Black-Jack to Protect Two Susceptible Solanaceous Crops from Root-Knot Nematode Parasitism. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2022, 70, 22, 6658–6669. Publication Date May 25, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01748
  9. Wairagu, N. W., Wachira, B. M., Githiomi, J. K., Oduor, N., & Ng’ang’a, M. M. (2022). Repellency and Toxicity of Selected Fractions, Identified Compounds and Blends of Commiphora africana Resin against bedbugs. Natural Product Communications, 17(6), 1934578X221106898. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X221106898
  10. Benson Wachira, Joy M. Kabaka, Sylvance O. Okoth Margaret Nganga , Robert Changasi, Patrick Obore, Benard Ochieng’, Grace A. Murilla, Ahmed Hassanali (2021). Characterization of a composite with enhanced attraction to savannah tsetse flies from constituents or analogues of tsetse refractory waterbuck (Kobus defassa) body odor'. Plos Neglected Tropical Disease. June 1, 2021 https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article/peerReview?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0009474
  11. Margaret Nganga , Mary Wanjiku Nyangi, Elizabeth Mumbi Kigondu, Beatrice Irungu, Anthony Gachanja; et al. (2021), Integrity, Use and Care of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Kirinyaga County, Kenya BMC Public Health BMC Public Health 21:856 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10882-x .
  12. Mary Juliet Ochola, Laura Cortada, Margaret Ng’ang’a , Ahmed Hassanali, Danny Coyne and Baldwyn Torto (2020). Mediation of Potato–Potato Cyst Nematode, G. rostochiensis Interaction by Specific Root Exudate Compounds. Frontier Plant Science., 10 June, 2020 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32587595/
  13. Juliet Ochola, Danny Coyne, Laura Cortada, Solveig Haukeland, Margaret Ng'ang'a , Ahmed Hassanali, Charles Opperman and Baldwyn Torto (2020). Cyst nematode bio-communication with plants: implications for novel management approach. Pest Management Science DOI 10.1002/ps.6105 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32985781/
  14. Ruth Kihika, David P. Tchouassi, Margaret M. Ng’ang’a , David R. Hall, John J. Beck, and Baldwyn Torto (2020). Compounds Associated with Infection by the Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, Influence the Ability of Infective Juveniles to Recognize Host Plants. J. Agric. Food Chem 68 (34), 9100-9109. https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c03386
  15. David O. Ywaya, Michael A. Birkett, John A. Pickett, John B. Ochola, Lwande, Wilber, Benson M. Wachira, Ahmed Hassanali and Margaret M. Ng’ang’a (2020). Repellency and Composition of Essential Oils of Selected Ethnobotanical Plants Used in Wstern Kenya against Bites of Anopheles gambiae Sensu Stricto. Journal of Essential Oil-Bearing Plants, 23:3, 432-441, DOI: 10.1080/0972060X.2020.1780954. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0972060X.2020.1780954
  16. Ephantus G. Ndirangu1, Sylvia A. Opiyo and Margaret W. Ng’ang’a (2020). Chemical composition and repellency of Nigella sativa L. seed essential oil against Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto. Trends in Phytochemical Research (TPR) 4(2) 2020 77-84. http://tpr.iau-shahrood.ac.ir/article_672458.html
  17. Mulwa, P., Njue, W., and Ng’ang’a, M (2020) Assessment of L-Citrulline, L-Arginine and L Glutamic Acid Content in Selected Fruits, Vegetables, Seeds, and Nuts Sold in Markets in Nairobi City County, Kenya. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 2(5). https: //doi.org/ 10.24018/ ejfood.2020.2.5 https://www.ejfood.org/index.php/ejfood/article/view/100
  18. Benson M. Wachira, Joy M. Kabaka, Paul O. Mireji, Sylvance O. Okoth, Margaret M. Ng'ang'a , Grace A. Murilla, Ahmed Hassanali (2020). Blending studies with selected waterbuck odor constituents or analogues in the development of a potent repellent blend against savannah tsetse. Acta Tropica 211 (2020) 105597. https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0009474
  19. Lilian C. Koech, Beatrice N. Irungu, Margaret M. Ng’ang’a , Joyce M. Ondicho, and Lucia K. Keter (2020). Quality and Brands of Amoxicillin Formulations in Nairobi, Kenya. Hindawi BioMed Research International, Volume 2020, Article ID 7091278, 14 pages https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/7091278/
  20. Ngari Ann G, Omolo Maurice O, Tarus Paul K, Ng’ang’a Margaret M , and Hassanali Ahmed. Chemical compositions of smoke volatiles of some Kenyan Ocimum species. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2020; 9(1): 1871-1879. https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2020/vol9issue1/PartAF/8-6-172-185.pdf
  21. Kibiwott Jepkorir Scolar, Ng’ang’a Mwihaki Margaret , and Ngugi Mathew Pier 2020. In vitro antioxidant activities of Carissa edulis Vahl and Caesalpinia volkensii Harms extracts. African Journal of Biochemistry Research Received: 04 February 2020 Accepted: 19 March 2020 (in press)
  22. Peter Muchoki Githinji, Jeremiah Waweru Gathirwa, Margaret Mwihaki Ng’ang’a , Alex King’ori Machocho (2020). Triterpenoids from Grewia plagiophylla K. Schum. Pharmacognosy Communication. 2020 ;10 (3) 130 -1 33. https://www.phcogcommn.org/content/267
  23. Peter Muchoki Githinji, Jeremiah Waweru Gathirwa, Margret Mwihaki Ng’ang’a , Alex King’ori Machocho, (2020). Triterpenoids from Grewia plagiophylla. Pharmacognosy Communication. 2020;10 (2):102-107. https://www.phcogcommn.org/content/267
  24. Constantine Kameti, Dr. Henry Mwangi, Dr. Margaret Ng’ang’a (2020). In Vitro Anticancer, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Screening of Compounds from Ricinus Communis Linn: A Review. World Journal of Research and Review (WJRR) ISSN: 2455-3956, Volume-11, Issue-5, November 2020 Pages 04-11 https://www.academia.edu/81553749/In_Vitro_Anticancer_Antimicrobial_and_Antioxidant_Screening_Of_Compounds_from_Ricinus_Communis_Linn_A_Review
  25. F Maingi, M Mwihaki Ng'ang'a, HM Mbuvi, H Mwangi, (2019) Clay-Rice Husk Ash based Geopolymers for Remediation of Pb (II) and Cd (II) from Wastewater, Egerton Journal of Science and Technology 17 (1-139), 15-28.
  26. Josephine E. Mwihaki, Harun Mbuvi, Margaret Mwihaki, (2019) Derivatization of Papyrus Reeds for Use as a Super Absorbance Mulch Substrate, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) 8 (3), 1353 – 1363. https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/20776
  27. Ngari Ann G, Omolo Maurice V, Tarus Paul K, Ng’ang’a Margaret M, and Hassanali Ahmed (2019). Chemical compositions of fresh volatiles aromas of some Kenyan Ocimum species. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry; 8(6): 201-208. https://www.essencejournal.com/pdf/2019/vol7issue3/PartA/7-3-4-288.pdf
  28. Ngari Ann G, Omolo Maurice V, Tarus Paul K, Ng’ang’a Margaret M and Hassanali Ahmed (2019) Chemical compositions of essential oils of some Kenyan Ocimum species. American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products; 7(3): 17-26. https://www.essencejournal.com/pdf/2019/vol7issue3/PartA/7-3-4-288.pdf
  29. T. J. Shikorire G. O. Asudi, M. M. Ng’ang’a, G. Kirubi & A. Hassanali (2019). Analysis of emission profiles from charcoal produced from selected tree species by different pyrolysis methods. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 16, 5995-6004. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13762-019-02220-x
  30. S. N. Nyamu, L. Ombaka, E Masika and M. Ng’ang’a (2019), One pot microwave assisted synthesis of size dependent glutathione capped spherical silver nanoparticles suitable for materials with antibacterial properties. Interdisciplinary Nanomedicine 4 (3) 86-94. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jin2.62
  31. F.M. Maingi, M. M. Ng’ang’a, H. Mwangi, H. M. Mbuvi and A. Abdulhameed (2018). Thermodynamic, Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies of Pb (II) ions adsorption using ordinary clay/rice husk ash based geopolymers. IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry (IOSR-JAC) e-ISSN: 2278-5736.Volume 11, Issue 8 Ver. I (August. 2018), PP 46-54. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jac/papers/vol11-issue8/Version-1/G1108014654.pdf
  32. Samuel N. Nyamu, Lucy Ombaka, Eric Masika, and Margaret Ng’ang’a (2018). Antimicrobial Photodynamic Activity of Phthalocyanine Derivatives. Advances in Chemistry: Article ID 2598062: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2598062. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ac/2018/2598062/
  33. Margaret W. Kariuki, Ahmed Hassanali, Margaret M Nganga (2018). Characterization of cattle anal oduor constituents associated with the repellency of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Experimental and Applied Acarology 76: 221-227. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30298229/
  34. M. Maingi, H. M. Mbuvi, M. M. Ng’ang’a , H. Mwangi (2018). Adsorption of Cadmium Ions on Geopolymers Derived from Ordinary Clay and Rice Husk Ash International Journal of Materials and Chemistry , 8(1): 1-9. DOI: 10.5923/j.ijmc.20180801.01. http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.ijmc.20180801.01.html
  35. Hannah N. Wamakima, Peter G. Kirira, Margaret M. Nganga, Winnie R. Gimode, Brendon Naicker, Matshawendile Tukulula and Francis W. Muregi (2018). Synthesis and antiplasmodial Evaluation of A new trioxaquine. European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 5(5), 26-34 ISSN 2394-3211 https://www.ejpmr.com/home/abstract_id/3696
  36. F. M. Maingi, H. M. Mbuvi, M. M. Ng’ang’a (2018). Aluminophosphates Derived from Tea Leaves and Pumpkin Seeds Ashes Adsorb Lead Ions from Contaminate. Water Frontiers in Science 2018, 8(1): 1-10. DOI: 10.5923/j.fs.20180801. http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.fs.20180801.01.html
  37. Margaret W Kariuki, Ahmed Hassanali, Margaret M Ng’ang (2019). Structure-activity Studies on Analogues of 4-methylguaiacol, a Cattle Anal Odour Constituent Repellent to the Brown Ear Tick (Rhipicephalus Appendiculatus. Acta Tropica; 194:78-81 PMID: 30922799. DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.025
  38. Ruth Kihika, Lucy K. Murungi, Danny Coyne, Margaret Ng’ang’a, Ahmed Hassanali, Peter E. A. Teal & Baldwyn Torto (2017). Parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita interactions with different Capsicum annum cultivars reveal the chemical constituents modulating root herbivory. Scientific Reports 7: 2903 DOI:10.1038 s41598-017-02379-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28588235/
  39. Daniel Muvengei, Haron Mbuvi, Margaret Ng’ang’a (2017). Removal of Pb2+ and Cd2+ Ions, colour and turbidity from water using carbon and ash derived from maize cobs. IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry.Volume 10, Issue 6 PP 58-68 https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/18237?show=full
  40. Shylock O. Onduso, Margaret M. Nganga, Waceke Wanjohi, Ahmed Hassanali Determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids levels in Symphytum asperum. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem Volume 15, Number 2, August 2017 E-ISSN: 2580-2550 Pages: 65-78 DOI: 10.13057/biofar/f150203. https://smujo.id/jnpb/article/view/2414
  41. M. Maingi, H. M. Mbuvi, M. M. Ng’ang’a, H. Mwangi (2017). Adsorption Kinetics and Isotherms of Methylene Blue by Geopolymers Derived from Common Clay and Rice Husk Ash Physical Chemistry, 7(4): 87-97. DOI: 10.5923/j.pc.20170704.02. http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.pc.20170704.02.html
  42. N. M. Ombuna, A. K. Machocho, M. M. Ng’ang’a, G. K. Keru, A. W. Wanyonyi and O. Amuka (2016). Stem bark extracts of Erythrina excelsa (BAK) and their biological activities. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 10(39), pp. 686-694, 17, DOI: 10.5897/JMPR2016.6070 https://academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-full-text-pdf/2DDB8D761340
  43. F M. Mukora, HM Mbuvi, MM Nganga (2016). Remediation of water contaminated with Cr6+ and Cd2+ using aluminophosphates derived from ashes of tea leaves and pumpkins. Chemistry and Material Research 8 (7): 94 https://www.academia.edu/27493639/Remediation_of_Water_Contaminated_with_Cr_6_and_Cd_2_Using_Aluminophosphates_Derived_from_Ashes_of_Tea_Leaves_and_Pumpkin_Seeds
  44. Stephanie Oyola-Reynoso, Dickson Kihereko, Boyce Chang, James Mwangi, Julian Halberstma-Black, Jean-Francis Bloch, Martin Thuo, Margaret Nganga (2016). Substituting Plastic Casings with Perfluorosilane treated paper improves Biodegradability of Low-Cost Diagnostic Devices: Industrial Crops and products 94:294-298. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669016305647
  45. Moses M Mbugua. Margaret M. Nganga and Harun M Mbuvi (2016). Removal of Lead ions and turbidity from waste water by adsorbent materials derived from Cactus leaves. Journal of Natural Sciences Research 6 (14): 63-72
  46. Benson M. Wachira, Paul Mireji, Sylvance Okoth, Margaret Nganga, Julius M William, Grace Murilla and Ahmed Hassanali (2016). Responses of Glossina morsitans morsitans tsetse flies to analogues of -octalactone and selected blends. Acta Tropica 160: 53-57. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4899254/
  47. Nyamai DW, Muchugi A, Ng’ang’a M, Burugu MW (2015). Phytochemical Profile of Prunus Africana Stem Bark from Kenya. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products 1: 110. doi: 10.4172/jpnp.1000110. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/publication/phytochemical-profile-prunus-africana-stem-bark-kenya
  48. Nyamai DW, Ng’ang’a M. Burugu MW and Ramni Jamnadass (2015). Growth performance of domesticated Prunus africana population in Muguga, Kiambu County. Biochemistry & Physiology. 4:185. doi: 10.4172/2168- 9652.1000185 https://www.worldagroforestry.org/publication/growth-performance-domesticated-prunus-africana-population-muguga-kiambu-county-kenya
  49. Margaret Mwihaki Ng’ang’a, Hidayat Hussain, Sumesh Chhabra Caroline Langat-Thoruwa, Karsten Krohn, Javid Hussain, Ahmed-Al- Harrasi, Ivan Robert (2012). Eucleanal: A new naphthalene derivative from Euclea divinorum. Natural Products Communications 7 (2): 193-194: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X1200700217
  50. Margaret Mwihaki Ng’ang’a, Hidayat Hussain, Sumesh Chhabra Caroline Langat-Thoruwa, Karsten Krohn, Javid Hussain, Ahmed-Al- Harrasi, Ivan Robert (2012). Eucleanal A and B: Two new napthalene derivatives from Euclea divinorum. Chinese Chemical Letters 23: 576–578 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1001841712000253
  51. Margaret Mwihaki Ng’ang’a, Hidayat Hussain, Sumesh Chhabra Caroline Langat-Thoruwa, Beatrice Irungu, Ahmed Al-Harrasi Muhammed Riaz, Karsten Krohn (2012). Antiplasmodial activity of compounds from Drypetes gerrardi. Chemistry of Natural Compounds. 48: No. 2 (Russian Original No. 2 March –April 2012)
  52. Margaret Mwihaki Ng’ang’a, Hidayat Hussain, Sumesh Chhabra Caroline Langat-Thoruwa, Mohammed Riaz,Karsten Krohn, (2011). Drypetdimer A: A new flavones dimer from Drypetes gerrardi. Natural Products Communications 6: 1115-1116. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1934578X1100600816
  53. Margaret Mwihaki Ng’ang’a, Hidayat Hussain, Sumesh Chhabra Caroline Langat-Thoruwa, Karsten Krohn (2009). Chemical constituents from the root bark of Ozoroa insignis. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 37: 116-119 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305197808001762?via%3Dihub
  54. Margaret Mwihaki Ng'ang'a, Sumesh Chhabra, Caroline Langat-Thoruwa, Hidayat Hussain Karsten Krohn (2008). Chemical constituents from the leaves of Drypetes gerrardii. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 36: 320 – 322. https://ur.booksc.me/book/13336363/edd1d9
  55. Margaret Mwihaki Nganga (2008). Isolation and characterization of antimalarial compounds from selected medicinal plants used in Kenya. PhD thesis, Kenyatta University
  56. Wilson Njue, Margaret Mwihaki Njuguna, Richard Musau (1999). Determination of volatile impurities in alcoholic beverages using Gas-Liquid Chromatography. International Journal of Biochemistry. Physics 8: 44-47