Rev. Professor Charles Ansah is the Pro Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. He is an Associate Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology and an Alumnus of this University. He holds a B.Pharm degree from this University and an MSc. and a PhD in Molecular Toxicology from Imperial College London. He leads the Toxicology Research group in the Department of Pharmacology.

His major research interest is in the molecular mechanisms underpinning the hepatoprotective/hepatotoxic actions of local medicinal plants. He also has interest in the safety assessment of herbal remedies. He has a number of graduate students working for M.Phil/PhD degrees under his supervision.

He supports the Department of Pharmacology in teaching pharmacology and toxicology to medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing and herbal medicine students across the College of Health Sciences in the university. He is a Board member of the School of Graduate studies and provides occasional service to the graduate school as Chairman in the examination of M.Phil/PhD candidates. He is also the Chairperson of the Public lectures committee of the University. As a Dean, he is the Chairman of the Faculty Board and serves as a member of the College of Health Sciences Board.

Professor Ansah serves on the Ghana Food & Drugs Board's Technical Advisory Committee on clinical trials.  He is a fellow of the West Africa and the Ghana Postgraduate College of Pharmacists. He serves as a board member of the Ghana Pharmacy Council, Governing Boards of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana and the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine at Mampong Akuapem. He is a consultant/expert for the West African Health Organization (WAHO) on the safety of medicinal plants. Prof. Ansah has several publications to his credit in reputable pharmacology and toxicology journals. He has attended and presented at scientific conferences worldwide.

Professor Ansah is also a Minister of the Gospel of Christ and serves as an Associate Minister of the Christ Congregation, the Presbyterian Church on the University campus. He is a youth counselor and takes keen interest in students’ academic performance and development.

Publications

• ANSAH, C., DADZEASAH, E.P., ASIAMAH, E. (2013). Aqueous Extract of Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv) Modulates Carbon tetrachloride Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats.American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 8(1): 39-50

• ANSAH, C., MENSAH, K.B (2012). Aqueous Root extract of the Anti-malarial Herbal Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl) Schltr  Inhibits ovulation in Rabbits. British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology,  3(5): 240-244

• MENSAH, K. B., ANSAH, C. (2014). The Antimalarial Herbal Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr is antiandrogenic. International Journal of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 4(1): 6-11

• DADZEASAH, E. P.,  ANSAH, C. (2013). Spathodea campanulata  Attenuates  Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice.  International  Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, 5(4): 158 – 164

•  ADINORTEY, M. B; ANSAH, C., GALYUON, I., NYARKO, A. (2013). In vivo Models   Used for the Evaluation of Potential  Antigastroduodenal Ulcer Agents. Ulcers,  2013: 1-12

• ANSAH, C.,  MENSAH, K.B. (2013).  A review of the Anticancer Potential of the Antimalarial Herbal Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and its Major Alkaloid cryptolepine. Ghana Medical Journal,47(3): 137-147.

• MENSAH, K.B., ANSAH, C. (2013). Aqueous Root Extract of the Antimalarial Herbal Cryptolepis sanguinolenta  (Lindl.) Schltr Delays the Development of Physical Landmarks and Sensorimotor Systems in Mice. International Journal of Pharmaceutical sciences and Research 4(4): 1000 – 1006.

• DADZEASAH, P.A., ANSAH, C., ASIAMAH, E.A. (2012). Safety Evaluation of an Aqueous Stem Bark Exract of Spathodea campanulata. The Global Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1(5): 1076 – 1090.

• ANSAH, C., OPPONG, E., WOODE, E., (2011). Subacute Oral Toxicity Assessment of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach and Thonn) Müll Arg (Euphorbiaceae) Extract in Rats. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 10(5): 587- 694

• Ainooson, G.K., Owusu, G., Woode, E., ANSAH, C., Annan, K. (2011). Trichilia monadelpha bark extracts inhibit carrageenan-induced foot-oedema in the 7-day old chick and the oedema associated with adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 9(1): 8-16.

• Danquah, C.A.,  Woode,  E.,  Boakye-Gyasi, E.,  Duwiejua, M. and Ansah, C. (2011). Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of an ethanolic extract of Capparis erythrocarpos isert roots.  Research Journal of Medicinal Plants. 5(2): 158-168.

• Woode, E., Boakye-Gyasi, E., Amidu, N., Ansah C. and  Duwiejua, M. (2010). Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of a Leaf Extract of Palisota hirsuta K. Schum. (Commelinaceae) in Mice. International  Journal of  Pharmacology 6(1): 1-17

• Ansah, C., Mensah, K.B., Woode, E., Duwiejua, M. (2010). Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in mice. Research Journal of Pharmacology 4 (1): 9-14.

• Ansah, C., Gooderham, N.J. (2009). Cryptolepine Provokes Changes in the Expression of Cell Cycle Proteins in Growing Cells. American Journal of  Pharmacology and Toxicology 4(4): 177-185

• Ansah, C., Otsyina, H.R., Duwiejua, M., Woode, E., Aboagye, F.A., Aning, K.G. (2009). Toxicological Assessment of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta for possible use in Veterinary Medicine. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health.  1(1): 011-016.

• Ansah, C., Oppong, E., Woode, E., Duwiejua, M. (2009). Toxicity Studies on Achornea cordifolia leaf extract in mice.  Journal of Science  and Technology. 29(1): 8-16.

• Woode, E., Amoateng, P., Ansah, C., Duwiejua, M. (2009). Anti-nociceptive Effects of an Ethanolic Extract of the Whole Plant of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn  in Mice: Involvement of Adenosinergic Mechanisms. Journal of  Pharmacology and  Toxicology. 4(1): 17-29)

• Gyapong, R.N.K., Duwiejua, M., Bio, F.Y., Woode, E., Ansah, C., Owusu-Daaku, F.T., Buabeng, K.O. (2009). Characterization and Treatment of Severe Malaria in Hospitalized Children at a Ghanaian District Hospital. The Open Tropical Medicine Journal. 2: 39-44.

• Woode, E., Amidu, N., Owiredu, W.K.B.A., Boakye-Gyasi, E., Ansah, C., Duwiejua, M. (2009). Antidepressant-like Effects of an Ethanolic extract of  Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre Roots in Mice. International Journal of  Pharmacology. 5 (1): 22-29

• Woode, E., Boakye-Gyasi, E., Ainooson, G.K.,  Ansah, C., Duwiejua, M. (2009). Antinociceptive Effects and Mechanism of Palisota hirsuta K. Schum Leaf Extract in Murine Models. International Journal of Pharmacology. 5(2), 101-113.

• Boakye-Gyasi, E., Woode, E., Ainooson, G.K., Obiri, D.D., Ansah, C., Duwiejua, M., Donkoh, A. (2008). Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of an ethanolic extract of Palisota hirsuta K. Schum roots. African  Journal  of Pharmacy and  Pharmacology. 2(9): 191-199.

• Bayor, M.T., Ansah, C., Duwiejua, M., Abaitey, A.K. (2008). Alchornea cordifolia (Eurphobiaceae), the major constituent of antiasthmatic herbal formulations in Ghana, Stimulates β-adrenoceptors. Journal of the Ghana Science Association 10(2): 1-11. 

• Otsyina, H.R., Ansah, C., Duwiejua, M., Woode, E., Aboagye, F.A., Aning, K.G. (2008). Acute and subacute toxicity studies of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Momordica charantia (Linn) for animal use in Ghana. Journal of the Ghana Science Association 10 (1): 59-78.

• Woode, E., Ainooson, G.K., Boakye-Gyasi, E., Ansah, C., Obiri, D.D., Koffour, G.A., Mensah, A.Y., Duwiejua, M. (2008). Anti-arthritic and antioxidant properties of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seaman ex Bureau (Bignoniaceae). Journal of Medicinal Plant Research 2(8): 180-188.

• Ansah, C., Mfoafo, E.A.A., Woode, E., Duwiejua, M. (2008). Anxiogenic Effects of an Aqueous Crude Extract of Cryptolepissanguinolenta (Periplocaceae) in Mice. International Journal of Pharmacology. 4(1): 20-26.

• Ansah, C., Zhu, H., Gooderham, N.J. (2008). The Mechanism of Cryptolepine-induced Cell Death. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 3(4): 291-301.

•  Ansah, C., Mfoafo, E.A., Woode, E., Opoku-Okrah, C., Owiredu, W.K.B.A., Duwiejua, M. (2008). Toxicological Evaluation of the Anti-Malarial Herb Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in Rodents. Journal of  Pharmacology & Toxicology. 3(5): 335-343. 

• Woode, E., Amissah, F., Duwiejua, M., Ansah, C., Fleischer, T.C., Sawer, I.K (2008).  Effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub.) fruit extract on Some Isolated Tissues: Possible Mechanism(s) of Antihypertensive Action. Journal of Science and  Technology 28(1): 23-34

• Woode, E., Ansah, C., Ainooson, G.K., Abotsi, W.M.K., Mensah, A.Y., Duwiejua, M. (2007). Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of the root extract of Carissa edulis (Forsk.) Vahl (Apocynaceae). Journal of Science and Technology.  27(3): 5-15.

• Duwiejua, M., Panyin, A.B., Weremfo, A., Woode, E., Ansah, C. (2007). Antinociceptive activity of the ethanolic extract of the root bark of Cassia sieberiana (Fam. Caesalpinaceae). Journal of  Pharmacy and  Bioresources. 4 (1):1-10.   

• Woode, E., Obiri, D.D., Ansah C., Duwiejua, M., Kuffuor, G.A (2006). Total alkaloidal extract of Picralima nitida (Fam. Apocynaceae) seeds has anti-inflammatory actions. Journal of the Ghana Science Association. 8 (1): 70-78

• Nsiah, K., Terlabi, E.O., Woode, E., Obiri, D.D., Ansah, C., Duwiejua, M. (2006).Toxicological assessment of Parquetina nigrescens in rats. Journal of Science and Technology, 26 (3): 24-31

• Zhu, H., Smith, C., Ansah, C., Gooderham, N.J    (2005). Responses of genes involved in cell cycle control to diverse DNA damaging chemicals in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Cancer cell International, 5 (28): 1-13

• Ansah, C & Gooderham, N.J. (2005). Reactive oxygen species is associated with cryptolepine cytotoxicity. Journal ofScience & Technology, 25 (1): 1-10

• Ansah, C., Khan, A., Gooderham, N.J (2005). In vitro genotoxicity of the West African anti-malarial herbal Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and its major alkaloid cryptolepine. Toxicology 208 (1):141-147.

• Ansah, C & Gooderham  N.J. (2002). The popular herbal anti-malarial extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, is potently cytotoxic. Toxicological Sciences. 70 (2): 245-251.

• ANSAH, C., MENSAH, K.B., WOODE, E. (2009). Herbal Medicines: are they absolutely safe? The case of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta on reproduction in mice. Proceedings of the 10th Commonwealth Pharmacists Association Scientific Conference, 3-7 August, 2009. National Theatre, Accra, Ghana.

•  Amofa, G., Bart-Plange, C., Allotey, K.N., Sebaya, A., Dodoo, A. N. O., Appiah- Danquah, A., Gyansah-Lutterodt, M., Duwiejua, M., Ansah, C., de Sevene, E., Andrews, E., Antwi, F., Afari, E., Ofori-Adjei, D. (2006).  Pharmacovigilance of Antimalarials in Ghana-A primer for Health Care Professionals, First Edition, February 2006.

• Duwiejua, M., Ansah, C. (2006). Medical Aid: The role and limitations of the  Pharmacist, Continuing education training for Pharmacists (2006)

•  Ohene-Asabere, Ansah, C., Woode, E., Dodoo, A. N. O., Duwiejua, M. (2008). The attitudes of Final Year Pharmacy, Nursing and Social Science students in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi to Patients with HIV/AIDS. In:  Proceedings of the National HIV/AIDS Research Conference (NHARCON), 3-5 March 2008, Accra, Ghana

• Woode, E., Duwiejua, M., Ansah, C., Koffuor, G. A., Obiri, D. D., Ainooson, G K.,  Nkunu, M. and  Boakye-Gyasi, E. (2006) Anti-inflammatory activity of Palisota hirsuta roots in carrageenan-induced oedema in chicks. Proceedings of the 2ndScientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres)., Accra, Elmina, 1st-4thAugust, 2006, p 26

• Woode, E., Duwiejua, M, Ansah, C., Koffuor, G A., Obiri, D. D., Arnissah, F. A. and Ainooson, G K. (2006).  Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Newbouldia laevis stem bark extract. Proceedings of the 2nd Scientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres), Accra, Elmina, 1st-4th August, 2006,  p 26.

• Duwiejua, M., Ansah C., Woode E., Obiri, D. D., Anto, B. P and Koffour, G A. (2006). Concurrent administration of Picralima nitida extract with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents offers no additional analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Proceedings of the 2nd  Scientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres)., Accra, Elmina, 1st-4th August, 2006, p 30

• Duwiejua, M., Woode, E., Ansah, C., Obiri, D. D., Anto, B. P.,  Koffour, G. A (2006). Effect of Picralima nitida seed extracts on bradykinin-induced hyperalgesia. Proceedings of the 2nd Scientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres)., Accra, Ghana,1-4 August, 2006, p 31

• Woode, E., Duwiejua, M., Ansah, C., Koffuor, G A, Obiri, D. D., Amidu, N. (2006). Effect of Sphenocenfrum jollyanurn in experimental mouse models of anxiety. Proceedings of the 2nd Scientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres)., Accra, Elmina, 1st-4th August, 2006, p 32

• Woode, E., Duwiejua, M., Ansah, C., Koffuor, G.A., Obiri, D. D., and Poku, R. A. (2006). Anxiolytic effect of Ficus exasperata leaf extract in mice. Proceedings of the 2nd Scientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres)., Accra, Elmina,1st-4th August, 2006, p 32

• Woode, E., Abaitey, A. K., Duwiejua, M., Ansah, C., Obiri, D. D., Koffuor, G A., Fleischer, T. C., Sawer, I. K., Amissah, F. (2006). Effect of alcoholic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) fruits on some smooth muscles. Proceedings of the 2ndScientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres)., Elmina, Ghana, 1st-4thAugust, 2006, p 36

• Woode, E., Duwiejua, M., Ansah, C., Koffuor, G. A., Obiri, D. D., Mensah, A. Y. and Ainooson, G. K. (2006). Antioxidant properties of Newbouldia Iaevis stem bark extract. Proceedings of the 2nd Scientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres)., Elmina, Ghana, 1st-4th August, 2006, p 40

• Koffuor, G A., Woode, E., Obiri, D. D., Ansah, C., Duwiejua, M., Amedzro, G, Baah-Frimpong, S., Asare-Adjebeng, L., Amoateng P. and Andey T. A. (2006). The immunostimulatory and erythropoietic effects of an aqueous extract of the fruits of Solanum torvum. Proceedings of the 2nd Scientific Meeting Western Africa Network of Natural Products Research Scientists (Wannpres)., Accra, Elmina, 1st-4th August, 2006, p 43

• Ansah C; Gooderham N. J. (2004) Cryptolepine induces G1 arrest and cytotoxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Toxicology. 194: 229-230

• Ansah C; Gooderham N. J. (2004) The cell cycle effects of the cytotoxic anti-malarial alkaloid cryptolepine is p53-dependent. Toxicology. 202: 67-67

• Ansah, C., Gooderham, N.J (2004). The cell cycle effects of the cytotoxic alkaloid cryptolepine is p53-dependent. Proceedings of the 25th Anniversary/ Annual Congress of the British Toxicology Society,  Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK,  March 2004

• Ansah, C & Gooderham, N.J (2003). Cryptolepine, the anti-malarial alkaloid induces G1-arrest and cytotocity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Proceedings of the British Toxicology Society Annual Congress, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK,  March 2003

• Ansah, C & Gooderham, N.J (2003). The plant alkaloid cryptolepine induces G1-arrest and apoptotic cell death in human lymphoblastoid MCL-5 cells independent of metabolic activation. Proceedings of the 94th Annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research, Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C, USA, Abstract No. 5531, July, 2003

• Ansah, C & Gooderham, N.J (2002). The potential anti-cancer treatment, extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is potently cytotoxic yet poorly genotoxic. Oncologia 4: suppl. 1, 157.

• Ansah, C & Gooderham, N.J (2001). The aqueous extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, a West African herbal medicine, is cytotoxic. Toxicology 168: 126-127