Dr. Douglas Kemboi
Is a seasoned academic and researcher in the field of Organic Chemistry (Natural products) with over 13 years of experience in teaching, research, and extension services.
He holds a Ph.D. and Masters degree in Organic Chemistry and I have made significant contributions to both theoretical and applied aspects of the discipline. My areas of expertise include natural product chemistry, phytochemistry, synthetic organic methodologies, green chemistry, plant metabolomics, nanotechnology, and medicinal chemistry.
He has authored and co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed research publications in reputable international journals. His work continues to influence ongoing studies in organic synthesis and its application in pharmaceuticals and environmental sustainability.
He is actively involved in postgraduate mentorship and am currently supervising several Master’s and Ph.D. candidates, contributing to the development of the next generation of chemists and researchers. I engage in multidisciplinary research and community outreach programs that promote the application of organic chemistry in real-world challenges, including drug discovery, agricultural development, and environmental conservation.
Book Chapters
Kemboi, Douglas, Joas Tsiri, and Jacqueline Tembu. "The phytochemistry and cytotoxic activities of selected Phyllanthus L. species." Studies in Natural Products Chemistry 81 (2024): 387-413.
Recent Publications
Ncongwane, J. B., Tembu, V. J., Nkambule, C. M., Kemboi, D., Fouche, G., Vukea, N., & de la Mare, J. A. (2025). Labdane Diterpenoids from Leonotis ocymifolia with Selective Cytotoxic Activity Against HCC70 Breast Cancer Cell Line. Diseases, 13(5), 140.Kemboi, Douglas, et al. "A review of the ethnomedicinal uses, biological activities, and triterpenoids of Euphorbia species." Molecules 25.17 (2020): 4019.
Mbwale, I., Giliba, R. A., Kisula, L., & Kemboi, D. (2025). Unlocking nature's pharmacy: Euphorbia hirta (L.) as a potent defense against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in Tanzania. South African Journal of Botany, 177, 1-13.
Kemboi, Douglas, et al. "In vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of Euphorbia grandicornis Blanc chemical constituents." BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 22.1 (2022): 90.
Mangisa, M., Kemboi, D., Fouche, G., Nthambeleni, R., Langat, M. K., Tarirai, C., ... & Tembu, V. J. (2023). Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Suregada Genus: A Review. Pharmaceuticals, 16(10), 1390.
Thatyana, M., Dube, N. P., Kemboi, D., Manicum, A. L. E., Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, N. S., & Tembu, J. V. (2023). Advances in Phytonanotechnology: A Plant-Mediated Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Using Phyllanthus Plant Extracts and Their Antimicrobial and Anticancer Applications. Nanomaterials, 13(19), 2616.
Dube, N. P., Tembu, V. J., Nyemba, G. R., Davison, C., Rakodi, G. H., Kemboi, D., ... & Manicum, A. L. E. (2023). In vitro cytotoxic effect of stigmasterol derivatives against breast cancer cells. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23(1), 316.
Kemboi, Douglas, et al. "13-amino derivatives of dehydrocostus lactone display greatly enhanced selective toxicity against breast cancer cells and improved binding energies to protein kinases in silico." Plos one 17.8 (2022): e0271389.
Chemistry (Organic, Natural Products)
Phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal, Medicinal plants, Phytochemicals, structure-activity relationships, extraction, Spectroscopic analysis and structural elucidation, Bioactivity, Natural products drug discovery, Synthetic modification of scaffolds, Ethnopharmacology, ADME properties, Compound isolation, Structure elucidation.
Member of KCA
Member of SACI
Metabolomics South Africa (MSA)