Ivan Kahwa

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Published Posts:

What to do if sertraline causes dizziness? (7 proven ways that help)

What to do if sertraline causes dizziness? The following tips can help if sertraline causes dizziness: Talk to your doctor If sertraline is making you dizzy, it’s best to report […]

What to do if sertraline causes diarrhoea? (5+ tips that help)

What to do if sertraline causes diarrhoea? If sertraline causes diarrhoea, there are a few things that can help: Talk to your doctor If sertraline causes diarrhoea, it’s best to […]

What to do if Zoloft makes you apathetic? (5 helpful tips)

What to do if Zoloft makes you apathetic? The following ways can help you with Zoloft-induced apathy: Talk to your healthcare provider If Zoloft is making you apathetic, it’s best […]

What to do if Zoloft causes attention problems? (3 factors involved)

What to do if Zoloft causes attention problems? Talk to your healthcare provider if you think Zoloft is causing problems with attention and focus. Although Zoloft does not necessarily affect […]

How does Zoloft affect your personality? (5+ related side effects)

How does Zoloft affect your personality? Zoloft does not necessarily affect your personality but can cause side effects that can lead to temporary changes in how you respond to things. […]

Can Zoloft cause poor circulation? (3 factors involved)

Can Zoloft cause poor circulation? No, Zoloft does not typically cause poor circulation. It is not a commonly reported side effect, and people who may experience it may have different […]

Why does Zoloft make you hyperactive? (3+ reasons)

Why does Zoloft make you hyperactive? Zoloft (sertraline) may cause hyperactivity due to one or more of the following reasons: Zoloft affects serotonin levels Zoloft can cause hyperactivity by affecting […]

What to do if Zoloft makes food taste bad? (5 tips)

What to do if Zoloft makes food taste bad? The following things can help if Zoloft makes food taste bad: Talk to your doctor It is important to report your […]

What to do if Zoloft makes your muscles ache? (5+ Tips)

The following tips can help if Zoloft makes your muscles ache: Apply cold compress Apply a cold compress if Zoloft makes your muscles ache. A cold compress can effectively reduce […]

Can Zoloft (sertraline) be compounded? (3 options)

Can Zoloft (sertraline) be compounded? Yes, Zoloft or sertraline can be compounded. Compounded sertraline is a customised pharmaceutical product created by compounding pharmacists to meet the needs of a specific […]

What to do if Zoloft makes your ADHD worse? (3+ better options)

If Zoloft (sertraline) is making your ADHD worse, you should reach out to your doctor right away. Zoloft is an antidepressant primarily used to manage depression, anxiety, and similar symptoms. […]

What to do if Zoloft causes itching? (3+ allergy symptoms)

If you’re experiencing itching after taking Zoloft (sertraline), it is important to seek medical attention and rule out the possibility of an allergic reaction. This is crucial for people who […]

Does sertraline make you feel good? (3+ reasons why)

Does sertraline make you feel good? Yes, sertraline can make you feel good with time. It does not improve mood or induce euphoria as it’s not a controlled substance, and […]

What to do if sertraline makes you forgetful? (3 helpful ways)

What to do if sertraline makes you forgetful? (3 helpful ways) The following steps can help if sertraline is making you forgetful: Talk to your healthcare provider It’s best to […]

What to do if sertraline causes face numbness? (5 factors involved)

What to do if sertraline causes face numbness? If sertraline is causing facial numbness, it is important to report it to your doctor. Numbness is listed as a potential side […]

What to do if sertraline causes a burning skin sensation? (3 factors)

If sertraline is causing a burning skin sensation, it’s recommended to seek medical attention. This is not a commonly reported side effect of sertraline and could be a sign of […]

What to do if sertraline makes you zone out? (3+ tips)

If sertraline makes you zone out, the following ways can help manage it: Talk to your healthcare provider If sertraline is making you zone out, talk to your healthcare provider. […]

What to do if Zoloft makes you angry? (3+ helpful strategies)

The following ways can help with anger management while taking Zoloft (sertraline): Talk to your healthcare provider If Zoloft is causing you anger, you should reach out to your healthcare […]

What to do if Zoloft makes your anxiety worse? (3+ tips)

You can try the following things if Zoloft makes your anxiety wrote: Talk to your doctor about treatment adjustment If Zoloft is making your anxiety worse, talk to your healthcare […]

What to do if Zoloft makes you tired all day? (7+ tips to manage it)

The following tips can help if Zoloft makes you tired all day: Start your day with a high-protein breakfast Start your day with a high-protein breakfast, as it’s the most […]

Can you increase your Zoloft on your own? (5+ potential side effects)

You can increase your Zoloft dose on your own, but you shouldn’t. Taking a higher dose is easy, as you just have to take more than the recommended dose. However, […]

How to make Zoloft more effective? (5 proven ways)

You can increase the effectiveness of Zoloft in the following ways: Consider psychotherapy Psychotherapy or behavioural therapy is a non-pharmacological approach to managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and several other […]

Does sertraline increase dopamine? (3 factors involved)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline increases dopamine levels in the brain. We will also discuss some research studies and additional factors that can affect your dopamine levels […]

Does sertraline affect learning? (3+ factors involved)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline affects learning. We will also discuss some research studies, learning-related side effects of sertraline, and some additional factors that can affect your […]

Does doxycycline interact with Zoloft? (3 side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether doxycycline interacts with Zoloft – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). We will also discuss some research studies and how one can ensure […]

Does sertraline cause eye twitching? (3+ factors)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline, an antidepressant, causes eye twitching. We will also discuss some research studies and additional factors that can contribute to eye twitching while […]

Does sertraline cause brain zaps? (1+ ways to prevent it)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline causes brain zaps. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if brain zaps occur. Does sertraline cause […]

Does sertraline show in a blood test? (1+ ways to prevent it)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can be shown in a blood test. We will also talk about the incidence of false positive drug tests with sertraline and […]

Does sertraline treat borderline personality disorder (BPD)?

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can help treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). We will also discuss some research studies and the potential benefits and risks of taking […]

Does Ativan interact with Zoloft? (3+ additive side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether there is any interaction between Ativan and Zoloft. We will also discuss some research studies and the potential benefits and risks of this […]

Does sertraline cure social anxiety disorder (SAD)?

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can be used for the management and treatment of social anxiety disorder. We will also discuss some research studies and common dosage […]

Does sertraline cause acne? (3+ factors at play)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline causes acne. We will also discuss the relevant research studies and some factors that can contribute to this side effect. Does sertraline […]

What is the best antidepressant to take with Xanax? (5 options)

In this article, we will discuss the best antidepressants to take with Xanax (alprazolam), a benzodiazepine. We will also discuss some research studies and how one can ensure the safe […]

What is the best antidepressant to take with mirtazapine? (3 choices)

In this article, we will discuss the best antidepressants to take with mirtazapine. We will also discuss some research studies and the potential risks of such combinations. What is the […]

What is the best antidepressant to lose weight? (1+ options)

In this article, we will discuss the best antidepressant to lose weight. We will also discuss some research studies and talk about some factors that can affect your weight management […]

Does sertraline cause fidgeting? (3+ factors involved)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline causes fidgeting. We will also discuss some research studies, the potential causes of fidgeting while taking this antidepressant, and what one can […]

Does domperidone interact with sertraline? (3+ side effects)

In this article, we will discuss the potential interactions between domperidone, a medication to manage nausea, and sertraline – an antidepressant. We will discuss some relevant research studies and talk […]

Can Ambien be taken with Zoloft? (3+ side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether Ambien can be taken with Zoloft – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). We will also discuss some research studies, potential benefits, and […]

What is the best antidepressant to take with tamoxifen? (3 options)

In this article, we will discuss the most suitable antidepressants to take with tamoxifen – an anticancer drug. We will also talk about some potential risks of these combinations and […]

Does hydroxyzine interact with Zoloft? (3 side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether there is an interaction between hydroxyzine and Zoloft (sertraline). We will also talk about the potential benefits and risks of taking these two […]

Does sertraline work right away? (7+ early side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline starts to work right away. We will also discuss some research studies and the main reason why sertraline can take some time […]

What is the best antidepressant to take with Lamictal? (3 options)

In this article, we will discuss the best antidepressants to take with Lamictal. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do to ensure the safe and […]

Does sertraline affect fitness? (5+ side effects affecting)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline affects fitness. We will also discuss some research studies and what sertraline-induced side effects can potentially impact fitness. Does sertraline affect fitness? […]

What other antidepressant can you take with sertraline? (3+ potential risks)

In this article, we will discuss the antidepressants you can safely take with sertraline. We will also discuss some research studies and how one can ensure the safe and effective […]

Does Zoloft cause sleepwalking? (3+ factors at play)

In this article, we will discuss whether Zoloft (sertraline) causes sleepwalking. We will also discuss some research studies and factors that can contribute to this side effect. Does Zoloft cause […]

Does Zoloft affect you sexually? (3+ sexual side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether Zoloft affects you sexually. We will also discuss some research studies and the incidence of Zoloft-induced sexual side effects. We will also talk […]

Can Zoloft cause permanent erectile dysfunction? (5 factors at play)

In this article, we will discuss whether Zoloft can cause permanent erectile dysfunction. We will discuss some research studies, additional factors that could be at play here, and management tips […]

What is the best antidepressant to take with Effexor? (3 choices)

In this article, we will discuss the best antidepressants to take with Effexor (venlafaxine) – a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). We will also discuss some side effects of such combinations […]

What medications should you not take with Zoloft? (5+ interactions)

In this article, we will discuss medications that should not be taken with Zoloft (sertraline) – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used as an antidepressant. What medications should […]

Does Zoloft expire? (3 storage tips)

In this article, we will discuss whether Zoloft, an antidepressant, expires. We will also discuss the typical shelf-life of Zoloft and the potential risks of taking this antidepressant once it’s […]

What is the best antidepressant to take with Abilify? (3 choices)

In this article, we will discuss what antidepressants are considered safe and effective to use with Abilify (aripiprazole) – an atypical antipsychotic medication. We will also discuss what research suggests, […]

What is a good antidepressant to take with Wellbutrin? (5+ good options)

In this article, we will discuss what antidepressants are safe to take with Wellbutrin – an atypical antidepressant. We will also discuss some research studies and the potential risks of […]

What is a good antidepressant to take with Lexapro? (1+ benefits)

In this article, we will discuss what antidepressant is a good option to combine with Lexapro (escitalopram), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. We will also discuss some potential benefits and […]

Does bismuth subsalicylate interact with sertraline? (1+ risks)

In this article, we will discuss whether bismuth subsalicylate interacts with sertraline – an antidepressant. We will also discuss some research studies and the potential risks of combining these medications. […]

Does sertraline affect adrenaline? (3+ factors at play)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline affects adrenaline levels. We will also talk about some research studies and discuss additional levels that may affect your adrenaline levels. Does […]

Does sertraline suppress the immune system? (3+ research studies)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline suppresses your immune system. We will discuss some research studies and the general link between depression and the immune system. We will […]

Does clarithromycin interact with sertraline? (3+ potential dangers)

In this article, we have discussed whether clarithromycin, an antibiotic, interacts with sertraline, an antidepressant. We will also discuss some case studies and discuss the potential side effects of taking […]

Does sertraline treat PTSD? (3 research studies explained)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can be used for the management and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will also discuss some research studies, dosage recommendations, […]

Does sertraline permanently alter brain chemistry? (3+factors at play)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can permanently alter your brain chemistry. We will also discuss some research studies on the long-term effects of sertraline on the brain […]

Can doxylamine be taken with sertraline? (5 side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether doxylamine can be taken with sertraline. We will discuss the potential risks of this combination and some alternative strategies to avoid this combination. […]

Does sertraline treat bipolar disorder? (3 potential risks)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can be used to treat bipolar disorder. We will talk about some research studies and discuss factors that can affect the treatment […]

Does green tea interact with Zoloft? (3 side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether green tea interacts with Zoloft. We will also talk about some research studies and potential side effects of this combination. We will also […]

Does sertraline show up as a benzodiazepine on a drug test?

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline shows up as a benzodiazepine on a drug test. We will also discuss why drug tests show false positives for controlled drugs […]

Does sertraline cause bruising? (3+ factors at play)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can cause random bruising. We will also discuss some research studies and discuss factors that can contribute to this side effect while […]

Does sertraline contain an MAOI? (3+ key differences)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline contains an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor). We will also talk about the basic differences between MAOIs and sertraline and discuss which antidepressant […]

Does sertraline treat generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can be used for the management and treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). We will also discuss some research studies and the […]

Does sertraline help obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We will also discuss some research studies and the mechanism through which sertraline can help OCD. […]

Does chamomile interact with Zoloft? (5 benefits)

In this article, we will discuss whether chamomile can interact with Zoloft – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). We will also discuss some research studies and the potential benefits […]

Does sertraline break a fast? (3+ factors at play)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can break your fats. We will discuss if sertraline has calories or if it spikes your blood sugar levels – two important […]

Is sertraline sedating or activating? (3 research studies)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline is sedating or activating. We will also talk about some research studies and what factors can affect the effects of sertraline. We […]

Does sertraline work the second time around? (9+ side effects)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline works the second time around. We will also talk about the reasons that may lead to sertraline discontinuation and why people may […]

Does sertraline help with grief? (5+ ways to manage it)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can manage your grief. We will also talk about the link between grief and clinical depression and some other ways one could […]

Does sertraline help rosacea? (5 approved medications)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can help with rosacea. We will also discuss what research indicates and what people have experienced. We will also talk about the […]

Does sertraline stifle creativity? (5 side effects leading to it)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can stifle creativity. We will discuss some research studies and how depression itself can stifle your creativity. We will also talk about […]

Does sertraline cause nasal congestion? (5+ tips that can help)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline causes nasal congestion. We will also discuss whether there is any research study that indicates nasal congestion on sertraline and underlying factors […]

Does sertraline stop overthinking? (5+ reasons why it might not)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline can help you stop overthinking. We will also discuss some relevant research studies, the overall relationship between depression and overthinking, and what […]

Does sertraline make your urine smell bad? (3+ factors at play)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline makes your urine smell bad or unusual. We will also discuss what the research suggests and what factors may affect your urine […]

Does Lexapro fatigue go away? (5 Tips)

In this blog, we will answer the question, “Does lexapro fatigue go away?. Lexapro is one of the most commonly used antidepressants and is considered as the safest option to […]

Reviewed Posts: