Pinoy develops anti-viral cream from cashew nut

The anti-viral and anti-fungal cream preparation derived from cashew nut continues to reap awards here and abroad for its Filipino inventor, Rolando de la Cruz.

Last May 20, De la Cruz was awarded the Gold Medal for his invention, the non-surgical removal of warts, moles and other so-called skin imperfections, at the INPEX XVII, America’s biggest invention show in Pittsburgh, USA.

De la Cruz, founder and president of RCC Amazing Touch International Inc., said the creams developed from the extract of the cashew nut (anacardium occidentale), known as "dewart" or "demole," have anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that "burn" the wart or mole without harming the skin underneath or causing any scar.

"Cashew is an indigenous herbal plant in the country. It is known for its medicinal properties, thus giving me the idea to formulate a herbal cream," he said.

De la Cruz discovered the potency of the cashew nut in 1970. He related, "As a child, I noticed how a wart on my hand shrunk when I accidentally squeezed the cashew fruit I was picking from a tree. That experience gave me the idea to try and use the cashew nut."

In a span of 25 years, De la Cruz perfected his formula by mixing the essence of cashew nuts with native lime, fig and papaya extracts, de-ionized water and talc.

Warts are rough-to-touch, flesh-colored overgrowths on the skin caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), while moles are caused by the cells that produce melanin.

Warts and moles may occur on any part of the body such as the face, hands, feet and even in the genital area. If they are not given proper medication, especially the warts, they may spread all over the body.

During the treatment, the cream is applied directly onto the affected areas and takes effect within 20-30 minutes. After two to three weeks, the lesions peel off, thus causing the "rebirth" of new skin.

The cream can also remove other skin growths like keloids, syringomas and skin tags.

There are a number of treatments available, although some may leave unsightly marks or scars. This makes the herbal cream popular because it offers an alternative, being painless, bloodless and without causing further damage to the skin.

Other awards De la Cruz has received are a gold medal at the ITEC 2000, an investors’ fair in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; the "Golden Shell Award" of the Department of Trade and Industry last year; a bronze medal for "Outstanding Invention" at the 27th Salon Internationale des Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland in 1999; and the 1998 Investors’ Week "Tuklas Award" sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, through its Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).

The RCC has a chain of skin clinics at the Teachers’ Bliss Condominium II along Quirino Highway in Balintawak, Quezon City; Robinson’s Galleria in Pasig City; Rustan’s Cubao; and SM branches in North Edsa, Fairview, Southmall, Manila and Cebu.

It also has clinic-branches in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and the United States.

For inquiries, call 920-9872 or 365-4001, or check the website www.rccamazingtouch.com.