DLSHSI bridges research gap in use of herbal medicine

MANILA, Philippines - Her attention caught by the exhibit of De La Salle Health Sciences Institute (DLSHSI) on its research on herbal remedies, a foreign International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU) Encuentro X delegate casually asked vice chancellor for research Mel Frias if they had something for her psoriasis.

To her surprise, he said yes, and introduced to her an organically formulated virgin coconut oil which research has found to be an effective remedy against this skin disorder which causes red scaly patches due to inflammation.  

She left DLSHSI and the Philippines with bottles of the VCO. About two months later, Frias received an e-mail from her thanking him for the oil which has brought her great relief from her psoriasis. 

The DLSHSI’s Angelo King Medical Research Center (AKMRC) in Dasmariñas, Cavite eventually developed a VCO cream which, through clinical trials, was also found to be effective for impetigo and diaper dermatitis.

The VCO cream is only one of the traditional remedies that the DLSHSI-AKMRC has contributed to medical care through its researches that center on indigenous natural resources as possible health remedies. 

For example, researchers in the Dasmariñas, Cavite-based Lasallian community have proven that, indeed, extracts of a specific part of two local plants have possible effects in raising platelet count, which is key in dengue patients.

They are now initiating pre-clinical studies and clinical trials on the formulations to determine their toxicity levels, safety and efficacy. Research for medicine against dengue is complemented by another collaborative research to determine the effective concentration and potency of a plant seed to kill the eggs (ova) and immature forms (larvae) of the dengue-carrying mosquito.

Another plant is also now the subject of another study, this time for its possible use against diabetes and cancer.

Also, in two collaborative studies with researchers from DLSU-Manila, DLSHSI researchers have proven the antimicrobial potential of malunggay seeds and yacon leaves as remedies against common skin infections. There are also ongoing researches on at least 10 plants for their possible uses as anti-TB remedies.  

In addition to the VCO cream, the Research Center has also developed other herbal-based topical remedies: akapulco lotion for scabies; neem lotion, an effective insect repellant; and atis leaves for the treatment of head lice.

DLSHSI’s focus on discovering and developing herb or plant-based remedies is motivated by its mission to find ways to make quality medical care more accessible to poor Filipinos by delving into the rich resource of locally available plants. 

These efforts are critical for the health industry, especially in the midst of the prevalence of herbal supplements being sold in the country today, which claim “medical benefits.”

This thriving multimillion-peso industry indicates a strong need and belief among Filipinos for herbal-based health remedies. However, experts contend there are issues of toxicity and actual efficacy that must be addressed before they can be used as treatments. This is the research gap that DLSHSI-AKMRC aims to bridge. A tall order, but this group of researchers is ready for the challenge. –