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Study finds Malunggay and Yacon effective against common bacterial infections

Local plants yacon and malunggay have been found to be effective as remedies against common skin bacterial infections. In separate studies done at De La Salle Health Sciences Institute's Angelo King Medical Research Center and De La Salle University-Manila, researches have confirmed the plants' viability as anti-bacterial agents.

Specifically, two bioactive compounds in malunggay seeds and a bioactive compound present in yacon leaves have been found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, the most common causes of bacterial skin infections. Malunggay Seeds

In the study conducted by a group of researchers from DLSHSI, DLSU-Manila, and the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine in Taiwan, the compounds in malunggay seeds have been found to possess significant activity against the said bacteria and thus have strong potentials for development as cure for staphylococcal infections.

In addition, the study also found malunggay's seed to be useful against Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophyton rubrum, two of the more common causes of cutaneous fungal infections and may hold promise as a natural remedy for external fungal infections.

Yacon Leaves

In an abstract that will be published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, the same group of researchers say the study on yacon leaves not only "confirmed the plant's therapeutic utility but have likewise substantiated pertinent health-benefit claims."

Source: Focus-The Official Newsletter of De La Salle Health Sciences Institute

Region 4A gets Early Kick-start for 2012

A progenitor of the theory of "positive thinking" once said " Plan your work for today and everyday, and then work your plan". The Health Research and Development Consortium Region IV-A welcomes 2012 with optimism as it conducted its Organizational Meeting-Planning Workshop last January 09, 2012 at the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute.

The Consortium Coordinator, Dr. Melchor Victor G. Frias, IV reported the accomplished programs and activities of the Health Research and Development Consortium Region IV (HRDCR IV) based on the Strategic and Work Plans. Dr. Frias further announced the plan to invite additional institutions in Region IV to be part of the HRDCR IV-A namely: Adventist University of the Philipppines- in Silang, Cavite, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas and University of Perpetual Help Binan Campus. Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Lucena City was also suggested by the group. The vision, mission, values and objectives of the consortium were also reviewed by the group to determine its applicability with regard to the current situation of Region IV-A. The members also proposed some activities for each subcommittee as the needs of the consortium and priority activities were discussed. It was the consensus of the group to have a regular meeting to ensure the accomplishments of activities and to provide directions for the consortium. Every member also reiterated their support and cooperation to all the planned activities of the consortium.

Furthermore, everyone in the group was optimistic, expecting the best to happen for the Health Research and Development Consortium Region IV-A as the meeting ended. The work plans of the HRDCR IV-A will all be possible with the financial and technical support of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST).