Herbal plant known locally as busikad (Kyllinga brevifolia) may ease anxiety according to a study done by Pharmacy students at the San Pedro College in Davao City.
Busikad is a local medicinal plant grown locally across the country. Traditionally processed into tea, many local communities use busikad for its sedative property.
Laboratory examinations done by the students found huge amount of kaemferol in busikad. Kaemferol is a plant compound known to have antianxiety properties.
Researchers gave busikad leaves processed into capsules to laboratory mice that were subjected into various stressful games and activities. The stress-inducing activities on the mice elicited behavioural changes known to be signs of high level of anxiety such as increased stretching postures, grooming, freezing, and inhibition to explore open spaces, among others.
Comparing busikad’s effectiveness with that of Diazepam, a well-known brand of antianxiety medication, researchers found that doses of busikad capsule are as effective as the branded drug in relieving anxiety in mice. Research result showed that mice given with busikad capsules stopped showing behavioural signs of high level of anxiety at the same rate as those given with Diazepam.
Researchers discussed the importance of drug discovery and development in native Philippine plants, such as the busikad. They explained that with increasing cost of manufactured drugs, it is time to engage in finding alternative solution in local plants.
The study, entitled, “The Anxiolytic Activity of Kaemferol Fraction from Busikad (Kyllinga brevifolia) Leaves in Capsule Formation,” won third prize at the recently concluded Gruppo Medica Awards during the 8th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration on August 12-14, 2014 in Cebu City.
Medical researchers can now look forward to getting recognized for their work with the launch of the Geminiano T. de Ocampo Visionary Awards for Medical Research. Launched by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) last November 8, 2012 at the Hyatt Hotel Grand Casino, the award seeks to recognize clinician researchers who have created the vision for medical research in the country through their outstanding work in medical research. It also aims to recognize those who have pioneered the trail for medical innovations and health research development.
The award is given in honor of the national scientist in the field of Opthalmology and the father of modern Philippine ophthalmology Dr. Geminiano de Ocampo, who himself was a visionary man who realized the future of medicine in the country through his groundbreaking and pioneering efforts in clinical practice and in research.
Candidates can be nominated by individuals, scientific and technological societies, professional societies or association, research institutes, universities and colleges.
Qualifications include:
1. Natural born citizens of the Philippines
2. Graduate of Medicine in an accredited and duly recognized school or college of medicine
3. Remarkable track record as a clinician practicing in the Philippines
4. Proven track record and accomplishment in medical research
5. No proven administrative case or case of moral turpitude
Nominations will be screened by the NAST secretariat and will be evaluated by a board of judges. The selected awardee will receive a gold medal, a plaque and a Php 100,000 cash prize.
In 1952, Dr. de Ocampo established the de Ocampo hospital, the first eye hospital in the Philippines. He was also the first Filipino to design a corneal dissector in 1956, and was the first Filipino to perform the first successful corneal transplant.
The award is made possible with the endowment of the de Ocampo family and will be administered by the NAST Health Sciences Division. It will be given biennially and will take place during the birth anniversary of Dr. de Ocampo, on September 16th of the year.
Nomination forms are available for download at the NAST website: www. nast.ph, or from the NAST secretariat, at the 3rd level, Science Heritage Building, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City.
From http://region7.healthresearch.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=43:recognition-of-trailblazing-efforts-in-medical-research-and-clinical-innovation&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=6
Date 24 April 2013 14:40
