Pinay student bags int'l prize for Malunggay anti-tumor research

Who would've thought that the humble Malunggay plant found in many a Pinoy's backyard actually has anti-tumor properties?

Arianwen Rollan, a 17-year-old student from Cebu City National Science High School, found that Malunggay seed extract may help hamper the growth of tumors.

Her experiments on chick embryos showed that the extract affects the growth of blood vessels, essentially starving tumor cells of nutrients.

“When there is a tumor, there will be a rapid development of blood vessels. The more blood vessels, there will be more nutrients supplied to the tumor. In this case, we need to inhibit the development of these blood vessels in order to cut off its source of nutrients,” she told GMA News.

Rollan's research bagged her the Qatar Foundation's First Award for Research and Development in Medical Science at year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest high school science research competition.

The award also came with a $1,000 prize.

Rollan believes that Malunggay seeds have largely been overlooked by researchers in the field.

“In comparison with the leaves, the seeds have not been studied that much. Malunggay seeds are available anywhere here in the Philippines. In fact, it would be unusual if you don't have the Malunggay tree in your own backyard especially in the rural areas,” she said.

Rollan hopes that her preliminary study paves the way for more research and, ultimately, the development of an affordable and accessible anti-tumor treatment.

“I realized that cancer drugs are very expensive and these also have fatal side effects. This inspired me to look for a natural agent against cancer,” she said.

Rollan says that her grandmother's death from cancer inspired and pushed her to pursue this line of research. After winning several local awards, she was encouraged to join the ISEF by her parents and teachers.

“I never thought that I would reach ISEF because before, I was just watching and reading about it from the internet. I thought that I never would have a chance to go that far,” she said.

“I didn't expect my name to be called since there were only a few awards left to be given. When I reached backstage, I was really shaking because of shock and happiness,” she added.

Rollan also hopes that her success brings the Philippine government to support local research, and inspires other students to go into the sciences.

“I really hope that our government would establish a special organization with complete facilities that gives more attention to these kinds of projects,” she said. “There are a lot of bright young minds in our country and the only problem is that there is no one to help them fund their research.”

Rollan hopes her example encourages other young people to leave their own marks in science and research.

“Ten years from now, I see myself as a Filipina who have made waves in the field of tesearch and at that time, I have already inspired the Filipino youth to think beyond,” Rollan beamed. — TJD, GMA News