4 herbal medicines pass clinical trials

Four plant-based supplements have passed extensive clinical trials conducted by the Institute of Herbal Medicine-National Institute of Health of UP Manila, signaling another milestone in drug development in the country.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Mariz Umali, clinical tests have proven that new drugs can be derived from Ulasimang Bato, Yerba Buena, Ampalaya, and Tsaang Gubat.

Ulasimang Bato can be used as a treatment for elevated levels of uric acid. Yerba Buena can be used as an analgesic to relieve body pains.  Ampalaya is effective is lowering sugar level of diabetics.  Tsaang Gubat can be anti-colic and for relief of loose bowel movement and gallstones.

"Nakita sa clinical trials na talagang nagpapababa ng serum uric acid levels ng mga tao. So maaring gamitin ito para sa gout or yung talagang mataas yung uric acid levels," Dr. Cecilia Maramba-Lazarte, the Institute's director, said. 

Of the four, only Tsaang Gubat has been registered with the Food and Drug Administration, while the three other herbal drugs are still awaiting regulatory approval.

A pharmaceutical company should be willing to commercially produce Yerba Buena and Ampalaya into drugs.

Clinical trials and various phases of testing to prove the safety and efficacy of the four new drugs took seven to 10 years.  Once approved by the FDA, the new drugs are expected to offer affordable alternatives to the public.

"Ang maganda sa mga herbal medicines is that they have numerous compounds in them which can be synergetic so kunyare it has a compound ...nagpapababa ng uric acid but there are also some compounds that are anti-inflammatory," Maramba-Lazarte said.

"In terms of side effects we've seem very good results in the clinical trials, halos walang adverse effects na nakikita," she added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News