Hanoi:Perak's rich natural resources, particularly its largely unexplored forest areas, present significant opportunities for research into botanical drugs and the development of new treatments. State Health, Human Resources, Indian Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman Datuk A. Sivanesan expressed support for universities' efforts to explore Perak's biodiversity in pharmaceutical and translational therapeutics.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sivanesan encouraged universities to intensify their research activities in areas such as pharmaceutical science, natural products, clinical pharmacology, precision medicine, and wound care. He emphasized the potential of Perak's natural resources, particularly in the unexplored forest areas, and called for increased studies by institutions like Quest International University (QUI).
Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Life Science at QUI, Professor Dr. P. Vilasini, noted that Malaysia's rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge position it well for developing plant-based medicines. However, she highlighted the importance of supporting traditional knowledge with rigorous scientific research, including the identification of bioactive compounds and evaluation of their safety and efficacy.
Professor Vilasini also mentioned that QUI is currently researching eight plant-based products targeting various health conditions, including cancer. One of the key areas of research is diabetic wound healing, which has shown promising results and led to a patent application. The research draws on traditional knowledge from the Orang Asli community in Cameron Highlands, identifying a forest plant with potential wound-healing applications.
The research team is using plant tissue culture technology to explore the production of bioactive compounds under controlled conditions, aiming to develop sustainable and consistent sources of therapeutic compounds. Preliminary studies suggest the plant has antimicrobial properties and may support the formation of new blood vessels, which could aid in wound healing.
QUI's Associate Professor Dr. P. Ranjetta is also investigating the use of tissue culture technology to propagate jewel orchids, potentially increasing their antioxidant content. This research focuses on raising anthocyanin levels in jewel orchids, known for their antioxidant properties, with future studies planned to explore their therapeutic applications. Although jewel orchids are found in Peninsular Malaysia, researchers have not disclosed specific locations to prevent overharvesting.