The MMSU-based Tuklas Lunas Development Center (TLDC), which is funded by DOST-PCHRD, is envisioned to search for potential drug sources from indigenous plant species of the Ilocos.  The Center’s Roadmap is anchored along herbal track most notably on the plants’ modulatory role in inflammation.  In Phase 1, qualitative phytochemical screening was done on 46 indigenous species in the Ilocos, which were reported earlier as food and traditional treatment for certain diseases (Antonio et al., 2011).  These had long history of utilization but promoting these for consumption remains a challenge for the lack of scientific evidence on their safety and efficacy.  Test for heavy metals (lead, silver and mercury) and pesticide residue (carbamates and organophosphates) were also done (Agngarayngay et al., 2015).  Of the 46 plant species, 11 species exhibit anti-inflammatory potential based on reported folkloric uses. 

In consideration of the health profile of the Province of Ilocos Norte (INPHO, 2015), the anti-inflammatory activity of the identified plants is targeted in this phase of the research.  A number of inflammatory-related diseases are among the top causes of mortality and morbidity in the Province. Pneumonia (501 cases or 83.88 /100,000 population) and chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (190 cases or 32/100,000) are among the leading causes of mortality. Meanwhile, acute upper respiratory tract infection (41,923 cases or 7,019 /100,000 population), bronchitis (5,190 or 869/100,000), all forms of injuries (3270 cases or 548/100,000), urinary tract infection (2,367 cases or 396/100,000),nasopharyngitis (1,300 cases or 218/100,000) and arthritis (1,263 cases or 211/100,000) are important causes of morbidity in the province.  The high incidence of inflammatory-related diseases prompted this project to thoroughly probe unto the anti-inflammatory potential of the 11 plant species towards herbal product development.  The target species, which include four herbs, five trees and shrubs, one palm and one root crop. These plants were prioritized based on extensive literature reviews covering previous studies done on them, their reported folkloric uses and patent search.  

In this project, the activities focused on medium throughput screening of the different plant parts of the 11 target plants through primary and secondary assays and in vitro toxicity profiling. The MMSU-TLDC staff was equipped with the necessary skills needed in the conduct of the enzyme inhibition assays by the collaborating agencies.  

Publications: At least one published article from the project

Product/Process:  COX and LOX bioactive and non-toxic extracts

People and Services: Trained personnel in COX and LOX Assay
                                            Refurbished TLDC Laboratory
                                            Established assays for COX and LOX in MMSU-TLDC

Places and Partnership: 1 MOA between MMSU and PCHRD for the project implementation
                                                  1 MOA between MMSU and NCIP for the conduct of FPIC in Adams
                                                  1 MOA between MMSU, NCIP and IP community in Adams, Ilocos Norte