Materia Medica Malaysiana

Hepatitis B herbal cure under testing

PENANG: The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) is conducting interim tests on the effects of herbal treatment of Hepatitis B on humans, Health Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said.

He said preliminary tests, using the extract from a certain type of plant, were carried out by the IMR on animals successfully.

“The tests on animals have been carried out for the past two years,” he told reporters after the launching of Penang Hepatitis Day by Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon at the Prangin Mall Atrium A.

Dr Mohd Ismail, who is also the Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF) president, said that it would take about five years before the herbal treatment could be commercialised.

“However, if the trial run is good, then we can even look into commercialising the product much earlier,” he added.

He said India, which had conducted tests using a different type of herb, had approached Malaysia to collaborate on the matter but “we have very stringent standard to be complied with”.

Earlier, in his speech, Dr Koh said there was a need for more concrete action to ensure Hepatitis B was contained and the rate of incidence reduced.

He said although the number of Hepatitis B cases had declined over the years, there were still one million Hepatitis B carriers in Malaysia, which was 4% of the population.

He added that although most people were aware of the disease, very few acted to take preventive measures as they would procrastinate until it was too late.

The one-day campaign, jointly organised by the MLF and the state Health Department, saw visitors having their blood tested for Hepatitis A, B and C.

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, B and AB were carried out for a special fee.

A public forum was held at the Atrium’s foyer area.

A public exhibition, membership drive, quiz and an organ donation campaign were also held in conjunction with the campaign.