USM Scientists Say Periwinkle Flower Can Kill Cancer Cells

KEPALA BATAS, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Studies by medical experts from Universiti Sains Malaysia's Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (USM-IPPT) have found that extracts from the humble Periwinkle flower (Bunga Kemuning Cina) can kill cancer cells.
IPPT (Clinical Services) Deputy Director, Dr Narazah Mohd Yusoff said the discovery prompted the team to test the Periwinkle flower extracts on animals.
"If our tests on animals proved effective, then we will test the Periwinkle extracts on humans and prove that they can kill cancer cells," she told reporters here Tuesday.
She added studies on the Periwinkle flowers have entered the third year and is led by IPPT Deputy Director of Research, Prof Madya Ishak Mat sponsored by MAKNA (National Cancer Council) which gave a RM300,000 grant.
"Tests on the Perinwinkle's effectiveness on humans will take five years and if found to be successful can be used as medicine to kill cancer cells when treating breast cancer,"
Dr Narazah said IPPT is also conducting several studies on cancer and has accepted 268 patients, three of them with breast cancer.
"Some have been placed in the Kepala Batas Hospital and are being treated by IPPT specialists," she added.
Earlier, IPPT Director Dr Ramli Saad urged the public to visit the medical centre for an examination as it is not only equipped with the latest equipment but also have a pool of specialists.
"Our services are also provided for free."
IPPT which is currently temporarily occupying a building will be moving into its own building complex in Bertam in three years.
When completed, IPPT will be equipped with laboratories, wards and equipment costing RM958 million.
Dr Ramli said when completed in 2010, IPPT will be able to conduct 150 types of research including Oncology, Cardiovascular, Integrated Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Neuro Science, Immunology, Oral Science, Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Toxicology and Poisoning.
"IPPT is the world's premier medical research centre as it has the three elements of disease research, creating cures, conducting of clinical tests and treating of patients," he added.
Studies conducted by medical experts showed that 80 percent of the world's natural pharmaceutical ingredients are found in Malaysia and Borneo.