Chemistry teacher claims to have found anti-cancer tree species

Cimahi, W Java (ANTARA News) - A chemistry lecturer at Jenderal Achmad Yani (Unjani) University, Valentina Adimurti, claims to have discovered a tree species with medicinal properties that could be used to fight cancer.

The anticancer properties, she said, were to be found in the bark of the Hopea odorata tree, a genus of the Dipterocarpaceae family which is widely available in Indonesia.

She had succeeded in isolating the methanol extract from the Hopea odorata`s bark in three oligomeric stilbene compounds. The structure of the compounds was analyzed through the spectroscopic method, including UV, IR and 1HNMR and by comparison to the standard compound.

"Two of the isolated compounds proved to have the ability to eliminate leuekemia P-388 murine cancer cells, while one of the compounds showed strong cytotoxic properties," Valentina said.

In addition, the compounds were antibacterial and effective against fungi like Staphylococcus aureus, Propionic Sp and candida albicans. While the other isolated compound had the ability to neutralize bacteria like S.aureus and Propionis Sp, fungi like C albicans and worked as antioxidants against DPPH.

"The merits of my discovery have been recognized and are now in the process of being patented. Eventually, I will package extracts from the tree bark in capsules for use by the community," she said.

For those who want to try the Hopea odorata`s medicinal effect, Valentina suggested to find the tree, take pieces from its bark and boil them in water, and then drink the liquid.

Valentina said that the Hopea odorata`s antimicrobial qualities also made extracts from its bark useful as a cosmetic to reduce acne, while its anti microbial properties could also be used as herbicide antidote for fungi in some plant types.

Based on her research on several Dipterocarpaceae species, it was now known that the chemical compounds commonly found in this plant are terpenoids, phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, benzofuran derivatives and phenolic acids, and resveratrol oligomer.

"Considering Indonesia`s natural richness such as the various species of Dipterocarpaceae plants, a lot of research must be done constantly and continuously to explore the chemical compounds they posses through biological activity tests," she added. (*)

Source: http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1279759793/chemistry-teacher-claims-to-have-found-anti-cancer-tree-species