AT LEAST two projects which were implemented by the University of the Philippines Los Baños found that duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) and bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng) contain anthocyanins that possess health-promoting properties, particularly antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties.
Because of these properties, the two extracts can be processed as feed supplement and food additive. They also have nutraceutical properties.
Extracts that have enzyme inhibition can be produced as medicine to treat different diseases.
Inhibitors target an enzyme in a person’s system and correct a particular condition.
On the other hand, an antioxidant is a compound that prevents deterioration or removes damaging oxidizing agents.
Duhat and bignay extracts also contain phenolic compounds, which can help in preventing and treating cancer.
The anthocyanin from duhat and bignay extracts is processed into powder through microencapsulation.
The said microencapsulated anthocyanin extracts can benefit fruit growers, food processors, and even researchers.
They are also beneficial to the health and wellness, and veterinary industries.
These initiatives are under the program dubbed “Emerging Interdisciplinary Research” which is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of DOST (DOST-PCAARRD).
Under the program are: Project 1, “In vitro Release Properties of the Microencapsulated Anthocyanin Extracts Prepared with Duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.)), and Bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng),” and Project 2, “Evaluation of In Vivo Health Effects of the Microencapsulated Anthocyanin Extracts Prepared with Duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.) and Bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng).”
In a related development, it is also imperative to meet the high demand for quality planting materials of the wood-based industry, ensuring the supply of our forest tree resources.
To achieve this, the DOST-PCAARRD has funded a project in support of the National Greening Program.
Called the “S&T Interventions on the Production of Quality Planting Materials of Two Important Forest Tree Species [Makaasim (Syzygium nitidum Benth) and Batikuling (Litsea leytensis Merr.)] Indigenous in Mt. Banahaw de Lucban,” the project aims to present a scientific way of producing high quality planting stocks of indigenous trees for tree plantation.
The Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), through Kathreena Gutierrez, as project leader, implements the project.
The Makaasim and Batikuling have been chosen since these tree species are already considered endangered.
With SLSU’s existing clonal nursery, the project team be able to assist local government units, nursery managers, and tree farmers to produce any volume of cloned seedlings at any time of the year.
By cloning, it can prevent the spread of diseases by producing disease-free and pest resistant clones.
As monitoring and funding agency, DOST-PCAARD will work with SLSU in evaluating project deliverables.
The project is expected to develop rooting protocols for cloned Batikuling and Makaasim, and to produce high quality planting stocks of indigenous forest tree species by July 2019.
A detailed production cost for nursery production of planting stocks and more data on root and shoot growth of target species are also expected by the end of the project. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
