Seaweed used in favorite Ilocano dish may have anticancer benefits, study says

Researchers from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) were able to find that polysaccharides extracted from "pukpuklo," a seasonally-available seaweed aka Codium species, are actually effective against cancer cells and the spread of cancer.

According to a press statement released by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), pukpuklo, a favorite Ilokano dish, is discovered to fight destructive enzymes that aid metastasis or the spread of cancer to the different parts of the body.

 

 

 

 

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enjoy ang buhay summer:)))) #pukpuklo

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Apr 28, 2016 at 10:43pm PDT

Dr. Ross Dizon Valquez, head of the research, said that aside from the potential anticancer benefits, pukpuklo can also induce healthy skin growth and promoted faster healing of a rat's skin exposed to UVB radiation.

Researchers are also looking into the application of the anti-aging compound from pukpuklo to cosmetic products with medical benefits.

Collected in Ilocos Norte, Aklan, Iloilo and Cagayan province, the Codium species is also a good source of dietary fiber, amino acids, and minerals.

But a caveat: little is known about its medical value and more research needs to be done to explore its use in the field of medicine.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), the research was also presented at the government agency's "The Values of Philippine Flora and Fauna" symposium.

Dr. Irene V. Fariñas of Department of Health (DOH) said during the symposium that the department welcomed the potential drug discovery as it could lead to a low cost alternative to commercial drugs for the treatment of cancer. — LA, GMA News