UP Manila develops herbal tablet for diabetes management

Researchers from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Pharmacy have developed an herbal medicine for diabetes management.

Citing diabetes as the fourth leading cause of death and affecting approximately 4.4 million Filipinos, the researchers led by Assistant Professor Raymond Fernando Yu aims "to provide a locally sourced, cost-effective alternative to expensive synthetic medications, offering hope to millions of Filipinos suffering from this chronic disease."

“This country is blessed with so many natural resources, some of which are underexplored. We have a sleeping gold mine in these natural resources—including the less-heard and the untapped—which we can harness for their phytomedicines with medicinal properties," Yu said in a release.

"If we formulate these products into familiar dosage forms such as tablets, we add more value to these earlier products and make them accessible to the general public,” he added.

The pill, named as Tuklas Lunas herbal antidiabetic tablet, works by inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme, "which plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates into glucose."

By slowing this process, the tablet helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of dangerous spikes that can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage.

“Our results show that these extracts, at 100 parts per million, can inhibit the activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme by 50%. This means our product can block the breakdown of sugars, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels,” Yu explained.

“Our product is more accessible, just as effective, but not as expensive—and may be taken alongside regular medication,” he added.

Among the identified key plant-based compounds that contributed to the tablet’s blood sugar-lowering effects are cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins.

It added that these phytochemicals, extracted from Philippine medicinal plants, have been studied for their "potential role in managing metabolic disorders."

As of writing, the university said that the research has secured a utility model from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines in 2022, hoping for its commercialization.

“The Philippines is incredibly rich in medicinal plants, and we have only scratched the surface of their potential. With the right support, we can bring this product to market and provide an affordable, effective solution for millions of Filipinos battling diabetes,” Yu said. — LA, GMA Integrated News