A team of researchers led by Dr. Maribel Nonato accidentally discovered a compound extracted from pandan that has the capacity to fight lung-related diseases especially tuberculosis.
According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Dr. Maribel Nonato and her team found out that “Pandan Mabango”, a variety of pandan often used as a culinary ingredient, “has a slight antitubercular, antimicrobial (for select microorganisms) and antioxidant properties”.
Pandan is a tropical plant often known for its fragrant leaves and is commonly used for culinary purposes in the country.
With more than 700 existing species of pandan, Dr. Nonato and her team of researchers are focusing on further studying ”endemic species'' in the country for their medicinal properties.
Dr. Nonato said that pandan, as documented in many areas, acts as diuretic, anti-inflammatory; and lowers blood sugar.
She added that pandan is usually made into tea as a health drink. But she advised that, “while pandan is safe to drink and easy to prepare by simply brewing its leaves (pagpapakulo), only its diuretic properties can be extracted”.
But if pandan juice is to be taken as remedy for other ailments and medicinal purposes, Dr. Nonato clarifies that “pandan will have to undergo the scientific process of extraction by using alcohol”.
Dr. Nonato is an academician of National Academy of Science and Technology of DOST. She is now leading a team in UST, where she also graduated, to focus on the medicinal properties of locally available pandan species, especially those which are endemic in the Philippines.
Her dedication to study pandan in the country has led her to be named as the “Pandan Queen of the Philippines.” In fact, a newfound species of pandan was named “Freycineta Nonatoi” after her. The species was discovered in Quezon province.