The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Friday, April 16, that a newly developed food supplement from an "immune-booster” fruit "is now ready to use and is available in the market.”
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said DOST- Region 2 has been closely coordinating with the Cagayan State University (CSU) for the production of Bignay food supplement.
"Its efficacy was proven through a series of thorough laboratory tests conducted by the CSU. To assure its quality, adherence to standards and guarantee its compliance, a license to operate was obtained from the Food and Drug Authority,” he said during his weekly report on Friday.
The DOST chief said it was "Balik Scientist" Professor Maria M. Muñoz who developed the new food supplement from bignay.
Muñoz is a molecular biology/ airway physiology and pharmacology expert.
De la Pena noted that bignay is a small ruby red fruit endemic in Southeast Asian countries, like the Philippines.
"Through extensive studies, it was found that this fruit has several health benefits namely, it has high antioxidant properties; reduces symptoms of asthma; functions as an immune-booster; and reduces phlegm; among others,” he said.