The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has funded a study that will look into Philippine medicinal plants, which have inhibitory properties against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) which causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a Facebook post, the DOST-IX announced that the agency has given the green light to the team of Dr. Genelyn G. Madjos, associate professor of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) from the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga City to conduct the six-month research.
It said funding for the research on “Philippine medicinal plants and its components in the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2” totals P126,688.75.
“The study aims to synthesize and compile Philippine medicinal plants with inhibitory properties against SARS-COV-2 and other viruses, and to provide the framework for proactive investments in researches based on Philippine medicinal plant-derived vaccines or drugs to treat COVID-19 within the course of six months,” it said.
“The grant will be utilized to obtain the necessary provisions, supplies and materials for the conduct of systematic review,” it added.
The DOST–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) awarded the grant through the Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development – Regional Research Fund (ZCHRD-RRF).
“The DOST, through its various R&D councils, provides funding for studies in designing, implementing, and managing research projects,” the DOST-IX said.
It encouraged regular staff and faculty members of research institutes, medical and allied health sciences, hospitals, and other health-related agencies to submit research proposals to the ZCHRD secretariat via electronic mail.
To know more about ZCHRD-RRF, interested parties were urged to call (062) 991-1024 or text 0995-1548-865 and look for Marielle Atilano, or email DOST-IX at [email protected] or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9.