The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) collaborated with Pascual Pharma Corporation (PPC) to develop components of "sambong” for kidney stones and edema, focusing on standardizing the extract to provide consistent results.
In a statement on May 6, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. highlighted the importance of ensuring the consistency of herbal products for the benefit of the public.
“Ensuring that herbal products meet consistent quality standards is crucial for the well-being of our communities," Solidum said.
"At DOST, we are committed to supporting initiatives that not only innovate but also directly impact people’s health for the better, ensuring that every Filipino has access to safe and effective healthcare solutions they can trust,” he added.
Financially supported by DOST's Business Innovation through Science and Technology (BIST) program, the initiative aims to create a standardized sambong leaf extract ready for preclinical trials.
It also aims to establish a quantitative chemical profiling method for quality control purposes.
Although existing clinical evidence supports the efficacy of sambong in treating edema and kidney stones, this initiative focused on standardizing the sambong extract.
This standardization is crucial for ensuring consistency, quality control, complying with regulations, and clinical efficacy.
Sambong project
The project team is delving into the mechanisms through which sambong influences urine production, a process known as diuresis.
Headed by Mr. Carmelo E. Briones, the objective is to pinpoint the active ingredients responsible for sambong's diuretic properties.
"By establishing stringent criteria for composition and potency, manufacturers can produce a more reliable product with predictable therapeutic effects," DOST said.
"This not only instills confidence in healthcare professionals and patients but also streamlines the regulatory approval process, facilitating broader market acceptance," it added.
The introduction of bioactive standardized herbal medicine will equip the medical community with comprehensive information regarding potential drug interactions, benefiting patients through improved pharmacological interventions.
The project will also hold the potential to offer a natural alternative to conventional treatments for edema and kidney stones.
By explaining how sambong operates, healthcare professionals can seamlessly integrate it into patient care, thereby ensuring its safe and appropriate utilization.
Contributions
Under its "Tuklas Lunas" (exploring cure) program, the project is under the supervision of the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
"This research provides distinct contributions by (enhancing the competitiveness of the Philippine Sambong industry, and generating high-quality, standardized Sambong leaf extract as an active pharmaceutical ingredient," DOST said.
Meanwhile, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya emphasized the vital role of partnerships between government agencies and private institutions in leading initiatives that yield tangible benefits for the Filipino.
"This partnership underscores the importance of harnessing both scientific expertise and industry innovation to address pressing healthcare needs,” he said.
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