Discovered 'backyard tree' in Samoa can help treat cancer, Covid-19

Researchers say the leaves of the matalafi plant can be used to treat cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and even Covid-19.

The leaves of a plant 'can be found in backyards all over Samoa' are as effective as ibuprofen in reducing inflammation and could even be used to treat diseases like Parkinson's and cancer, according to a new study. appear in new research, the Guardian reported on November 4.

For centuries, the leaves of the psychotria insularum plant – known locally in Samoa as matalafi – have been used in traditional medicine to treat fever-related inflammation, body aches, swelling, and leg edema. elephants and respiratory diseases.

Psychotria insularum plant also known as matalafi.

Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni, author of the new study and manager of the plant and postharvest technology department at Samoa's Scientific Research Foundation, said: 'When I did the research, I was initially was skeptical'.

'There are a lot of superstitions surrounding this plant, especially in traditional medicine, but I'd love to find out if it's possible to find scientific value for traditional Samoan medicines' , says author Molimau-Samasoni.

'We are now able to confirm not only the plant's potential as an anti-inflammatory agent, but also its potential as a treatment for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease as well as cancer. Covid-19', the expert said.

Molimau-Samasoni and colleagues' findings have been peer-reviewed and will be published in the National Academy of Sciences.

'The leaves (matalafi) are usually chopped, squeezed to get the juice. Traditional healers use the juice as a drink for their patients. Sometimes they also use the leaves to rub on sick people or apply to wounds that need to be healed ," said Molimau-Samasoni, adding that her family also has a tradition of practicing traditional medicine.

'I grew up with my grandmother and my grandmother was a healer in traditional medicine,' Molimau-Samasoni recounts. 'When my grandmother passed away, she passed on her treatments to me, so I also have the ability to heal according to traditional methods'.

Molimau-Samasoni also admits there is a lot of skepticism and hesitation towards traditional medicine.

'The challenge between modern medicine and traditional medicine is that people only focus on one drug before looking for the other, so there are cases where people look to cancer treatments from different sources. but then go to the hospital when the disease has reached the fourth stage, which means it is too late for modern medicine to do anything anymore, 'said Ms. Molimau-Samasoni.

'And I know many people that traditional medicine is just a matter of people mixing leaves together and using it just for a placebo effect, but you need to remember that traditional medicine has made a remarkable contribution. tell the modern pharmaceutical world, such as aspirin' .

As for matalafi, Molimau-Samasoni said it could be years before the drug is officially available, but she thinks it's just the beginning, not just for matalafi, but for other studies as well. a broader study of how traditional Samoan medicines might be used today.