Four Herbal Medicines Successfully Complete Clinical Trials

Four herbal supplements have successfully passed rigorous clinical trials conducted by the Institute of Herbal Medicine at the National Institute of Health of UP Manila, marking a significant advancement in the country's drug development efforts.

According to a report the clinical tests have confirmed that effective drugs can be derived from Ulasimang Bato, Yerba Buena, Ampalaya, and Tsaang Gubat.

Ulasimang Bato is noted for its potential in treating high uric acid levels, while Yerba Buena serves as an analgesic for body pain relief. Ampalaya has been found effective in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics, and Tsaang Gubat is recognized for its anti-colic properties and its ability to alleviate loose bowel movements and gallstones.

“Clinical trials have shown that Ulasimang Bato significantly reduces serum uric acid levels in individuals, making it a viable option for treating gout and elevated uric acid levels,” stated Dr. Cecilia Maramba-Lazarte, director of the Institute.

Of the four herbal medicines, only Tsaang Gubat has received registration from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while the other three are still awaiting regulatory approval. A pharmaceutical company is expected to take the initiative to commercially produce Yerba Buena and Ampalaya as drugs.

The clinical trials, which included various phases of testing to establish the safety and efficacy of these herbal remedies, took between seven to ten years. Once approved by the FDA, these new drugs are anticipated to provide affordable alternatives for the public.

“The advantage of herbal medicines lies in their numerous compounds, which can work synergistically. For instance, a compound may lower uric acid while others may have anti-inflammatory effects,” Maramba-Lazarte explained.

“In terms of side effects, the clinical trials have yielded very positive results, showing almost no adverse effects,” she added.


Follow us on Facebook: The EpicNews