Indigenous plant research targeting diabetes

Dr Andy Vaithilingam, 
Director of Research

Wednesday,  February 15, 2006

St Matthew’s University is currently conducting research on plants found only in the Cayman Islands, which may improve treatments or even find the cure to diabetes. 

The medical school is also collaborating with the Health Services Authority (HSA) on a new medical research programme to find better ways to treat chronic problems such as hypertension, heart attacks and strokes.

Discussions with older Caymanians on the healing aspects of papaya leaves, sea grape and other local plants found in the Cayman Islands was the driver behind the research project that started in December 2005.

The Director of Research at St Matthew’s University, Dr Andy Vaithilingam, said that medicinal properties extracted from these plants may be the cure for diabetes.

“A crude extract for insulin was discovered back in the early1900’s, but still diabetes cannot be cured; it can only be treated,” said Dr Vaithilingam. 

“The elderly have used the plant extracts in treating a variety of things including wounds, rashes and stomach pains. We are taking those plants to the lab, extracting the molecules and testing them against their ability to inhibit bacteria from growing.

“We are dealing with a plant that is new to the world so my intention is take the plant extract and look at some cells that don’t produce enough insulin in the body. We want to find a cure for diabetes or find better ways to treat it.”

Dr Vaithilingam said inhibiting bacteria is significant for treating infected wounds, the gastrointestinal tract and tissues in general.

He explained the plants are processed in a method similar to making tea. The leaves are dried and then steeped before they are distilled to make a crude extract, which is further purified. Researchers then work on isolating the molecules from the purified extract that will kill bacteria.

There are five medical students along with faculty working on this project. The concept behind the research is not only to train medical students in scientific research, but to share the results with the country, which will improve on medical treatments.

Dr Vaithilingam said the school is also collaborating with the Medical Director of HSA, Dr Tamer Tadros, for lipid screening on patients to measure the cholesterol in their blood. 

“A high cholesterol profile predisposes you to hypertension, heart attacks and strokes, which are common health problems on the Islands,” said Dr Vaithilingam. 

“We want to work with the physicians to look at the medication being used to treat high cholesterol, see how well it is working and then suggest making improvements in those protocols.”

The details have yet to be finalised, but Dr Vaithilingam anticipated the study with the HSA would start in the next couple of months. 

“I met with Dr Tadros and he is very enthusiastic about this kind of research on the local population,” said Dr Vaithilingam. “And (the hospital) being associated with a medical school will build its standing within the community.”

Dr Vaithilingam said scientific research is an integral part of training physicians. There are 50 students that are currently engaged in some kind of research whether it is clinical or lab work or researching existing documentation. 

On 3 March, several medical students will be making short research presentations to the medical community and the Ministry of Health Services. However, the presentations will also be open to the general public for those interested in medical research. 

shurna@caymannetnews.com

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