Called matalafi, this Samoan plant is said to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and may even be used to treat cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Traditionally used in Samoan medicine, matalafi shows real anti-inflammatory properties, equivalent to those of ibuprofen.
- This plant is now being studied in the laboratory and could eventually be used in the treatment of cancer, diabetes or even cardiovascular disease.
For centuries, the inhabitants of the Samoa Islands, in Polynesia, have used the leaves of the plant psychotria insularum to take care of oneself. Locally known as matalafi, it is used to treat inflammation associated with fever, pain, swelling, and respiratory infections.
A new study, published in the journal PNASreinforces its effectiveness against inflammation, and even discovers properties that could be useful in the treatment of cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. “I was skeptical at the beginning of my research, explain to Guardian Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni, author of the study and head of the plant and post-harvest technology division at the Samoa Scientific Research Organization. There was a lot of superstition around this particular herb, even in traditional medicine, but I wanted to know if I could add scientific value to the traditional medicines of the Samoan people.”
Recognized anti-inflammatory properties
Traditionally used by healers, matalafi leaves are chopped to collect the juice. The leaves can also be applied as a poultice to a wound.
In the case of the present study, the researchers highlighted the chelating properties of the plant. That is to say that the assets it contains make it possible to eliminate excess iron in the body, which decreases pro-inflammatory responses and increases the number of anti-inflammatory cytokines present in immune cells.
“We can now highlight not only its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent, but also its potential as a treatment for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases as well as Covid-19”says Pre Molimau-Samasoni.
However, the researcher specifies that it will be necessary “probably years before this treatment is available as an approved drug”.
Focus on the benefits of traditional medicines
Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni, however, believes that modern medicine should pay more attention to traditional medicines.
“The challenge between modern medicine and traditional medicine lies in cases where people focus on one type of medicine before seeking the other, such as when people seek cancer treatments from traditional healers but come to hospital later with stage four cancer, when it’s too late for modern medicine to do anything”she explains.
“I know a lot of people think that traditional medicine is all about people crushing leaves and taking it just for the placebo effect, but you have to remember that traditional medicine has made significant contributions to the world of pharmaceuticals. modern, of which aspirin is an example.
“We now have a lab dedicated to the antimicrobial benefits of traditional medicines, a lab that studies the antidiabetic activity of traditional medicines, and a lab that studies the anticancer activity of traditional medicines. We’re just getting started.”concludes Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni.
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