Thai scientists, led by Professor Dr Pichaet Wiriyachitra,
have unveiled their significant breakthrough on Monday, proving that
concentrated extracts from mangosteens contain anti-cancer properties.
Mangosteens have been cultivated and used as an effective
traditional medicine in Thailand for centuries. In 1978, Thai scientific
studies showed that mangosteens’ rinds helped boost the body’s immune system,
as well as helping the body fight off viral and bacterial infections.
After 35 years of research, Dr Pichaet, chairman and chief
executive of Asian Phytoceuticals, disclosed during a press conference on
Monday that the beneficial effects of the fruit are due to the substance known
as GM-1. Doses of GM-1 have been proven to be capable of balancing the body
immune system, and in turn making it stronger against pain, fever,
inflammation, diarrhea, infection, ulcer, and cancer.
In 2008, Dr Pichaet led a scientific team at the Mangosteen
Research and Development Center (Thailand) to conduct Operation a BIM. As a
result, the new BIM formula has been prepared using extracts of five kinds of
Thai fruit and grains claimed to have helped boost the activation of T helper
cells, which play an important role in establishing and maximizing the
capabilities of the immune system. The company has since been marketing the
extracts as part of dietary supplements for cancer patients, as registered with
the Food and Drug Administration.
Experiments conducted with volunteers have conclusively
proven that the patented BIM product significantly increases cancer patients'
life expectancy and improves their quality of life. Tests carried out in
laboratory and on test subjects in Thailand as well as in partnering countries
such as the US and Italy have yielded similarly satisfactory results.
According to Dr Pichaet, the Mangosteen Research and
Development Centre also aims at increasing added value of Thai mangosteens in
order to solve the problem of oversupply of the locally sourced fruit. The
research has helped boost the declining farm incomes caused by a continual drop
in mangosteen prices.
(thainews.prd.go.th)
