September 28, 2010

Bhutanese, Malaysian scientists search for avian flu cure

A team of scientists from Bhutan and Malaysia are currently conducting research on "star anise", an herb widely used in Asian cooking, to study its potential to cure avian flu.

Bhutan's National Biodiversity Centre (NDC) and Kuala Lumpur-based Nimura Genetic Solutions Sdn Bhd (NGS) are jointly researching the presence of shikimic acid in Bhutanese star anise (Illicium griffithii).

The study began last September after a memorandum of understanding was signed between the NDC of Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture and Forests and NGS.

"Currently we are looking at toxicological studies and based on these results, we might be in a better position to explore the benefits of the Bhutanese star anise. The study may take another one to two months (to complete)," said Tashi Yangzome Dorji, NDC's programme director.

Bhutanese star anise has been traditionally used in the Himalayan country as spice in cooking, preparation of local liquor to increase potency and for fragrance in butter-tea.

"The star anise is commonly used as medicine for treatment of cough, toothache and sinusitis," said Dorji. It is largely found in India, China and several South Asian countries.

NGS, a leading company in bio-resources exploration, is helping the NDC through technical and technology transfer.