Local beans hold out hope for cancer cure

Manila: Two varieties of beans found in the country could hold potential cures for cancer, besides virus and bacteria-borne illnesses.

Grecebio Jonathan Alejandro of the University of Santo Tomas, said the Greeniopsis and Villaria bean varieties, locally known as "Paluay Mabolo" and "Tango", respectively, were good sources of anti-tumour, antiviral, and antibacterial drugs.

"This first molecular study of the Greeniopsis and Villaria is a significant starting point in understanding its potential economic value," Alejandro said, adding that the shrubs, belonging to the coffee family Rubiaceae, also held out hope for the treatment of dysentery, ulcers, gonorrhoea, toothache and migraine.

The Department of Science and Technology has agreed to fund Alejandro's research and urged the scientific community to explore the medicinal potential of plant species endemic to the Philippines.