CITRUS PEEL STUDY. Fatimae Mariano receives funding support from the Department of Science and Technology in Region 9 amounting to P296,421 to continue her studies on the determination of antioxidant and anti-arthritic activity of citrus fruit peels. The study is expected to yield powdered purified extracts to be used for future product development. (Photo courtesy of DOST-9)
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has released PHP296,421 to support a local researcher to continue her studies on the determination of antioxidant and anti-arthritic activity of citrus fruit peels (Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis).
The beneficiary is Fatimae Mariano, a pharmacy graduate of the Universidad de Zamboanga, who earned her Master of Science in Pharmacy from the University of San Carlos in 2018.
The financial support was released through the Zamboanga Council for Health Research and Development-Regional Research Fund (ZCHRD-RRF), DOST-9 Director Martin Wee said Monday.
Wee said the grant will be utilized to obtain the necessary provisions, supplies and materials, and chemical reagents for the conduct of several test solutions of antioxidant, and anti-arthritic activity present in the peels of Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis.
He said the study serves as preliminary research for future drug product development (capsules, tablets, or candies) as an alternative, or in synergistic combination with synthetic anti-arthritic or antioxidant drugs already available in the market.
The research also aims to establish an initiative for sustainable development by utilizing waste materials that contain bioactive compounds of potential benefits for the improvement of human health.
Wee said the study, the third research funded locally through the ZCHRD–RRF, is expected to yield powdered purified extracts that will be ready for encapsulation, or incorporation in tablet formulation, or any other dosage forms for future product development.
Mariano is among the pool of 24 researchers from different member institutions of the Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD), who participated last year in the Basic Research Method training conducted of the DOST regional office. (PNA)
