Another Breakthrough in CSU!

By Office of the University President

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Posted on January 4, 2021

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Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng (Bignay): A New Wonder Fruit for Inflammatory Diseases

Big things come in small packages. This was what the Cagayan State University (CSU) has found out after having uncovered in its laboratory that a small fruit endemic to the Philippines and other southeast Asian countries had indeed lived up to its long held folk promise.

The tiny ruby-red cherries known scientifically as Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng (Bignay) underwent extensive laboratory studies in Natural Product Research & Innovation Center (NPRIC)-CSU for months that led to coming out with a clean breast of a report that confirms the numerous health anecdotal and folkloric claims by the locals where it is grown. Using an animal model of respiratory diseases, Bignay has proven to be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, effective against lung disorders (airway inflammation, asthma, allergy, cough/colds). Bignay extract has also been tested to be potent against chemically-induced rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and joint pains in rat and LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice in vivo. It has an anti-oxidant property, anti-inflammatory activity, cholesterol buster and immune system booster.

Prof. Maria Nilda M. Muñoz, a Balik Scientist (2010-2013), Inventor and Principal Investigator of the Bignay project, said that the local scientific community has put bioavailability-based studies as among its priorities, and the Bignay study result is one big leap for this thrust.

Bignay is grown in Cagayan Valley and until the study, was just among the popular plant-based medicines employed by herbolarios to their patients. The long tradition of testimonials can now be said to come with a seal of science and medicine after the conclusion of the CSU study. The new product with its tradename as “SUNBERRY” with CPR # 4000006699310 is now available as food supplement.

This study was supported by the Cagayan State University under the administration of President Urdujah Gaerlan Alvarado, and Department of Science & Technology through its Regional Director Sancho A. Mabborang.