Wonder plant Moringa oleifera, also known as Malunggay, adds colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in the world, in the list of diseases it can prevent.

In a study presented by Ms. Marietta Rodriguez of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology, Malunggay Leaf Powder (MLP) was introduced into the diet of two groups of cancer-induced male and female Sprague Dawley rats. This is to determine its effect on the growth of colorectal tumors in the rats. The results were compared to other groups of Sprague Dawley rats that received basal diet without MLP.

After 11 months of laboratory research, it was observed that mutation in the K-ras oncogene, a protein product in mammals that is essential in cell division, was slower in rats with diet consisted of MLP. Mutation of the said oncogene leads to the development of many types of cancer. The study also showed evidence on how MLP intake may prevent, delay, or reverse colorectal cancer, among others.

The study was presented during the APEC Workshop on Strategies to Address Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) through Science, Technology, and Innovation: A Nutrigenomics Approach held on 15-16 June 2016 at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City.

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