SETIU: The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) has created a new innovation – an anti-gout product – from the ‘pokok cucur atap’ herbal plant that grows wildly on the coast of Terengganu.
FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Abd Latif Mohmod said the plant, known by its scientific name Baeckea Frutescens had long been used for treating various conditions and disorders such as constipation, back pain and also used together with other herbs to control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
He said FRIM’s eight-year scientific study also found that the herbs had the potential to fight gout – a disease caused by high uric acid level that caused arthritis and pain in the smaller bones of the feet.
“The prototype of this herbal product launched today has been effective in preventing the production and accumulation of uric acid in the joints. It has also been patented and will be commercially marketed with cooperation from any interested party.”
Abdul Latif said this to reporters officiating the pre-launch of anti gout prototype product known as GouTree at the FRIM Research Station (SPF) near Bari here recently.
He said it would also have a positive impact on the Terengganu economy as the state had 60,000 hectares of sandy soils that were suitable for the cultivation of the herbal plant. -- BERNAMA