UKM FST and Tuah Herbology team up for nutraceutical and cosmetic research
SHAH ALAM - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) has initiated a research collaboration with Tuah Herbology Sdn Bhd to conduct a research project on nutraceuticals and cosmetics.
Leading this project, Professor Dr Saiful Irwan Zubairi is conducting efficacy studies on the short-term exposure of the property ingredient of Tuah Herbology (Pfedia), also known as Kaempferia angustifolia (KA) rhizomes extract.
This study involves cancerous cells (A549) and normal fibroblast cells (IMR-90).
The research aims to identify the key compounds present in Pfedia products, assess their effectiveness against cancer cells, and ensure the safety of normal human cells for cosmetic and nutraceutical purposes.
"Our preliminary research findings have revealed a promising potential in Pfedia to combat cancer cells.
"While further studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy, this initial discovery represents a significant step forward in our research and product development," she said.
Through this collaboration, UKM has received research funding of RM46,600 from Tuah Herbology Sdn Bhd for a research duration of about one year.
The Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony took place at the faculty on May 10, with Deputy Dean (Research & Innovation) of FST, Prof Dr Mohd Firdaus Raih, and Tuah Herbology Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Ooi Ee Chia, representing their respective parties.
