Page 7 - R&D News June 2021

“Maslinic acid (MA) is a pen- tion, cryoprotection, apoptosis
tacyclic triterpene acid that is and cell cycle. In addition, MA stantial. Colorectal cancer is
widely present in dietary did not cause toxicity effect in the second most common
plants and fruits. MA was the animal model, and hence cancer among males while
isolated from Coleus tubero- offers great potential to be breast cancer is the first most
sus, Linn, a local plant known developed as an anti-cancer common cancer among
as Ubi Kemili and demonstrat- drug,” she added. females. The current project
ed by our team to show strong which involves maslinic acid
anti-tumour promoting activi- When asked about how her aims to study the specific
ty. Subsequently, MA was project impacts the social, target of genes regulated by

vastly studied to exert promi- economic, academic develop- MA as this could ultimately be
nent anti-cancer properties by ment, etc, Prof Lim shared, applied for precision cancer
regulating various cancer cell “This research project is treatment. In addition, the
signalling pathways, as well as linked to the SDG3 of the findings can enhance the aca-
to exhibit various biological United Nations’ Sustainable demic outputs for national
activities, such as anti-inflam- Development Goals (SDGs) - research, development and
mation, anti-diabetic, cardio- Well-being and Healthcare. commercialisation and widen
protective, neuroprotective, The findings of all the studies our local herbal industry.”

hepatoprotective and anti-mi- also support the implementa-
crobial,” shared Prof Lim. tion of the National Transfor- According to Prof Lim, she
mation 2050 (TN50) to and her team members,
“The cancer chemopreventive increase sustainable bioecono- namely Dr Foo Chai Nien and
property of MA is particularly my growth and provide solu- Dr Ng Foong Leng, who are
targeting Protein Kinase C and tions to challenges faced by also FMHS academics, are
its downstream kinases the nation in healthcare, such currently working with Quilin-
(COX-2, NF-κB, AP-1 and as cancer. The economic iq Lifescience Sdn Bhd to
HO-1 and NQO1), that are burden of colorectal and breast study the anticancer effects of
mainly involved in inflamma- cancers in Malaysia is sub- maslinic acid on breast cancer

cells. They are working
together with this company to
further develop maslinic acid
as an anticancer drug.

The founder of Quiliniq Lifes-
video cience Sdn Bhd Dato’ Tan

Chee Hong feels honoured and
appreciates the strong collabo-
ration and partnership with
UTAR President Ir Prof Dr
Ewe Hong Tat, Prof Lim and
the research team. Click here
Video presenta�on of the project
to read his gratitude message
Learn more & : Prof Dr Lim Yang Mooi - ymlim@utar.edu.my to UTAR.
get in touch