29/05/2026
Marang peels for lung cancer
Researchers from the University of the Philippines Mindanao investigated whether commonly discarded parts of two local fruits, Breadfruit (rimas or kulo) and Marang, could provide health promoting benefits. Using extracts obtained from peels, seeds, and fruit cores, the team evaluated antioxidant activity and the ability of the extracts to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells in laboratory tests. Their findings showed that the fruit peels consistently exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties among all plant parts examined. The marang peel demonstrated particularly high antioxidant capacity, while breadfruit peel showed moderate antiproliferative activity against lung cancer cells.
In Food Science and Cancer Biology, antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize unstable molecules known as free radicals, which can contribute to cellular damage. Researchers emphasize that these laboratory findings do not mean the fruit peels cure or prevent cancer in humans. Instead, they indicate the presence of bioactive compounds worthy of further investigation. The study highlights how agricultural by products that are normally discarded may become valuable sources of functional food ingredients while helping reduce waste and add value to local fruit production.
The research was conducted by Pete Maverick Nicole Estudillo and Joel Hassan G. Tolentino from the Department of Food Science and Chemistry of UP Mindanao. Scientists note that additional studies, including animal and human trials, are needed to confirm potential health benefits and determine safe and effective applications of these compounds.
Science Department |
