MANILA — Researchers from the University of the Philippines have developed an herbal anti-diabetes pill using key compounds from Philippine medicinal plants, which could soon be available in the market.

Filipino researchers led by College of Pharmacy Associate Professor Bienvenido Balotro said in a news release that the herbal anti-diabetes pill works by regulating blood sugar levels and by reducing the chances of dangerous spikes that could lead to complications.

The herbal tablet is a cost-effective alternative to other diabetes treatments on the market, providing healthcare and economic relief to those suffering with the chronic disease, according to the researchers from multiple institutions.

'Game changer': UP researchers' ampalaya medicine tablet for Type 2 diabetes shows promise

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, where the cost of medicines is often prohibitive for the poor.

The innovation was developed under the "Tuklas Lunas" program and was presented by Assistant Professor Raymond Fernando Yu at the 2nd Pharma and Healthcare Expo on Feb. 26, 2025.

"Our product is more accessible, just as effective, but not as expensive—and may be taken alongside regular medication," Professor Yu said.

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PLANT-BASED COMPOUNDS

The researchers used compounds from Philippine medicinal plants like cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins to develop the tablet.

"This country is blessed with so many natural resources, some of which are underexplored. We have a sleeping gold mine in these natural resources—including the less-heard and the untapped—which we can harness for their phytomedicines with medicinal properties," Yu said.

"If we formulate these products into familiar dosage forms such as tablets, we add more value to these earlier products and make them accessible to the general public."

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HOW IT WORKS

The research team said the pill works by inhibiting α-glucosidase, the enzyme that plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates into glucose.

"By slowing this process, the tablet helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of dangerous spikes that can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage," they said.

Professor Yu noted that their results showed the extracts — at 100 parts per million — could inhibit the activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme by 50 percent.

"This means our product can block the breakdown of sugars, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels," said Yu.

UP Manila seeks partners to commercialize ampalaya pill for diabetes

COMMERCIALIZATION

The team said they secured a utility model from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines in 2022, which is a crucial step toward the product's commercialization. 

The protection recognizes the novel formulation and its potential to become a competitive herbal product in the market, the release said.

It noted that herbal products now hold a 12 percent share of the Philippine pharmaceutical market and valued at approximately $18.2 million. 

"The increasing preference for herbal medicine presents a significant opportunity for this locally developed tablet to make a lasting impact," it said.

Anyone interested in collaborating or investing in the innovation may contact UP Manila's Technology Transfer and Business Development Office.

Last year, UP Manila said it was seeking partners to commercialize its ampalaya medicine tablet, which could complement treatments for managing Type 2 diabetes in millions of Filipinos. —Sharona Nicole Semilla, ABS-CBN News Intern

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