Mariano Marcos
State University

Local ficus plant ‘Agimet’ shows promise as anti-inflammatory treatment—MMSU study

By Jimmbeth Zenila Fabia, 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳

A newly published study from the MMSU Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research (CMED) reveals that a native ficus plant locally known as 𝘈𝘨𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘵 may offer real potential as a treatment for inflammation-related skin conditions.

Led by Dr. Peter James Icalia-Gann, the research, titled “Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) Regulation Reduces Epithelial Inflammation in Mice Using a Topical Cream with 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘦,” explores how compounds from the plant can help regulate the body’s inflammatory response.

Long used in traditional medicine across Northern Luzon, 𝘈𝘨𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘵 has been valued by local communities for its healing properties, particularly in treating skin ailments. The new findings now provide scientific backing to those long-held beliefs.

In the study, researchers developed a topical cream derived from Ficus extract and tested it on mice. Results showed a significant reduction in skin inflammation, achieved by balancing key immune responses, decreasing pro-inflammatory signals, while enhancing anti-inflammatory activity.

“This study is important because it helps explain the science behind what many communities have already believed and practiced for years,” Dr. Gann said.

The research shows how traditional knowledge and modern science can work hand in hand. By validating the medicinal value of culturally significant plants such as Agimet, the study opens doors to more inclusive and locally grounded healthcare innovations.

Aside from its medical implications, the study also points to potential economic benefits. With increased recognition of its therapeutic value, Agimet could become a sustainable resource for local cultivation and community-based enterprises.

The research team includes Franchezka Yda Manglal-lan, Ma. Joy Theresa Agcaoili, Jimmbeth Zenila Fabia, Lemuel Ray Balloyan, Prof. Kristian Gay Beltran, and Dr. Ina Krista Irapta. The study is published in the Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy.

Using indigenous plants is proving increasingly valuable in medicine, while also showing the importance of preserving and studying traditional healing practices in the Philippines.

Photo credit: Masungi Georeserve (Instagram) — Hagimit (𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘦)