By Ian Harvee Mabuti, Contributor

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST PCHRD) has selected five pharmacy students from the MMSU College of Health Sciences (CHS) as recipients of a ₱75,000 research grant for their undergraduate thesis in natural products, under its Tuklas Lunas initiative.

The grant will help support the completion of their study titled  “Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Assessment of the Hepatoprotective Potential of 𝘚𝘺𝘻𝘺𝘨𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘮 Ethanolic Extract Against NAFLD-Induced HepG2 Cell Model.” Their thesis is one of only 18 proposals selected from over 129 entries nationwide. 

Led by Phiel Adrian Gabriel Chelim, the research team consists of Ian Harvee Mabuti, Nestor Ryu Oao, Jeanwell Rasay, and Deinn Amor Yadao. They are working under the mentorship of Prof. Ma. Danica Ines-Ramil.
The study explores the hepatoprotective potential of 𝘚𝘺𝘻𝘺𝘨𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘮, a largely undocumented and under-researched native plant. Through advanced in vitro techniques, the team aims to investigate its possible application in addressing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a significant and rising health concern globally. 

A virtual orientation for all grantees was held on July 30, 2025, attended by CHS Dean Cheryll Didi Nellie Obra, the student recipients, and representatives from other academic institutions nationwide. 
“We are grateful to the DOST-PCHRD for supporting our student researchers in their pursuit of knowledge, especially as they seek solutions for managing the growing cases of NAFLD and other lifestyle-related diseases through drug discovery,” Prof. Ines-Ramil said.

“At the Department of Pharmacy, one of our goals is to explore and unveil the therapeutic potential of natural products sourced from our rich indigenous plants,” she added.
The Tuklas Lunas initiative by the DOST-PCHRD supports young and local scientists in developing potential medicines using the nation's abundant biodiversity.