A Samoan medicinal plant called matalafi is just as good as ibuprofen at treating inflammation, according to new research.
Two Pasifika women - Dr Seei Molimau-Samasoni (who is indigenous Samoan) and Dr Helen Woolner (who is Cook Islands Māori) - led the research team.
Dr Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni and Dr Helen Woolner Photo: Victoria University
Matalafi - which means 'hide' in Samoan as it's believed to hide from people looking for it - has been used for generations in traditional medicine, Dr Molimau-Samasoni tells Jesse Mulligan.
Historically it has been used to treat various forms of inflammation, including fever, swelling, wounds and skin infections, and also illnesses related to spirits and ghosts, she says.
Back in 2013, Dr Molimau-Samasoni collected 11 medicinal plants from Samoa and transported them back to New Zealand to study.
Matalafi - which resembles a coffee plant - was one of the most potent in eliciting an anti-inflammatory response.
The scientists also identified compounds within matalafi that help to bind iron within the body in a process called 'iron chelation'.
Iron plays an important role in our bodies and iron imbalance is connected to various diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, Dr Molimau-Samasoni says.
Another compound found in matalafi has shown "potentially anti-Covid activity".
This research project is important for the Samoan government as until now all research on Samoan plants has been carried out by non-Samoans, Dr Molimau-Samasoni says.
Having two Pasifika women leading the research team is also significant because not many Pasifika women take up science as a career.
Clinical trials of Matalafi are planned and it may become available to the public in around five years, Dr Molimau-Samasoni says.
Dr Seei Molimau-Samasoni works at the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa.
Matalafi plant Photo: supplied
