FRACTIONATION AND ISOLATION OF THE ANTI-TUMORAL ACTIVITY OF AN INDIGENOUS TONGAN MEDICINAL EXTRACT

Authors

Steven D. Christenson, Brigham Young University
Dr. Gary M. Booth, Brigham Young University
Dr. Steven G. Wood, Brigham Young University

Keywords

fractionation, anti-tumoral activity, Togan medicinal extract, Vai Haka

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Vai Haka is the Tongan name given to a medicinal extract prepared and prescribed by indigenous healers on the island kingdom of Tonga. Used as a treatment for morning sickness (hyper-emesis), the mixture is prepared by boiling the barks of four different rainforest tree species. These species are Tarrena sambucina, Syzigium malaccense, Alphitonia zizyphoides, and Macaranga harveyana. Studies by Cox (et al) demonstrated biological activity in each of these species from a Guinea Pig Ileum assay.1 Further work by Cox documented that each species is used individually by Samoan healers to treat internal distress.2 Thus bioactivity is well documented through both modern science and indigenous tradition. Given its demonstrated bioactivity it is useful to further screen for bioactivity with the intent of identifying the active agents as a source of new drugs.

Recommended Citation

Christenson, Steven D.; Booth, Dr. Gary M.; and Wood, Dr. Steven G. (2013) "FRACTIONATION AND ISOLATION OF THE ANTI-TUMORAL ACTIVITY OF AN INDIGENOUS TONGAN MEDICINAL EXTRACT," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 2600.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2600