Research On Bioactive Molecules: Achievements And The Way Forward

Abstract

Research on bioactive molecules is one of the thrust areas of research at the International Medical University (IMU). The bioactive molecules that have attracted the interest of IMU researchers include tocotrienol, astaxanthin, zingerone, apigenin, carrageenan and phycocyanin. There are also projects which focus on the screening of extracts from local plants such as Elephantopus mollis, Morinda citrifolia, Pereskia bleo, Euphorbia hirta, Zinger officinale, Mangifera indica and Nephelium lappaceum and algae such as Spirulina and Gracilaria. Characterisation of the toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis is another area of active research at IMU. The compounds and extracts from the various organisms are screened for anticancer, antioxidative, antiviral and immuno-modulating activity. There are also studies on the production of recombinant molecules, especially monoclonal antibodies for the detection of house dust mites, Salmonella typhi and Candida. The pool of faculty with diverse expertise and the active collaboration with public universities and institutions have enhanced the progress of bioactive research at IMU. With the current postgraduate and Bachelor of Medical Science (B. MSc.) programme and the introduction of new programmes in health sciences, there are good opportunities for training of students in the research on bioactive molecules. The future research direction should focus on the mechanisms of action of the bioactive molecules using new approaches such as 'omic' technologies and in silico modelling. IeJSME 2008: 2 (Suppl 1): S21-S24