Humble yam plant may be the answer to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

SARAWAK has made an important discovery on the properties of the yam plant – it has the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) is initiating research that has the potential to be used as a treatment for such diseases.

He said the novel discovery involves a patent for a compound for treating neurodegenerative diseases that was granted in 2022.

“Although yam is often considered useless, it has now been proven to have properties that can help patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

“The results of studies conducted by SBC show a positive response to these compounds. This indicates that research institutions are accomplishing many things,” he told a press conference after his ministry’s winding-up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.

On the same note, he said SBC has received RM20 million through collaborative projects involving multinational companies and international funding bodies.

These projects focus on research areas such as algae, access and benefit-sharing, and the discovery of antiviral compounds derived from natural products.

In light of this, the funding is earmarked for advancing scientific exploration in these domains, reflecting a commitment to valuable research initiatives.