Lowly, ignored bignay fruit cure for asthma, phlegm?

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino scientists are looking into a small, locally grown ruby red fruit called bignay as a cure for asthma and phlegm.

Bignay or sun berry, a fruit endemic in Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, has been found to relieve symptoms of asthma and reduce phlegm for those suffering from respiratory ailments.

A research and development project of the Cagayan State University (CSU) has successfully developed a food supplement from bignay, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said.

Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said the successful R&D was achieved with the guidance of molecular biologist, physiologist and pharmacologist Maria Nilda Muñoz, a professor at CSU in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan through the DOST’s Balik Scientist Program.

Dela Peña said the project to develop a food supplement from bignay was undertaken due to anecdotal and folkloric uses of the berry, said to have health benefits and with high anti-oxidant properties.

It can reduce symptoms of asthma and phlegm as well as boost the body’s immune system, scientists said.

Engineer Sancho Mabborang, DOST Region 2 director, said they are planning to fund clinical trials to support the health benefits of bignay, which is generally used for wine-making in the northern provinces.