Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
Dr. Raymond Fernando Yu, assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy, presents the Tuklas Lunas anti-hyperglycemic tablet.
A team of Filipino researchers led by College of Pharmacy (CP) Associate Professor Bienvenido Balotro has developed a standardized herbal tablet for diabetes management under the Tuklas Lunas program, which was presented by Assistant Professor Raymond Fernando Yu, at the 2nd Pharma and Healthcare Expo on Feb. 26, 2025.
A Growing Health Crisis
Diabetes is a major public health issue in the Philippines, ranking as the fourth leading cause of death and affecting approximately 4.4 million Filipinos—a number expected to rise to nearly 8 million by 2045. Despite economic hardships, diabetes, often linked to lifestyle and diet, continues to burden Filipino families with costly medications and treatments.
Thus, the research team aims to provide a locally sourced, cost-effective alternative to expensive synthetic medications, offering hope to millions of Filipinos suffering from this chronic disease.
“This country is blessed with so many natural resources, some of which are underexplored. We have a sleeping gold mine in these natural resources—including the less-heard and the untapped—which we can harness for their phytomedicines with medicinal properties. If we formulate these products into familiar dosage forms such as tablets, we add more value to these earlier products and make them accessible to the general public,” said Asst. Prof. Yu.
The Science Behind the Herbal Medicine Breakthrough
The Tuklas Lunas herbal antidiabetic tablet works by inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme, which plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates into glucose. By slowing this process, the tablet helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of dangerous spikes that can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage.
“Our results show that these extracts, at 100 parts per million, can inhibit the activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme by 50%. This means our product can block the breakdown of sugars, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels,” Asst. Prof. Yu shared during the expo. “Our product is more accessible, just as effective, but not as expensive—and may be taken alongside regular medication.”
The research team identified key plant-based compounds—such as cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins—that contribute to the tablet’s blood sugar-lowering effects. These phytochemicals, extracted from Philippine medicinal plants, have been studied for their potential role in managing metabolic disorders.
Intellectual Property and Market Potential
The research secured a utility model from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines in 2022, marking a crucial step toward commercialization. This protection recognizes the novel formulation and its potential to become a competitive herbal product in the market.
The demand for natural and plant-based medicines is growing, with herbal products holding a 12% share of the Philippine pharmaceutical market, valued at approximately $18.2 million. The increasing preference for herbal medicine presents a significant opportunity for this locally developed tablet to make a lasting impact.
Dr. Yu expressed optimism. “The Philippines is incredibly rich in medicinal plants, and we have only scratched the surface of their potential. With the right support, we can bring this product to market and provide an affordable, effective solution for millions of Filipinos battling diabetes.”
This innovation is the result of a collaboration among researchers from multiple institutions. From UP Manila, the team includes Dr. Bienvenido Balotro, Dr. Raymond Fernando Yu, Razile Kay Quibin, Jowela Alvarado, Rua Marie Balanay, and Joyce Katherine Cotas. UP Diliman researchers involved in the project are Dr. Evangeline Amor, Dr. Sonia Jacinto, Dr. Elena Catap, John Perry Morales, Charmaine Peredas, Anna Isabel Navarro, Dr. Patrick Fernandez, Lareno Villones Jr., and Jennylyn Yerro. Representing UP Baguio are Dr. Teodora Balangcod, Freda Wong, and Kryssa Balangcod.
Industry partners include Pascual Laboratories’ Philip Reginald Alto, Arlyn Sanchez, Precious Caree Regunton, and Mark Gabriel De Los Santos, as well as Herbanext Laboratories’ Paul Felipe Cruz, Emyflor Guarino, Herian Ibañez, and Noriel Seduco.#
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For those interested in collaborating or investing in this breakthrough, UP Manila encourages stakeholders to contact the TTBDO for further discussions.
UP Manila Technology Transfer and Business Development Office
2/F UP Manila Main Building, Joaquin Gonzales Compound,
Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
ttbdo.upm@up.edu.ph
For inquiries contact:
UP Manila – Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office (UP Manila-IPPAO)
Email address: upm-ippao@up.edu.ph
