KazNU scientist has revealed the plant's activity against various diseases

Ergazy Shybyray, a scientist from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, has for the first time in Central Asia conducted chemical and physical research on the plant Lepidium sativum, which belongs to the cabbage family.

The aim of the research was to determine the phytochemical and pharmacological activity of the plant. As a result, the researcher identified 17 new and 28 known bioactive compounds. According to the scientist from KazNU, the natural product derived from the plant can be used as an anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Lepidium sativum has traditionally been used as functional food. This plant is widely used in folk medicine in China, India, Europe, the United States, and Africa for regulating blood sugar levels in diabetes and high blood pressure, treating coughs, improving respiratory function, treating skin diseases, and regulating gastrointestinal function. Although the history of using this plant in folk medicine is rich, comprehensive studies on its phytochemical and pharmacological potential have not been conducted until now.

"From Lepidium sativum, I identified 2 camphorols, 8 glucosinolates, and 4 sinapic acid esters, which are rarely found in nature. Currently, an international patent has been granted for its anticancer and antidiabetic activity. Three scientific articles have been published in high-ranking journals included in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. This is my contribution to the development of the pharmaceutical industry using domestic raw materials", - says the scientist.

Today, Ergazy Shybyray works as a senior research fellow and senior lecturer at the Research Center for Medicinal Plants at KazNU.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University