A short talk with Dr. Oyunbileg Yungeree, Head of the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of the Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
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- China has managed to
suppress the COVID-19 outbreak in a short period of time, how do you see this
as a researcher?
China
has an experience in tackling of a highly contagious respiratory disease known
as SARS-CoV in 2002-2003. A method they had used was a combination of traditional
medicine and the modern medicinal technology. Those results achieved to tackle
the virus infection at that time.
Therefore,
they have reviewed again their previous experience and also were aware of
internationally accepted research results for the current situation. Using of
the traditional medicine such as some plant extracts combined with the modern
medicinal treatment was again a strategy and brought a progressive result for
China to combat with COVID-19 outbreak.
For
the Europeans case, they did not have such a solid experience in response to
come up with facing situation, so the spread is getting worse in reaffirm.
As
a researcher I was glad and proud to read a review published in the
International Journal of Biological Sciences that emphasizes effect of traditional
medicine in the treatment of infection. The review was discussed how the use of
traditional medicine in combination with modern medicine has reduced mortality
and dramatically reduced the underlying symptoms, suggesting the need for
further clinical research.
-According to the review, what herbs are included in traditional
medicine for the treatment of COVID-19 infection?
According
to the review, scientists have included a number of medicinal plants such as Glycyrrhizae uralensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Saposhnikoviae divaricata, and Scrophularia ningpoensis, which have
been used in traditional Mongolian medicine for a long time.
It
is unique that all of them contain a certain amount of anti-viral,
anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents. The reviewers have
written that the effects of agents in those plants vary depending on the where
those plants have grown. The review also cited the results of many research
work, how they used them and how the results come up from the treatment.
- From those herbs we
Mongolians do know the Glycyrrhizae uralensis very well. What is the exact
benefit of the plant?
Glycyrrhizae
uralensis is considered one of the rarest plants in the world. This plant
contains more than 100 biologically active compounds. Scientists have been
still studying and discovering its medicinal properties.
Just
to mention here, traditionally we Mongolians do know, it used to treat common cold
and it has has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties those known to use
in TB pathogens and Escherichia coli infections.
-Since the outbreak of the
pandemic, Asian countries have been paying more attention to the traditional
medicine and treatments. How about our country, is authorities of Mongolia paying
an enough attention to study of the traditional medicine?
Mongolian
scientists also working actively and a lot of work has been done in the field
of traditional medicine, such as manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs and done
many research works. As
the COVID-19 pandemic presents critical global challenges, Mongolian researchers
and organizations in the field of traditional medicine are actively working on
the prevention and treatment of the pandemic
as well with the Ministry of Health.
For
the details of research work and connection with our government support is
still an issue for the example of some facilities, which supposed to be done in
Mongolia and for plants which were grown in Mongolia. But in reality, high sensitive
technique analysis are almost all measured and done by collaborative work with
our international partners.
Research
work requires good facility of research environment and support of government coordination.
It is very important to the young generation researchers in Mongolia that government
commitment to give attention to the genetic resource of Mongolian herbal plants
and those research developments.
