Vietnamese scientist in Japan discovers invasive plant’s health benefits
A research group led by Assoc. Prof. Tran Dang Xuan at Japan’s Hiroshima University recently publicised a study on the potential application of a grass species scientifically known as Andropogon virginicus which is good for human health.
Assoc. Prof. Tran Dang Xuan (centre) and his associates at Japan’s Hiroshima University (Photo: baoquocte.vn)
Tokyo (VNA)–𒆙 A research group led by Assoc. Prof. Tran Dang Xuan at Japan’s HiroshimaUniversity recently publicised a study on the potential application of a grassspecies scientifically known as Andropogon virginicus which is good for humanhealth.
The study by theVietnamese scholar and his associates was published on an internationalscientific journal in late December. It was the first to discover the benefitsof an invasive weed in anti-oxidation and enzyme tyrosinase and cancer cellsuppression. Speaking to VietnamNews Agency’s correspondent, Xuan said the finding shows the potential of thenatural plant in the healthcare sector and also holds significant meaning inthe extraction of valuable compounds in invasive plants in Vietnam, especiallythose able to suppress cancer cells. Compounds uncovered inthe grass will pave the way for the development of a cure for cancer originatedfrom natural sources. The scholar said thathis research group is joining hands with Vietnamese scientists of the NationalInstitute of Medicinal Materials at the Ministry of Health to capitalise onpotential of the country’s valuable medicinal plants. Xuan’s field of researchincludes plant breeding, genomics, weed science, sustainable agriculturalproduction, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and biomass energy./.
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Assoc. Prof. Tran Dang Xuan (centre) and his associates at Japan’s Hiroshima University (Photo: baoquocte.vn) 
