Antihypergylcemic compounds from Eucalyptus sp. by Flemoi Gordon

The biannual Minister’s Innovation Award, from its inception in 2005, seeks to inspire and highlight cutting-edge Science and Technology. For 2012, research from the Natural Products Institute, Biochemistry and Chemistry Departments spear-headed by Dr Lisa Lindo and Denise Daley-Beckford copped the prize. The team, inclusive of Dr. Yee and Prof. Reese, won the Champions Innovator of the year trophy and an award in the Health and Wellness category.

The investigation of an Eucalyptus species (commonly called Gum tree), used in folklore medicine to treat cold and fever, led to a surprising and yet momentous discovery. The isolated compounds are more potent than the current drugs being used to treat diabetes. At present, there is an application for a patent for these active compounds. However, due to financial and other intricacies involved in drug creation, the drive now is to create a nutraceutical. According to Professor Reese, the  structures of the three active compounds isolated are quite simple. This should encourage other chemists to conceive and achieve in spite of the challenges.