Malappuram: A team of researchers, including a native of Malappuram, has discovered that Jyomi Kurinji, a rare plant species found in Kasaragod district, shows promising potential in cancer treatment.

The findings were made by Dr Fr Jobi Xavier, Head of the Department of Life Sciences at Christ University, Bengaluru and Dr Abhiram Suresh, an Assistant Professor at the same institution. Their research paper has been published in leading international scientific journals.

Jyomi Kurinji is an extremely rare species spotted only in the Periya and Pandi forests of Kasaragod district. The researchers found that the active components of this plant act effectively on cancer cells linked to colon, breast and ovarian cancers. The study also notes that the leaves, roots and stem of the plant possess significant medicinal properties.

Dr Fr Jobi Xavier and Dr Abhiram Suresh believe that more research in this area by combining modern scientific methods with traditional healing systems could open new avenues in cancer treatment.

Fr Jobi Xavier hails from Thevara in Ernakulam, while Dr Abhiram Suresh is the son of retired teachers V C Suresh and K P Ushakumari of Maythri Nagar, Munduparamba, Malappuram.