University of Colombo makes history with anti-cancer nutraceutical drug

IBMBB of University of Colombo 

Prof. Sameera Samarakoon

Vernolac

By Randima Attygalle

A nutraceutical drug that can destroy cancer cells of about 25 types of cancer, developed by Colombo University’s Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB) is now commercially available in the market. 

The nontoxic herbal formulation is a result of 12 years of scientific research by a team of researchers headed by Prof. Sameera Samarakoon from IBMBB. A leading private company specialising in natural products collaborates with IBMBB to market the product.

Branded as ‘Vernolac’, the nutraceutical drug with anti-cancer properties, can prevent the rapid growth of cancer cells and it could also be used by people who are at the risk of developing cancer, Prof. Samarakoon told the Daily FT. 

“Cancer is the second most common non-communicable disease (NCD) in the world and occurs due to gene mutation. Some people could be genetically pre-disposed to cancer if there is a family history and Vernolac can be used by such people and also others who are exposed to carcinogens and bad radiation which could trigger cancer,” explained Prof. Samarakoon.

The Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB) was established under the able leadership of Prof. Eric H. Karunanayake, as an independent Institute of the University of Colombo with a view to provide for instruction, training, research and development and consultancy in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. The institute has been conducting anti-cancer research for many years. The breakthrough nutraceutical drug is a result of many such years of research. “When we focus on cancer management, there is no single drug or an injection which could cure cancer, it is always a combined treatment,” explains Prof. Samarakoon who goes on to note that Vernolac contains more than 20 ingredients drawn from natural food sources and herbs. IBMBB is also credited for the development of ‘Ortho Shield’ – a formulation to ease joint and muscle pain.

Cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths worldwide according to the WHO. The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers. The locally developed Vernolac, enriched with remedial active herbal ingredients, can kill cancer cells in all these cancer types and more including oral and liver cancer as its principal researcher asserts. The product also has a higher

 potential of negating the growth of cancer stem cells to prevent and

 control possibilities of developing tumours. 

“Way back in 2010 I searched for existing evidence from ayurveda tradition and our native practitioners. Out of six such formulations, we selected the best formula. What we have launched is inspired by ayurveda tradition which dates back to thousand years,” reflects the scholar. He also alludes to his experience in Cuba which develops its own nutraceutical drugs for cancer drawing from knowledge from their native healing system. 

The nutraceutical drug which is administered with a proper diet plan aspires to tap an international market as well. The response to the product especially by Sri Lankans domiciled overseas has been very satisfying, says Prof. Samarakoon. “The demand for it since its launch has been overwhelming and there are already clinicians of Western medicine who recommend the product. Ideally products such as these which are the result of local R&D should be promoted under health and wellness tourism arm as well to generate for foreign exchange for the country,” he notes.