Hungarian University Harnesses Nobel Prize-Winning Herb for Potential “Miracle Drug”
Hungarian University to Develop New “Miracle Drug” Using Nobel Prize-Winning Herb
The sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) has been used for centuries by both Chinese and European cultures for its medicinal properties. In 2015, Chinese scientist Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering artemisinin, the active ingredient in sweet wormwood that proved to be 100% effective in curing malaria. Now, a Hungarian university is partnering with Uzbekistan to develop food supplements using this herb.
According to reports from the World economy, the University of Debrecen has already begun the development of new food supplements in collaboration with Uzbekistan. Scientists are studying how the active ingredients in sweet wormwood and garden sage vary based on the soil and weather conditions in which they are grown. The project also includes animal testing to compare the effects of the extracts of these active compounds.
The project involves the participation of the Pharmaceutical Institute of Tashkent in Uzbekistan and industrial partner Meditop Pharmaceutical Ltd. The goal is to create antiseptic and anti-inflammatory products such as capsules, pastilles, hydrogel, ointment, ear drops, mouthwash, and plaster. These products will be classified as food supplements, not pharmaceutical drugs.
Currently, prototypes of the products are being developed, with the ultimate goal of mass production in Uzbekistan using Hungarian knowledge and expertise. The Uzbek partner aims to establish an industrial park similar to the one at the University of Debrecen, where mass production can take place.
The collaboration between Hungary and Uzbekistan has received support from both governments, with the possibility of expanding the partnership to develop other medical products in the future. The use of sweet wormwood and its active compound artemisinin has a long history in traditional medicine, with benefits ranging from treating malaria to assisting in anticancer therapy and respiratory conditions.
With ongoing research and development efforts, the Hungarian university and Uzbek partners are working towards creating innovative products that harness the power of this ancient herb for modern healthcare needs.
