One research entry endorsed by the Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) IX qualified for the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Undegraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products.

Leading the study, Mr. Binladen M. Damian with co-authors, Mr. Al-Ahmad B. Jaiyari, Mr. Prinze Rhadeen A. Kibong, biology students of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) received a research grant for the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products worth Fifty Thousand Pesos ((₱50,000.00) to conduct antioxidant, phytochemical and cytotoxic screening of cocoa pod husk (CPH) extracts for potential pharmaceutical use.

Cocoa beans contain high antioxidants and are rich in phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, including cathechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins that contribute to its medicinal properties (Kim et al. 2011; Siow et al., 2022). On the other hand, CPH is a good source of bioactive polyphenol compounds that can function as antioxidants (Campos – Vega et al. 2018). Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation. Oxidation is the reaction that produces free radicals, thereby leading to chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms. Thus, antioxidants prevent cells from getting damaged through their free radical scavenging property (Halliwell 1995).

The study includes valuable information about the cocoa wastes in the form of cocoa pod husk and its possible health benefits for potential valuable products.

The DOST, through its various R&D councils, provides funding for studies in designing, implementing, and managing research projects.

All undergraduate students of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Health and Allied Sciences who have thesis proposals on natural products may apply, the proposed thesis study must use plants indigenous in the region, and the project must be completed a year after receiving the grant are qualified to submit their applications every March-May of the year.

For more information on Undergraduate Thesis Grand in Natural Products, please call (062) 991-2050 or text 0927 176 3821 and look for Marielle Atilano, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (MRAtilano, DOST IX Press Release)