THE healing powers of red clover are about to come under close scrutiny at the Aberystwyth laboratories of MolecularNature Limited (MNL), as scientists embark on a major new programme of research into plant-based medicines and other natural products.

"Red Clover is becoming increasingly popular as a herbal medicine, partly because it contains chemical substances that act rather like female sex hormones, or oestrogens," explained Professor Nash, MNL's research director.

"In particular, it has attracted interest as a herbal treatment for symptoms associated with the menopause. Our intention is to produce a herbal medicine that has similar levels of quality control as a pharmaceutical product, thereby greatly increasing its appeal in the marketplace."

The project will build on close links with the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, where plant breeders have long experience of working with red clover. MNL scientists are testing IGER's distinctive red clover lines for use in herbal remedies and will work with IGER to develop new lines that contain the right amounts of the most beneficial oestrogen-like compounds.

In other studies, the scientists are investigating the idea that red clover may be active against cancers. They suspect, for example, that if featured in a Victorian herbal preparation known as the 'Cardigan Cancer Cure', whose composition was a closely guarded secret.

"We are carefully analysing the complex chemistry of the plant and searching for new components likely to be active against these diseases," said Professor Nash.

MNL specialises in searching for novel drugs, herbal medicines and other useful compounds in plants that farmers can grow in the UK.

A new round of investment, completed earlier this year, will allow the company to recruit more research staff and develop its portfolio products.

Incoming CEO, Hayden Parry joins from Syngenta, the company formed by the recent merger of AstraZeneca and Novartis Agrochemicals businesses. Mr Parry has held various international posts at Executive Committee level including General Manager of Zeneca Plant Science and Board Director of Advanta Seeds.

The appointment follows the untimely death of former Managing Director Maria Ines Chicarelli in April.

Mr Parry said, "MNL now has a secure financing base from which it can fulfil its potential.

"We have leading edge technology in the discovery of new natural compounds and we are looking to increase the number of our partners to develop products based on plant sources. With an impressive portfolio, MNL is poised for an exciting phase of growth."

　　From Healthy.net