Emiratis used this plant to treat cataracts

New York University Abu Dhabi graduate studies Cleome rupicola and its compounds

After coming across historical writings on how Emiratis used to treat cataracts with a medicinal plant, a New York University Abu Dhabi graduate delved further into the subject as part of her graduate research programme, examining the plant and its potential use in modern day medicine.

“When I set out on my research project, I wanted to narrow it down to useful medicinal plants that have not been studied much, and it was during that time that I came across some writings about Emiratis who were using one such medicinal plant when it came to treating cataracts,” said Yumi Gambrill, an American graduate who majored in chemistry as part of the class of 2018.

“My goal was to take a scientific look at this plant — Cleome rupicola — and to study its compounds to try and get a scientific answer to its medical benefits. Until now, there hasn’t been a lot of research on this plant despite the fact that it has been referenced as one that was used to treat cataract by Emiratis in the past,” she added.

To get samples of the plant for laboratory tests, Gambrill went to Masafi.

Once she got her samples, Gambrill took them to the lab for further studies which, she said, pointed to some positive signs. “When I analysed the plant I found there was a strong activity of antioxidants, which, given the hypothesis that antioxidant activity helps prevent cataracts, made that a very encouraging finding.”

Gambrill said the next few months were spent trying to get a purified compound extraction from the plant in a way that could be used, and she managed to get a purified compound of less than a milligram.

“This compound serves as the first step in the development of an anti-cataract drug, and verifies the modern relevance of a historically significant medicinal plant.”

Gambrill says a lot more research is still required, and that she would be making all of her findings available for any future researchers who wish to further develop the study.