The University Library received a new book titled “Antiviral & Immunomodulatory Philippine Medicinal Plants,” a new addition to its growing academic collection. The book was generously donated to the University Library by Dr. Armando Victor M. Guidote, Jr., Institute Director of the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry, through Dr. Maria Cristina Dancel, a former faculty member of UPV Department of Chemistry. The book was personally handed to Ms. Analiza S. Galang-Linaugo, U.P. Visayas University Librarian.
The donated book provides an in-depth study of the diverse variety of Philippine medicinal plants and their potency to strengthen the immune system and combat viral diseases such as COVID-19. It showcases the antiviral properties of Philippine flora against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and herpes simplex. Backed by rigorous, research-based insights, this work serves as a valuable resource for students, faculty, researchers, and professionals seeking to advance their understanding and contributions to natural drug discovery.
Dr. Guidote Jr. is a distinguished Professor at the Ateneo de Manila University. He completed his BS Chemistry, BS Computer Engineering, and MS Chemistry in the university, respectively. He obtained a PhD in Chemistry in 2001 at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan.
Dr. Guidote and Dr. Dancel have known each other since their college years in the Ateneo de Manila University. Their recent encounter was in Davao City when they attended the 38th Philippine Chemistry Congress last July 2024. During the Congress, Dr. Dancel gladly agreed to deliver the book as she often visits friends at UPV Campus. While waiting for a project assignment in San Francisco, California, she is currently working as a research scientist at Livertas Philippines, Inc.
The co-authors of the book are Fabian M. Dayrit, Nina G. Gloriani, Sheriah Laine M. de Paz- Silava, Irene M. Villaseñor, Rene Angelo S. Macahig, Mario A. Tan, John Ross N. Chua, and Isidro S. Sia. (With sources from Dr. Guidote’s bionote and Dr. Dancel)