Researchers have found anti-aging properties in Singapore’s National Flower.
A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED) yesterday said its scientists have cracked the genetic code of the Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, more commonly known as the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
“We are heartened to be able to construct and decipher the genetic blueprint of our national flower, and hope that this achievement will be a significant contribution to our national heritage,” Prof Teh Bin Tean, Director of SingHealth Duke-NUS BD-MED, said in a news release.
The study, which was published in September, found natural products such as flavonols and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties, and vandaterosides, a bioactive compound that slows the skin’s aging process, in the orchid. The compound was previously found in Papilionanthe Teres, the seed parent of the national flower.
Researchers said studying the flower can help understand how to “enhance genomic resources” and assist “future research in gene and metabolite engineering.” It can also uncover bioactive compounds to aid healthcare by preventing and fighting diseases.
The Vanda Miss Joaquim was announced as Singapore’s national flower in 1981 and orchids in general have been gifted to prominent political figures like United States’ Vice President Kamala Harris when they visit Singapore.
Singapore is also the only country to have a hybrid as its national flower.
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