Plants to cure cancer studied

PALU, Central Sulawesi: A group of 10 researchers from the National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) is currently identifying a floral species that is believed to be effective in healing cancer.

The study has been going on for two weeks since late last month, head of the Lore Lindu National Park Banjar Yulianto Laban told Antara on Sunday.

The park is located some 50 kilometers south of Palu.

LIPI sent its team following a report from local medical practitioners in Pakuli village, Donggala district, who said they had managed to heal malignant cancer using a certain plant growing in the park.

"If it is true, we will make the park a natural laboratory for development of traditional medicine for the deadly disease," Banjar said.

The 217-hectare park is home to more than 200 floral and animal species.