KARAS TREES MAY BE A SOLUTION FOR DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION

MARANG (Malaysia), March 16 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Forestry Department
is conducting a study on the potential medicinal value of karas trees for
diabetes and hypertension.

Forestry Department Director-General Datuk Razani Ujang said testimonial
tests conducted by the department since two years ago showed positive effects in
lowering blood sugar levels and controlling blood pressure.

"The tree is known for its karas wood, of which oil is among the ingredients
used to make perfumes.

"Initiatives by the Terengganu Forestry Department has found that its
leaves, when processed with other herbs into a tea, can be used as medicine for
hypertension and diabetes," he said.

Razani was speaking to reporters after a visit to the Karas Farm Project in
the Merchang Forest Reserve, here today, accompanied by State Forestry
Department Director Nor Akhiruddin Mahmud.

He said the State Forestry Department had already marketed the tea in small
scale since last year and received positive response from the public on its
effectiveness.

However, clinical tests were still being conducted to confirm the matter.
Commenting on a karas tree planting project, Razani said it could make an
impact on the economy of rural residents and become a new source of income for
the country.

"A 0.45ha karas farm can yield a return of up to RM130,000 (US$39,121) a
year and generate income for the country and local residents as karas wood is
highly sought after in the Middle East," he said.

Meanwhile, Nor Akhiruddin said the department was encouraging karas tree
planting among the people in the state through tree-planting programmes.

"We will supply 20 karas trees for those interested in taking part in the
programme so they can plant them around the house, as well show methods on how
to plant and care for the trees," he said.

-- BERNAMA