Page 37 - IB July 2018

Indepth

Tonga College. My journey for my PhD start- on the availability of funds. I graduated with ed from `Eua was based on the results of
ed back in 2001 when I started my undergrad my first degree (BSc) in 2004 from USP our chemical analysis in the laboratory.
study for my Bachelor in Science (Chemistry and then I went back to Tonga and took up a We collected marine organisms from dif-
and Biology) at the University of the South teaching opportunity at a secondary school ferent geographical locations in Tonga and
Pacific (USP). However, my interest in until 2007. In 2008, I received the New Zea- chemically investigated these organisms;
Chemistry goes back to my childhood when land Aid Scholarship to do a Masters’ Degree we realised that the chemical contents of the
my mother and grandparents used terrestrial (MSc) in Chemistry at VUW. I graduated organisms collected from `Eua have unique
plants and herbal remedies to treat my sibling in 2010 and then I returned to Tonga and and novel chemistry. We then focused on
and myself when we were sick. The continue teaching for another 2 years before `Eua and went back there for another dive
effectiveness of these tradi- I went to Japan for one year to pursue a collection trip. The main organism in which
tional medicines of- teaching certificate at Kagoshima University. I worked on is found in other places in the
ten made me In 2013 I received the New Zealand Com- Pacific. There have been several researches
wonder monwealth Scholarship to undertake my conducted on the same organism, which
PhD study at VUW. were collected from Vanuatu, Fiji, PNG and
Indonesia. However, the differences in our
IB: Please talk about the new natural research techniques led to the discovery of
products that you have isolated that these new anti-cancer compounds during
about have “unique and interesting anti- my research.
the healing cancer properties.” What are these
properties of these “unique and interesting” properties? IB: What’s the theory behind ancient
plant-based medicines, islands in terms of new chemical dis-
which encouraged me to pursue Taufa: Unfortunately, at this time, I have coveries and how many such islands
my studies further with a focus on a confidential agreement with VUW on the are there in the Pacific?
outcome of my research and therefore I
the Chemistry behind the medi-
cine. I was fortunate to receive the cannot discuss its details. However, through Taufa: Although the findings from the ma-
New Zealand Scholarship to pursue my research I isolated and identified several rine organisms from `Eua were interesting,
chemical compounds or natural products
my Masters’ Degree at the Victoria with anti-cancer properties. we cannot however, prove that those inter-
University of Wellington (VUW) and esting findings were based on the age of the
that was where I was introduced to IB: With your scientific knowledge island. But we believe that the ancient islands
the field of Natural Products. When and now your contribution to cancer in the Pacific Ocean can host organisms that
I completed my Masters, I knew research, what are your views on can produce interesting and novel chemistry,
the Pacific has a lot to offer in this herbal/traditional medicine – is there which may link to evolutionary advantages of
field and so I decided to go back and still a place for it today? the host organisms. Apart from ‘Eua, we also
pursue further studies leading up to had dives in waters of Tongatapu and Vava’u.
the completion of my PhD. Taufa: I strongly support the use of herbal/
traditional medicine. Most of the drugs used IB: So, what happens next, now that
IB: Have you always been study- nowadays are based on or inspired by tradi- you have discovered these new natu-
ral products?
ing or did you work in the field tional medicine, which were mostly sourced
for a while before going back to from herbal and terrestrial plants. To this day
further your studies? I still use the traditional medicines on my Taufa: More research is needed, that’s
for sure. These marine organisms usually
children and so I believe there is still a place
Taufa: My studies were always depending for it in this world. produce these natural products in minor
quantities therefore more research need to
be conducted on these marine organisms,
IB: An interesting part of your re- in order to isolate more of these natural
search was the find on the ancient
‘Eua Island. Has this always been a products for further research.
known aspect in scientific chemical
research and what are some unique IB: When do you think the outcome
organisms found in `Eua with unique of your research will materialise into
chemical properties, apart from actual products available on shelves?
sponges, that are not found
anywhere else in Tonga? Taufa: I really do hope it will materialise
into something that can contribute to the
Taufa: Choosing fight against cancer, a deadly disease that
to focus on the few of my close relatives have succumbed
marine or- to. However, there’s still a lot of work that
ganisms needs to be done but they will all be subject
collect- to the availability of funding.

Islands Business, July 2018 37