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The tree, known as Psychotria insularum or matalafi by locals, has been used by healers for hundreds of years and now, modern science finds it is just as effective as ibuprofen.
Researchers have identified the anti-inflammatory mechanism behind a plant used for centuries in traditional Samoan medicine. The new study found the plant, known as matalafi, is as effective at reducing inflammation as ibuprofen.
Traditional healers in Samoa have known for generations about the matalafi plant's uses. But now its efficacy has been proven in a lab.