Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces Positive Anti-Malaria Test Results Using Phytofare™ Extract

SEATTLE, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. (OTCQB: PLPL), a producer of highly bioavailable plant extracts for industries including health, wellness, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical, today announced that the Company's Phytofare™ Catechin Extract has proven effective in killing the malaria parasite, plasmodium falciparum, in analytical tests developed by and conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sanjeev Krishna at the Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Infection, St George's, London School of Medicine.

In the study, the single and most dominant catechin - Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) - was isolated from Plandai's Phytofare™ extract and its effectiveness compared in killing the P. falciparum parasite against a purified EGCG extract. The results, which are expected to be published soon, showed that the Phytofare™ extract killed the parasite and with a lower dosage than the purified EGCG extract.

Roger Duffield, Chief Executive Officer of Plandai, commented, "These initial findings provide evidence corroborating previous scientific findings that Epigallocatechin Gallate catechin can kill the malaria parasite.  This study involving Phytofare™ is the first to show the effectiveness of using a commercial botanical extract, rather than purified extract of EGCG catechin, as an anti-malarial. 

"We believe these results validate our decade-long research into the opportunity for using botanical extracts as a means to combat one of the world's great plagues.  Dr. Krisha's clinical data indicate that Phytofare™ extract has a stable platform with predictable outcomes, making it a suitable candidate for further investigations.  We now have the opportunity evaluate the extract in further studies, including inhibiting the parasite in the glucose transporter and as a potential prophylactic by destroying the sporozoites during their journey from injection into the human blood by the female mosquito to the liver."

Plandai is finalizing agreements to undertake further in vitro and then mouse studies at the University of Cape Town, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, to further validate the antimalarial drug target through greater synergistic activity of the complete Phytofare™ catechin complex containing the total eight catechins, rather than the single isolated Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). 

Once all these results have been evaluated, the Company will submit its application with the US Food and Drug Administration to commence Phase II human clinical trials. 

Each year, approximately 500 million people worldwide become infected with malaria.  Of those infected, roughly 600,000 will die from the disease. The development of vaccine options has so far proved challenging due to the complexity of the parasite.  In addition, drug-resistant strains of the parasite are moving across Southeast Asia, prompting the need to develop a new line of drug options.   

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. and its subsidiaries develop highly bioavailable, phytonutrient rich extracts, which are being utilized to deliver a new family of drugs to safely and affordably treat a multitude of diseases and conditions.  Plandai Biotechnology controls every aspect of the process, from growing the raw materials on its farms in South Africa, to producing the patented Phytofare™ extracts in-house allowing the Company to guarantee the continuity of supply as well as quality control throughout the entire process.  Targeted industries for the Company's products include food and beverage, cosmeceutical, wellness, nutraceutical, anti-aging, and pharmaceutical.  For more information, please visit http://www.plandaibiotech.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

The information provided may contain forward-looking statements and involve risks and uncertainties. Results, events and performances could vary from those contemplated. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, expressed or implied, to differ from predicted outcomes. Risks and uncertainties include product demand, market competition, and Plandai's ability to meet current or future plans. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Plandai is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, to reflect events or circumstances afterward, or to disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

Contact: 
Andrew Beyer
Phone: 619-202-7456
Email:  [email protected]

SOURCE Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.