A capsule by the name ‘α-Elostera’ marketed by Ceylon Green Ayurveda Company as a solution for cancer has sparked much controversy. The capsule has been released to the market without formal clinical trials and had already been advertised as a cancer treatment ayurvedic capsule.

Noting that a team including Prof. Jayantha Rajapaksa and Professor Anura Jayasuriya of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Peradeniya University have discovered anticancer activity of bitter gourd seeds, the manufacturers have launched the α-Elostera capsules.

Also, touting the pill as an ayurvedic treatment has also been debated since the relevant research leans towards Western Medicine practices. Also, we learnt that Prof. Jayasuriya who had done the extensive research in this regard, had not  contributed to the manufacturing of these capsules.

It is reported that the capsules in question were first manufactured by Prof. Rajapaksa and Dakshitha Thilanga Sumathipala – a businessman with no knowledge of medicine.

The Ceylon Green Cancer Wellness Center located near the Apeksha Hospital, which is also operated by Dakshitha, has been selling 60 capsules at Rs. 30,0000.

According to the company, this is the monthly required amount for a patient.

Speaking, an employee of his Centre had spoke of the capsule as follows :

Jayantha and Dakshitha go separate ways

Meanwhile, we were able to reveal that Professor Rajapaksa and Dakshitha are currently operating businesses separately owing to a business-related dispute.

While the capsules are being sold at Dakshitha’s Wellness Centre for Rs.30,000, Professor Rajapaksa sells them for Rs.7,000 as a food supplement.

Although the manufacturers have spread the myth that the body directly absorbs fatty acid from bitter gourd seeds, Prof. Jayasuriya said that it was false.

He said that this fatty acid breaks down into other components in the small intestine and kidneys.

When we inquired about this from Professor Jayasuriya, this is what he had to say.

Based on the facts revealed by the professor, a businessman manufacturing capsules based on the tests done at the Peradeniya University without the approval of the university, has become an issue.

In the meantime, we will publish inquiries and findings in this regard, done with  several responsible institutions including the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).