Kolkata, Dec 15 (IANS): Indian and African researchers have scientifically validated the benefits of a traditional medicinal plant native to Ivory Coast that will help contribute to drug development for cancer and heart diseases, a scientist said here Monday.

The plant Pericopsis laxiflora, known as satinwood in English, and native to the West African region is used widely for headaches and stomach-related disorders according to researcher Ouattara Karamoko from Abidjan.

"There are lot of cancer and cardiovascular diseases in Ivory Coast. The plant is extensively used for healing various ailments due to its anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties.

"With the collaboration we have validated in part, the properties," Karamako told IANS on the sidelines of the Cesin Conference at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology here.

Karamaoko is collaborating with the institute's Drug Development Diagnostics and Biotechnology department as part of India's C. V. Raman International Fellowship for African Researchers.

"Now, this study will help us to design drugs for diseases like cancer, heart diseases etc. and have uses in gastric enteritis and cellular ageing," he said.