Chinese scientists claim to have identified powerful anticancer agents in Manta Ray fish which have long been prized around the Chinese Pacific coast area for its curative properties.

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Manta rays, which are also known as devilfish and can grow to five metres in length, were studied for seven years by researchers at the Institute of Naval Medical Sciences of the People’s Liberation Army in Shanghai. Extracts of the fish are now being developed as medicines with the Aobo pharmaceutical company.


Largely eschewed as a delicacy, the genus Mobulidae is closely related to sharks and has the same strong taste.


Scientists say extracts of the animal’s brain showed remarkable results when used to treat cancer cells in the laboratory and on rats with cancer.


Scientist started their studies after hearing of the remarkable curative properties of the large skate-like animal. The Chinese have long used manta ray brain extracts to cure measles, toothaches, diarrhoea, and scabies according to the Xinhuanet news agency.

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