Research & Review: Drugs and Drugs Development (e-ISSN: 2582-5720)

Lactose Tolerance: The Genetic Mystery Behind Milk Drinking

2026-02-09T12:08:47+00:00

Lactose tolerance, or the ability to digest lactose into adulthood, is one of the most prominent examples of recent human genetic evolution. In contrast to most other mammals, in which the activity of the lactase enzyme decreases post-weaning, some human populations have evolved lactase persistence, allowing for the lifelong consumption of milk and dairy products. The purpose of this study is to explore the genetic, evolutionary, and population dynamics behind lactose tolerance. This review integrates evidence from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), population genetics, and anthropology to examine the worldwide distribution of lactase persistence alleles. The results show a significant link between lactase persistence and past dairy cattle-keeping cultures, providing evidence for a gene-culture co-evolutionary model. Lactase persistence is believed to have evolved in Europe during the Neolithic transition, together with the domestication of animals and the development of agriculture. Independent adaptations also occurred in African and Middle Eastern pastoralist groups. Some important regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that play a crucial role in the persistence of lactase expression in adulthood are found upstream of the LCT gene, especially −13910T and −14010C. The distribution of these variants differs considerably among different populations, which is a result of different evolutionary pressures driven by dietary selection. Besides genetic factors, epigenetics and gene-environment interactions could also affect lactase activity. In conclusion, this study illustrates the intricate dynamics among genetic transmission, dietary practices, and natural selection in the evolution of human nutritional adaptation. The evolutionary origins of lactose tolerance provide important information on human population diversity, evolution, and contemporary health aspects of lactose intolerance.

From Nature to Nurture: Herbal Compounds as Adjuvants in Cancer Chemotherapy

2026-02-25T09:54:26+00:00

The potential and difficulties of combining natural products with contemporary cancer treatments are highlighted in this article, which examines the use of herbal substances as adjuvants in chemotherapy. While chemotherapy remains a keystone in cancer management, its usefulness is sometimes restricted by substantial side effects, toxicity, and the development of medication resistance. The use of traditional herbal remedies offers a complementary approach, potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes, alleviating adverse effects, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. The article reviews main classes of bioactive plant-based compounds—includes flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenols detailing their pharmacological mechanisms, anticancer activities, and effects on chemotherapy sensitivity. Prominent herbal agents such as curcumin, berberine, resveratrol, garlic, and ginger are discussed in terms of their molecular actions in tumor suppression, apoptosis induction, antioxidant activity, and immunomodulation. By synthesizing current evidence, the article underscores the potential of herbal adjuvants in contemporary oncology, advocating further clinical research to optimize their integration into standard cancer therapies.

Protein-Based Nanocarriers for Targeted Cancer Therapy

2026-04-01T10:07:32+00:00

Cancer continues to be a major global health concern, creating a need for targeted and efficient drug delivery systems that improve treatment outcomes while reducing side effects. Nanoparticles are increasingly being used for various applications, especially in delivering therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Numerous nanoparticle-based drug delivery approaches have been developed to treat cancer, and a wide range of materials have been tested to enhance the safety and effectiveness of anticancer drugs. Proteins and other natural biomolecules are considered better alternatives to synthetic polymers commonly used in drug formulations due to their safety and compatibility. In recent years, protein-based nanoparticles have gained attention as effective drug delivery carriers in cancer therapy because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to specifically target tumor cells. This review discusses the design, preparation, and evaluation of different protein-based nanostructures, such as albumin nanoparticles, lipoprotein carriers, ferritin nanocages, and virus-like particles. It also highlights the challenges and potential toxicity issues related to these nanocarriers and suggests possible solutions. Finally, the review summarizes current applications and prospects of protein nanoparticles in cancer treatment, emphasizing their potential to improve therapy by making it safer and more effective.

Assessment of Serum Interleukin-6 Level in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2026-04-16T09:57:30+00:00

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Systemic inflammation plays a central role in COPD pathogenesis, with interleukin-6 (IL-6) implicated as a key inflammatory mediator. This study aimed to determine the association of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This hospital-based case-control study at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, investigated the association between serum IL-6 levels and COPD, comparing 29 COPD patients and 29 healthy age- sex matched controls. Serum IL-6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and spirometry assessed lung function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio). The unpaired "t" test was done between two means in the case of descriptive value, and the chi-square test was also done in the categorical variable. The COPD group exhibited significantly higher mean serum IL-6 levels (5.37 pg/ml) compared to controls (2.51 pg/ml; p=0.0002), confirming a strong association with the disease. Spirometric findings revealed severe airflow limitation in COPD patients, with lower FEV1 (31.21% vs. 72.52%, p<0.0001), FVC (2.02 L vs. 2.82 L, p<0.0001), and FEV1/FVC ratio (52.43% vs. 79.64%, p<0.0001). A strong positive correlation (ρ = 0.94) was found between COPD exacerbation count in the last year and serum IL-6 level. Smoking status differed significantly between groups (p=0.0213), reflecting its role as a major COPD risk factor. Serum Interleukin-6 level was significantly higher in COPD patients than healthy controls and correlated with exacerbation frequency. The study highlights the need for integrating IL-6 testing with spirometry for comprehensive COPD assessment in resource-limited settings. Future prospective longitudinal studies should explore IL-6’s temporal dynamics and therapeutic potential.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Digestive Tea Bag using Betel Leaf, Ginger, Amla, and Mint

2026-04-16T10:57:33+00:00

The present project aims to develop a natural herbal tea bag formulated with ginger, betel leaf (paan patta), amla (Indian gooseberry), and mint for promoting digestive health and providing additional wellness benefits. This Ayurvedic-inspired blend combines traditional ingredients known for their synergistic effects on the gastrointestinal system. Ginger acts as a warming carminative that stimulates digestion and relieves nausea and bloating. Mint provides a cooling, soothing effect that helps reduce gas and indigestion. Betel leaf contributes mild alkalizing properties and supports enzyme activity, while amla, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, aids detoxification and gut immunity. Together, these herbs create a potent, caffeine-free infusion that supports overall digestive wellness. The brewed tea exhibits a vibrant, tangy-sour taste dominated by amla, balanced by the spicy warmth of ginger, the refreshing coolness of mint, and subtle aromatic notes from betel leaf. The pH of the infusion typically falls in the mildly acidic range (approximately 4.5–6.0), primarily influenced by amla’s natural organic acids, with betel leaf helping to moderate excessive acidity. This herbal tea bag offers a convenient, ready-to-use solution for daily consumption, ideal after meals or as a gentle morning ritual. It aligns with growing consumer demand for natural, functional beverages that deliver both flavor and health support without synthetic additives. Preliminary sensory and traditional use evaluations indicate good consumer acceptability for its invigorating profile and digestive benefits. Future scope includes optimization of ingredient ratios for balanced pH and taste, pH testing with strips/meters, shelf-life studies, and packaging development for commercial viability.