RESEARCHERS at the Regional Research
Laboratory (RRL) in Jammu have sought
government approval for a novel anti-TB
therapy containing the pepper extract,
piperine. The extract is to be used in
addition to the standard TB drugs. The
molecules of piperine have a unique
ability to increase the effectiveness of
conventional anti-TB drugs through
what scientists call a 'bio availability
enhancing effect. This will help doctors
in reducing the dosage of the standard drugs. According to RRL scientists, this
will make treatment safer, cheaper and
more effective.
Scientists at RRL contend that a 220-
mg dose of the anti-TB drug rifampicin,
given in combination with piperine, has
the same biological effect as 450 mg
rifampicin alone. The drug was developed serendipitously when RRL scientists
were investigating ancient herbal prescriptions. They saw that in many
ancient formulations, a blend of drugs
called Trikatu appeared. The RRL
team found piperine in two of the
individual components of the herbal
blend.
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