Pills no longer hard to swallow, with “natural drugs” in the making

Cancer and obesity among some of the health issues that Queensland researchers are trying to find a natural remedy for.

Potato chips and edible plants are among some of the “plant cures” under the microscope in efforts to treat cancer and obesity.

The unlikely “natural drugs” are part of world-first research conducted by 35 scientists from the university of Queensland.

Led by Professor David Craik, the team are working to find a cure for cancer and diabetes through somewhat unorthodox, yet gentle methods.

Additionally, the study is also looking at creating sustainable medications that are safer to consume.

“We’re engineering plants into super-efficient producers of next-generation medicines.”

Professor Craik told the ABC.

Professor Craik’s team is using the relationship between molecules and receptors in the brain to combat obesity-related illnesses.

As a result, appetite is reduced, with weight loss likely to occur.

“We have shown our molecules are very potent – a thousand millionth of a gram is enough to stimulate that receptor to effectively turn it off, so our appetite would be suppressed,” he said.

“So we want to put that molecule into, say, potatoes, so that effectively you can have your french fries and not worry about the consequences.”

Plants the key to pain relief

Professor Craik has also discovered that venom from plants and animals can be a key ingredient in pain-relief medications.

“The molecule from a Queensland cone snail is about 150 times more potent than morphine.

With alternate methods of medications being explored, Professor Craik and his team are also helping combat opioid addiction.

Natural treatments will mean patients who choose not to take medication because of their addiction, now have a substitute.

Researchers from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Sweden and Austria are also in on the project.

Clinical trials – which will see such cures tested on humans – are still five years away, but if successful could provide patients with cheaper and easier access to in-demand medications.

Written by Rebecca Borg