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Showing posts from June, 2024

Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery: A Review

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The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into drug discovery presents a significant advancement in the pharmaceutical industry. Artificial Intelligence has the  ability to analyze large datasets, predict biological activity, and streamline complex processes in transforming traditional methodologies.  This review outlines the current applications, benefits, and future prospects of Artificial Intelligence in drug discovery. Current Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Target Identification and Validation: Artificial Intelligence algorithms analyze genetic and proteomics data to identify potential drug targets. The Machine learning(ML) models can predict the importance of these targets to specific diseases thereby fastening the initial phases of drug discovery. Compound Screening:  Virtual screening powered by Artificial Intelligence evaluates large libraries of compounds to identify potential drug candidates. The Deep learning(ML) models can pred...

Dual Nature of Datura stramonium: Exploring Its Medicinal Potential and Toxicity Risks.

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Plants have always played a major role in treating human traumas and diseases worldwide. The demand for medicinal plants is increasing in both Plants have always played a major role in treating human traumas and diseases worldwide.  The demand for medicinal plants is increasing in developed and developing countries due to the growing recognition of natural products.  Herbal medicine is an important part of both traditional and modern systems of medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that four billion people, about 80% of the world’s population presently use herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care.  Numerous scientific reports suggest that medicinal plants could serve as a promising alternative to ineffective antibiotics in combating infectious diseases, among them is Datura stramonium. Datura stramonium ( D. stramonium ) is an annual plant belonging to the family Solanaceae. Other common names for  D. stramonium  include thorn ap...

Drug Repurposing: Finding New Treatments in Existing Medications

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Alyssa grew up surrounded by the mysteries of traditional herbal remedies crafted by her father, a revered local herbalist. Her childhood was filled with tales of plants that could heal, brewed into potions that eased ailments spanning into generations. As Alyssa grew, her fascination with the healing potential of plants evolved into a passion for pharmacology. She knew that blending her heritage with modern science, driven by a curiosity sparked by her father's wisdom was worth exploring. In her quest, she discovered drug repurposing, a field where existing drugs are explored for new therapeutic purposes. With determination fueled by memories of her father's teachings, Ada embarked on a journey to bridge traditional knowledge with scientific innovation. Guided by her roots and inspired by her father's legacy, she now explores the potential of overlooked remedies, striving to unlock new treatments that could benefit millions. Drug repurposing has emerged as a promising stra...

Unveiling the Anticancer Secrets of Datura stramonium (Jimsonweed): Harnessing Alkaloids for Innovative Therapies

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In botany, peculiar plants have always been noticed, and Datura stramonium is one of them. It has the common names of Jimsonweed or thorn apple, and the history of its use is chequered as it can be used in traditional medicine but can be categorized as a powerful hallucinogenic and toxic substance. However, as we venture deeper into the 21st century, the scientific community is beginning to uncover a new, promising chapter in the story of Datura stramonium : the possibility of using quantum dots in cancer therapy.   European physicians employed Datura stramonium for centuries to treat convulsions, while traditional healers relied on the plant for antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the interest in modern research is caused by the large concentration of alkaloids, which include atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, in the plant. These compounds, which have attracted attention due to their physiological solid activity, are now examined for their use ...

Drug Resistance: Resilience in Resistance

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Resilience in Resistance In a quiet village in Benue, Nigeria, lived a bright and spirited girl named Amina. At 12 years old, Amina was known for her curiosity and love for school. She dreamed of becoming a doctor, inspired by the village health clinic and its hardworking staff. One rainy season, Amina fell ill with a high fever, chills, and severe headaches. Her family took her to the local clinic, where she was diagnosed with malaria, a common yet deadly disease in the region. The doctor prescribed a course of antimalarial drugs, confident that Amina would recover soon. However, after completing the treatment, Amina's symptoms persisted. She returned to the clinic, where further tests revealed a troubling truth: she had contracted a strain of malaria that was resistant to the standard antimalarial drugs. This drug resistance was a growing problem, exacerbated by the overuse and misuse of medications. Drug resistance is a significant challenge in the treatment of various diseases,...