This is a good bioenhancer
scientists from Lucknow-based Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (cimap) have isolated a molecule from pods of drumstick (Moringa oleifera) that enhances the absorption of drugs and nutrients by humans.
The discovery is yet another addition in the anti-illness armoury of drumsticks. Almost all parts of the plant have medicinal properties. For instance, the paste of the leaves can help fight cancer.
The newly discovered molecule, called niaziridin, improves the absorption of drugs, particularly antibiotics such as rifampicin, tetracycline and ampicillin, through the gastro-intestinal membrane. Similarly, it can augment the uptake of nutrients like vitamin b 12. This makes niaziridin a good bioenhancer, the researchers state in a patent application filed with the us Patent and Trademark Office on October 7, 2004. Bioenhancers are molecules that do not possess drug activity of their own but promote the uptake of drugs in combination therapy.
Niaziridin would particularly prove useful in tuberculosis (tb) therapy. Patients normally have to undergo the therapy for six to eight months. The main anti- tb drugs such as rifampicin and isoniazid exhibit significant toxicity in the mammalian systems. Gastric irritation and hepatitis are some of the major side-effects of rifampicin, whereas nausea, jaundice and lack of appetite are associated with isoniazid. If naiziridin is used in combination with these drugs, the side-effects can be minimised. Moreover, the cost of treatment will also reduce.