Researchers at the Central Drug Research Insitute (CDRI), Lucknow, recently synethesized a class of chemical compounds which have strong anti-oxidant and anti-dyslipidemic activity, adding to the arsenal of potential drugs targeting lifestyle disorders such as obesity and diabetes.

Researchers from the University of Mysore have recently found that an enzyme extracted from the leaves of a medicinal plant, Tricosanthus tricuspidata, can counter the tissue damage caused by the bite of the venomous saw-scaled viper. This is the first scientific report of the anti-snake venom properties of this plant, which is known to be used by local tribal communities to treat snakebites.

Crocin, the active component of saffron spice, stops cancer cells from dividing and shows promise as a new anti-cancer drug-in-the-making.