For treatment of cancer and parasitic diseases, scientists from India and Australia are zeroing in on the good old milk.

In a collaborative effort between the Department of Parasitology at PGI, and Deakin University, Australia, experts are studying the effect of loctoferrin, natural protein in the milk, on cancer causing cells and resistant infections. In the tests, the drug (lactoferrin) will be delivered to target cells through nanotechnology.

Speaking to Newsline on the sidelines of an ongoing conference on parasitology at PGI, Prof Jagat Kanwar, faculty member at Deakin University, said, “In Australia, we have conducted some work on lactoferrin derived from cow’s milk, and the results are encouraging. We want to replicate the same at PGI, and want to see if results are positive here as well.”

“As buffalo milk is consumed more in India, we will take lactoferrin from buffalo milk here. If found effective, this protein has a great potential as an anti-cancer molecule,” Prof Kanwar added.

Also, the side effects of such treatment, according to Prof Kanwar will be far less that chemotherapy, as toxicity levels will be reduced.

Prof R Sehgal of the Department of Parasitology said the study has begun at PGI and results should be out in a few years.