The age-old practice of having medicine with milk, prompted the biotechnologists to work on this direction and it was found that lactoferrin produces inflammatory compounds that consist of enzymes such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2).

“These enzymes are targets of anti-inflammatory agents. When the anti inflammatory drugs are administered, they ought to bind to the target proteins PLA2 and COX-2 because of their high affinities to these proteins,” said an expert in the department.

The intestinal injuries are caused by the unbound non inflammatory drug molecule. According to recent studies, 30 per cent of the people taking these drugs complain of side effects and 50 per cent have full-grown erosions, which cause a lot of pain. However, the new compound is expected to help patients on anti-inflammatory pills as it is a natural product.