Journal of Proteomics & Bioinformatics
Open Access

Abstract

Pharmacogenetics: Would it be a Reason for the Lack of Potency and Intrinsic Toxicity of Several Natural Medicines?

Tibebe Z. Woldemariam, Nancy Wageih Hanna and David Pearson

The use of natural products in drug discovery screening has declined because of the apparent disadvantages of natural products including large-scale procurement of sufficient source material for bulk production, the lack of potency and intrinsic toxicity of many natural products. However, very little effort has been made looking at the influence of pharmacogenetics in the efficacy and toxicity of natural medicines. Pharmacogenomics may possibly enhance drug discovery and development from natural sources by identifying drug targets and enhancing the subpopulation-specific drug development.