REVIEW PAPER
The gastrointestinal tract: safety pharmacology aspects relating to ageing, diet and natural/herbal remedies
 
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1
Copenhagen University Library, and The Parker Institute, Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark
 
2
Department of Animal and Veterinary Basic Sciences, Faculty of Life Science, Copenhagen University, Frederiksberg, Denmark
 
 
Corresponding author
Adrian P. Harrison   

Department of Animal and Veterinary Basic Sciences, Faculty of Life Science, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegaardsvej 7, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
 
 
J Pre Clin Clin Res. 2009;3(2):76-83
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has always been and remains a major source of interest in terms of both its function, and its malfunction. Our current knowledge of age-related changes in this system, as well as drug-food interactions, however, remains relatively limited. Paradoxically, the GIT is not one of the core battery of tests that pharmaceutical companies are obliged to investigate as part of drug development. This review aims to cover the basics of GIT function before highlighting aspects of relevance for safety pharmacology in terms of age, cancerogenesis, and both drug and diet-related GIT damage and dysfunction. New and novel aspects of drug delivery and drug-dietary supplement interactions are discussed and much needed areas of focus in terms of drug GIT testing are identified.
 
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