Oral cancers (OC) are among the most frequent malignancies encountered in Southeast Asia, primarily due to the prevalent habit of betel quid (BQ) and smokeless tobacco use in this region. Areca nut (AN), the primary ingredient in BQ, contains several alkaloids, including arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline, and guvacine. These have been associated with both the AN abuse liability and carcinogenicity. Additionally, variations in AN alkaloid levels could lead to differences in the addictiveness and carcinogenic potential across various AN-containing products. Recent studies based on animal models and in vitro experiments show cellular and molecular effects induced by AN. These comprise promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, autophagy initiation, tissue hypoxia, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and cell death. Further, clinical research endorses these undesired harmful effects in humans. Oral submucosal fibrosis, a potentially malignant disease of the oral cavity, is predominantly reported from the geographical areas of the globe where AN is habitually chewed. OC in chronic AN users presents a more aggressive phenotype, such as resistance to anti-cancer drugs. The available evidence on the carcinogenicity of AN based on the findings reported in the recently published experimental studies is discussed in the present review.

Background: The Kenya Association of Physicians and medical workers for social responsibility is an affiliate of the broader International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW). The Association is Non e governmental and its main objectives are to improve the quality of human life through the provision of good health based on the understanding that its members' responsibility as medical workers goes beyond treating patients in hospitals and include tackling the primary causes of human suffering. The association has its members in different medical schools spread across Kenya. Each year, the members in the respective schools are tasked with the responsibility of coming up with a project which will promote social responsibility among the communities around them. The students are well trained in a workshop to equip them with the right skills which will enable them to do this. Students of the medical school at Moi University realized that there was a lot of littering taking place around the school and hospital environs. As a result, they came up with project "Environment ni Mimi", which when translated means 'the environment is my responsibility'. The project entailed ensuring the environment is better taken care of. It portrays; the responsibility of the environment begins with an individual and then becomes a collective responsibility. Method: The main objectives of the project were to create more awareness on the environment, to curb the excessive dumping of litter around the school and hospital environment and to promote social responsibility among the health workers and students. Students organized an anti-litter campaign and designed posters and T-shirts which were advertised all around school. In addition, there was a major clean-up day organized which saw the picking up of litter and placing of dust bins in strategic places within the school compound. Outcome and Evaluation: The school environs is more litter free. The dust bins are well used and there has been awareness created on the importance of a litter free environment.

Background and AimsCytotoxicity is a key disadvantage of using chemotherapeutic drugs to treat cancer. This can be overcome by encapsulating chemotherapeutic drugs in suitable carriers for targeted delivery, allowing them to be released only at the cancerous sites. Herein, we aim to review the recent scientific developments in the utilization of nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems for treating oral malignancies that can lead to further improvements in clinical practice.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and other notable databases to identify recent peer‐reviewed clinical trials, reviews, and research articles related to nanoplatforms and their applications in oral cancer treatment.ResultsNanoplatforms offer a revolutionary strategy to overcome the challenges associated with conventional oral cancer treatments, such as poor drug solubility, non‐specific targeting, and systemic toxicity. These nanoscale drug delivery systems encompass various formulations, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and hydrogels, which facilitate controlled release and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to oral cancer sites. By exploiting the enhanced permeability and retention effect, Nanoplatforms accumulate preferentially in the tumor microenvironment, increasing drug concentration and minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Additionally, nanoplatforms can be engineered to carry multiple drugs or a combination of drugs and diagnostic agents, enabling personalized and precise treatment approaches.ConclusionThe utilization of nanoplatforms in oral cancer treatment holds significant promise in revolutionizing therapeutic strategies. Despite the promising results in preclinical studies, further research is required to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long‐term effects of nanoformulations in clinical settings. If successfully translated into clinical practice, nanoplatform‐based therapies have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce side effects, and pave the way for more personalized and effective oral cancer treatments.