Lectin In Bananas May Help Prevent HIV Spread

Monday, March 15, 2010 - 10:42 in Health & Medicine

Scientists have an emerging interest in lectins, naturally occurring chemicals in plants, because of their ability to halt the chain of reaction that leads to a variety of infections. Now, researchers from the University of Michigan say they have found a potent inhibitor of HIV, derived from  the chemicals in bananas that may open the door to new treatments to prevent sexual transmission of HIV. In laboratory tests, BanLec, the lectin found in bananas, was as potent as two current anti-HIV drugs, T-20 and maraviroc, currently in clinical use. Based on the findings published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, BanLec may become a less expensive new component of applied vaginal microbicides. read more

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