In laboratory tests, a chemical derived from bananas proved as effective against HIV as two currently used pharmaceuticals, according to new research published in the March 19 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Dr. David Markovitz* and colleagues at the University of Michigan found that a lectin, or protein, in bananas may be able to interrupt the chain reaction that leads to HIV transmission. The chemical, called BanLec, limits the spread of HIV by binding to a protein in the virus and blocking its ability to spread infection to the body.
Could this be a breakthrough?
