BanLec, anti-viral protein of Bananas

Bananas are one of the good food from all sources of vitamins and minerals. Bananas can also overcome depression, counteracting muscle cramps, lower blood pressure and protect against heart attacks. And now, the bananas can provide a new resistance against the virus.

According to a study recently published, a protein found in banana known as lectins - or, known as BanLec - are in the process of investigation into a drug that could someday be used to fight viral infections.

A protein called BanLec, which is found in bananas, has been shown to disarm a number of aggressive viruses. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1NxzSok)

Shown against a number of aggressive viruses, BanLec protein attached to the sugar molecule which excrete the virus from the cells, preventing infection.

But when scientists isolated a protein for therapeutic trials, BanLec also causes irritation and inflammation, so the international team relearn these proteins, identify parts that cause side effects.

A little tinkering with the genetic, they developed a version BanLec, the remaining of the anti-viral protein but without responding immune.

As reported in the journal Cell, a team of researchers said, if BanLec could be one of the first broad-spectrum antiviral agent to treat a variety of viruses, including HIV, Hepatitis and even Avian flu.

David Markovitz, Co-senior author of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, warns that you can not get the benefits of BanLec to eat a bunch of bananas.

"Remember, when you eat a banana, then the protein that does not change, the natural protein - it may be chewed by stomach acid. So we very much doubt that eating bananas will help you," said Markovitz.

Markovtiz also said the new and improved version of BanLec to be injected. Initially, Markovitz said banana protein was being investigated as a microbicide. Women can use before sex, as a cream or gel to protect them against HIV infection.

But BanLec is directed against a number of viruses, which cause them to be destroyed if they can not infect cells. At this point, Markovitz said there are no plans to conduct clinical trials in humans.

"We try to help improve the health of people, not hurt them. So, it's good to be careful where next we go. You know, we are also very ambitious to make something successful and to bring this to clinical outcomes, but we have not to there. We are still in the early stages," he said.

Sugar molecules contained in BanLec can be used as a unique strategy to combat the virus. Scientists say, if BanLec could be used to develop other antiviral drugs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VOA NEWS]

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