Protein in bananas could help block spread of HIV, University of Michigan researchers say

[marmar]

Protein in bananas could help block spread of HIV, University of Michigan researchers say
Posted: Today, 5 hours ago


University of Michigan researchers believe a chemical found in bananas could help block the sexual transmission of HIV.

In a recent study looking at lectin, a protein found in fruits and vegetables, the researchers found banana lectin specifically targets and binds to HIV molecules, keeping HIV from binding to other cells in the body.

It needs further study, but the finding could be a key building block in creating a topical microbicide that could be applied before sex to reduce a person's chances of contracting the disease.

In a study to be published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the researchers say the banana lectin, or BanLec, was as potent as two other microbicides that have been already been developed but had other problems associated with them. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.annarbor.com/health/chemical-derived-from-bananas-could-help-create-hiv-prevention-university-of-michigan-researchers-sa/

[Sebastian Doyle]

1. Can't wait to hear the Big Pharma spin on this.

How long before "Al Qaeda" moves in to whatever countries grow bananas, so the corporations can ensure they control the supply?

[Confusious]

7. You should really take some history classes

We already own all the banana plantations. Why do you think there have been so many problems in central America for the past 50 years?

US military working for US corps.

[Sebastian Doyle]

10. Oh yeah, I know that.

It's one of the reasons I wasn't so crazy about Eric Holder as AG. But there's a difference between picking up a bunch of bananas at the local Safeway and paying $500 a pill for a new pharmaceutical drug made from banana extract. So what if bananas suddenly became "unavailable" due to some manufactured crisis or another?

[Confusious]

11. Smearing bananas on yourself isn't going to help

The protein has to be extracted and concentrated.

Using aspirin as an example, you'd have to eat half the bark on the tree to get the effect of 2 aspirin pills.

A chemistry class might help also.

So what if bananas suddenly became "unavailable" due to some manufactured crisis or another?

:tinfoilhat:

Oh, and just so you know, ( and I don't have to hear about how "big pharma" is responsible ), there's so little genetic diversity in banana trees that they are having a problem with a fungus killing them off. Don't be surprised if you see prices go up.

While I think Pharmaceutical companies have a lot to answer for, people blaming them for every conspiracy you can think of ( like shortages of bananas for their own nefarious purposes) makes having someone hold them responsible harder. People who should be taken seriously are treated like a joke because of wacky conspiracy theories.

[eShirl]

2. k&r

[Ozymanithrax]

3. Shoul we eat the, smear them on affect areas, or smoke them...

Talk about mellow yellow.

[FarCenter]

4. Use it instead of might work

[doc03]

5. I was under the understanding that HIV originated in

monkeys, aren't bananas their favorite food?

[Confusious]

9. The protein works outside the body

And it's not going to do much good smearing bananas all over yourself. It has to be concentrated.

[metapunditedgy]

6. I wonder how many patents have been filed on bananas? n/t

[MrScorpio]

8. Go Blue!

[LaPera]

12. I liked to smoke the peels - Been smoking them for bout 20 years now,it gets me high & hallucinating

I think it's the banana peels doing it.

[Confusious]

13. I don't think you're the only one around here

Considering some of the posts on this board. :)