The compound might also work against other dangerous viruses

Oct 23, 2015 18:53 GMT  ·  By

In a series of lab experiments, researchers with the University of Michigan found that a compound extracted from bananas could successfully fight HIV, the virus causing AIDS, as well as other pathogens such as the hepatitis C and the influenza virus. 

In a study published earlier this week in the science journal Cell, the specialists propose that the compound might also work against other dangerous viruses. If not, then perhaps it might at least pave the way for the development of drugs that can, they theorize.

How bananas could help us fight viruses

In a report detailing their work, the University of Michigan research team explain that the banana compound they focused on as part of this investigation is a protein known as banana lectin, or BanLec for short.

The scientists say they first started researching this protein about five years ago, when they learned that it could keep HIV from infecting cells. The trouble was that, at the same time, the compound would cause irritation and inflammation. So, the team had to give up experimenting with it.

Not long ago, however, they managed to engineer a form of BanLec that, while still able to protect cells against intruders, no longer caused any noteworthy side effects such as irritation and inflammation. It was this lab-made form of BanLec that they focused on in their latest experiments.

As detailed in the journal Cell, the form of BanLec that the scientists created, called H84T, fought off HIV, hepatitis C and the influenza virus in tissue and blood samples. Then, it protected lab mice against the flu.

Of course, further investigations are needed

The University of Michigan specialists are the first to admit that it will take a few more years of trials and research before this banana compound might be tested on people to see if it can offer protection against potentially deadly viruses.

Nonetheless, the scientists are quite satisfied with what they have accomplished until now. More so considering that the results of their experiments so far are quite encouraging.

“What we've done is exciting because there is potential for BanLec to develop into a broad spectrum antiviral agent, something that is not clinically available to physicians and patients right now,” said researcher David Markovitz.