Researchers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have pinpointed how abscisic acid—a natural plant hormone—helps to combat inflammation. While the scientists’ previous studies indicate that abscisic acid is beneficial for conditions like diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the new evidence suggests natural health resources like abscisic acid may be instrumental in developing new treatments for inflammatory and other immune-related diseases.

By using molecular models, the researchers from Virginia Tech discovered the protein that interacts with abscisic acid, known as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma.

The scientists indicated that abscisic acid works independently to bind itself on the lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 protein—a protein that is required in order for abscisic acid to produce positive health benefits. This process is the first step that leads to the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Ultimately, the process helps to block inflammation and prevent the onset of disease.

According to the researchers, therapies that use abscisic acid to treat inflammatory diseases may be safer than conventional pharmacological drugs. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, professor at Virginia Tech and the study’s lead investigator, said that abscisic acid does not seem to be associated with any negative side effects, “thereby representing a promising new therapeutic avenue.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this discovery may help many Americans since inflammatory diseases like IBD account for more than 700,000 physician visits and 100,000 hospitalizations each year.