While numerous people have explored various health resources to potentially find a cure for HIV, a new study suggests that a chemical found in bananas may offer immunity to the potentially fatal disease.
According to scientists from the University of Michigan, BanLec, the lectin found in bananas, was just as potent as two anti-HIV drugs. The researchers are now exploring how this chemical could potentially lead to less expensive treatments to prevent the disease.
Current preventions of the disease include using condoms during sexual intercourse and a couple of drugs. But researchers are quick to point out that some women in poorer countries need another form of treatment in case the sex is not consensual. The scientists believe that BanLec may lead to an applied vaginal microbicide treatment that some women would find useful and cheap.
“Thats particularly true in developing countries where women have little control over sexual encounters so development of a long-lasting, self-applied microbicide is very attractive,” said study senior author Dr. David Marvovitz.