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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Research News & Studies => Topic started by: Inchlingblue on March 15, 2010, 11:45:29 am

Title: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Inchlingblue on March 15, 2010, 11:45:29 am
Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection

Released: 3/15/2010 7:00 AM EDT

Source: University of Michigan Health System

Newswise — A potent new inhibitor of HIV, derived from bananas, may open the door to new treatments to prevent sexual transmission of HIV, according to a University of Michigan Medical School study published this week.
Scientists have an emerging interest in lectins, naturally occurring chemicals in plants, because of their ability to halt the chain of reaction that leads to a variety of infections.

In laboratory tests, BanLec, the lectin found in bananas, was as potent as two current anti-HIV drugs. Based on the findings published March 19 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, BanLec may become a less expensive new component of applied vaginal microbicides, researchers say.

New ways of stopping the spread of the HIV are vitally needed. The rate of new infections of HIV is outpacing the rate of new individuals getting anti-retroviral drugs by 2.5 to1, and at present it appears an effective vaccine is years away.

“HIV is still rampant in the U.S. and the explosion in poorer countries continues to be a bad problem because of tremendous human suffering and the cost of treating it,” says study senior author David Marvovitz, M.D., professor of internal medicine at the U-M Medical School.

Although condom use is quite effective, condoms are most successful in preventing infection if used consistently and correctly, which is often not the case.

“That’s 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,” Markovitz says.
Some of the most promising compounds for inhibiting vaginal and rectal HIV transmission are agents that block the virus prior to integration into its target cell.

The new study describes the complex actions of lectins and their ability to outsmart the HIV virus. Lectins are sugar-binding proteins. They can identify foreign invaders, like a virus, in the body, and attach themselves to the pathogen.

The U-M team discovered Ban Lec, the lectin in bananas, can inhibit HIV infection by binding to the sugar-rich HIV-1 envelope protein, gp120, and block its entry to the body.

Continued . . .

LINK:

http://www.newswise.com/articles/chemical-in-bananas-potent-inhibitor-of-hiv-infection-according-to-university-of-michigan-study
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Ann on March 15, 2010, 01:00:58 pm
That's good news and I hope it works out as a microbicide. I seem to remember something similar a few years ago about something in lemons, but the idea turned out to be... er... a lemon.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: veritas on March 15, 2010, 01:24:25 pm

I hope there are no side-effects------- like a tendency to climb trees.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: carpediem98 on March 15, 2010, 03:08:46 pm
Hmm... I'm not sure my first comment after being away should be a joke about what we can start doing with bananas - for the good of our health, of course...

INSTEAD, I'll wonder aloud (or via typing) how many bananas one would have to eat to replicate these results in vivo.  ;)
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Inchlingblue on March 15, 2010, 04:58:35 pm
More on this, from poz.com:

http://www.poz.com/articles/hiv_banana_benlec_761_18156.shtml
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: veritas on March 15, 2010, 06:00:57 pm

It is amazing that this compound could be as powerful as Fuzeon.

v
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: MYSTERY on March 15, 2010, 06:47:35 pm
So the new saying goes, a bananna a day keeps HIV at bay. Hell with those apples.  ;D
Title: Rapiddog, Ann, Andy -- Please help!!!!!! Condom on banana broke!!
Post by: Assurbanipal on March 15, 2010, 08:32:42 pm
PLEASE HELP

Last night I went to the grocery store and bought a banana. 

It was strong

 and yellow

and it looked healthy.  But now thiinking back I am SO WORRIED.



See, when I put a condom on the banana and rubbed it all over my body the condom broke and all this PULP came out of the banana and got ALL over me. I tried to wipe it off but I accidentally used the finger with a CUT on it!!

Now I have a GROSS rash and am SO WORRIED.!!!!!!!!!

I plan to test every two weeks but I think they will hide the results from me.

Please advice!!

Pal
Title: Re: Rapiddog, Ann, Andy -- Please help!!!!!! Condom on banana broke!!
Post by: MYSTERY on March 15, 2010, 09:05:46 pm
PLEASE HELP

Last night I went to the grocery store and bought a banana. 

It was strong

 and yellow

and it looked healthy.  But now thiinking back I am SO WORRIED.



See, when I put a condom on the banana and rubbed it all over my body the condom broke and all this PULP came out of the banana and got ALL over me. I tried to wipe it off but I accidentally used the finger with a CUT on it!!

Now I have a GROSS rash and am SO WORRIED.!!!!!!!!!

I plan to test every two weeks but I think they will hide the results from me.

Please advice!!

Pal

So much for saying that condoms are safe sex.  ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: RapidRod on March 15, 2010, 10:05:21 pm
How many tons of bananas do you have to eat a day to benefit? Cause they don't do shit for me. Well maybe if they are to green I may get the shits.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: WillyWump on March 15, 2010, 10:19:57 pm
Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection


Newswise — A potent new inhibitor of HIV, derived from bananas, may open the door to new treatments to prevent sexual transmission of HIV,


Me wonders if peeling a banana and rubbing it on ones bung-hole would prevent transmssion?? Of course it's too late for me, but it sounds fun.

-Will
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: MYSTERY on March 15, 2010, 11:50:00 pm
Me wonders if peeling a banana and rubbing it on ones bung-hole would prevent transmssion?? Of course it's too late for me, but it sounds fun.

-Will

One things for sure Willy if you shove it up your bung-hole it won't give you HIV that for sure.  :D :o
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Matty the Damned on March 15, 2010, 11:52:20 pm
One things for sure Willy if you shove it up your bung-hole it won't give you HIV that for sure.  :D :o

. . . but will he still be able to take communion? ;)

MtD
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: MYSTERY on March 16, 2010, 12:27:45 am
. . . but will he still be able to take communion? ;)

MtD

The Sacrament of Confession is a wonderful thing Matty.  ;)
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: WillyWump on March 16, 2010, 12:29:01 am
. . . but will he still be able to take communion? ;)

MtD

I take my communion up the Squeeze Chute...as I prefer.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Okealyshire on March 16, 2010, 12:39:54 am
I take my communion up the Squeeze Chute...as I prefer.

Which dispensing mechanism do you prefer? This...

(http://www.ship-of-fools.com/gadgets/church/media/communion_dispenser.jpg)

...or this?

(http://www.puritysolutions.org/images/products/gold.gif)
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: J220 on March 16, 2010, 01:34:51 am
Couldn't think of a banana joke so here's the next best thing....in honor of the allmighty banana now, I guess! lol. Classic Harry Belafonte. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpg-KIKD5gU&feature=related
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Matty the Damned on March 16, 2010, 01:41:54 am
The Sacrament of Confession is a wonderful thing Matty.  ;)

No don't tell me, I can remember this.

Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been 22 years since my last confession . . .

MtD
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: MYSTERY on March 16, 2010, 01:48:18 am
No don't tell me, I can remember this.

Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been 22 years since my last confession . . .

MtD

Matty,

You are spot on  ;D ;D. I tell ya what if you ever decide to go let me know because I will see Father first and when he get to you nothing will surprise him..... :o :o :o ;D. I just went last week so give me a little while to catch up to those 22 years of yours. Take care my friend and eat those bananas.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Matty the Damned on March 16, 2010, 01:54:50 am
Take care my friend and eat those bananas.

(http://tool.shagnasty.net/wiki/images/d/d4/Bananawhore.jpg)

MtD
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Okealyshire on March 16, 2010, 02:10:09 am
A possibly more familiar variation on the theme:

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QAm5YL8moHY/SQSgKmLZH6I/AAAAAAAACuc/XisKydQP9oM/s400/banana+dick.jpg)
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Matty the Damned on March 16, 2010, 02:34:45 am
A possibly more familiar variation on the theme:

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QAm5YL8moHY/SQSgKmLZH6I/AAAAAAAACuc/XisKydQP9oM/s400/banana+dick.jpg)

Oooh! Kosher! :)

MtD
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: carpediem98 on March 17, 2010, 10:11:53 am
All joking aside - this really is another exciting development. Imagine, being able to create cheaper, potent antiretrovirals in a completely new family... from fruit. Here's hoping it doesn't do for the price of bananas what ethanol did for the price of corn and grain!  ;)

Meanwhile... while my VL is undetectable, I've still found myself eating about 3 bananas a day.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Ann on March 17, 2010, 12:02:23 pm
It certainly is an exciting development and I hope it doesn't go the way of lemons. I mentioned the other day that I remembered something about lemons (and/or limes) being used as a microbicide to prevent transmission, so I looked it up.

I did remember correctly. It turned out that for lemon juice to be effective as a microbicide, it had to be used in a concentration that damaged cells lining the vagina (and presumably the rectum) and thus actually facilitated transmission, much like N-9. When it was used in a lower concentration that did not damage cells, it was useless as a microbicide. And so the search continued.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: skeebo1969 on March 17, 2010, 12:23:35 pm


   I hope you guys know there is a correct way to peel a banana :

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBJV56WUDng


 
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: carpediem98 on March 19, 2010, 08:01:27 pm

I did remember correctly. It turned out that for lemon juice to be effective as a microbicide, it had to be used in a concentration that damaged cells lining the vagina (and presumably the rectum) and thus actually facilitated transmission, much like N-9. When it was used in a lower concentration that did not damage cells, it was useless as a microbicide. And so the search continued.

Hmm... I wonder if that has something to do with the acidity of effective components? Think about how a lemon vs. a banana feels in the mouth. Extrapolate that to bananas. Perhaps we have a nonacidic microbicide on our hands! :)

[Disclaimer: I'm on an antihistamine for my allergies that makes me high as a kite if I go to happy hour... which I just did. So if I'm making no sense, that's my excuse!]
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Miss Philicia on March 19, 2010, 08:46:19 pm
Rachel Zoe says this is bananas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIL2ZwCOxOs
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Okealyshire on March 19, 2010, 10:42:54 pm
[Disclaimer: I'm on an antihistamine for my allergies that makes me high as a kite if I go to happy hour... which I just did. So if I'm making no sense, that's my excuse!]

Umm...pray tell what might be this particular antihistamine? Sounds intriguing! ;)
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: emeraldize on March 20, 2010, 03:58:44 pm
(http://tool.shagnasty.net/wiki/images/d/d4/Bananawhore.jpg)

MtD

Giggling like a school girl here.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Miss Philicia on March 20, 2010, 04:21:04 pm
- Do you have Bananas Foster? - No, we don't.

Someone told me you had Bananas Foster here.

I'm sorry, no.

It's impossible to find Bananas Foster.

Maybe they'll make it for you if you describe it to them.

What about the sauce?

You think they just have Bananas Foster sauce lying around in the kitchen...
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: Inchlingblue on March 20, 2010, 05:30:55 pm
I had a cleaning woman named Bananas Foster. She claimed Jodie was a distant cousin.
Title: Re: Scientists Identify Chemical in Bananas as Potent Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Post by: ATorrez on March 24, 2010, 02:15:12 pm
I hate to say this, but like Ann said, how many times have been seen something in HIV medicine that seemed "promising" at first but never panned out? There are probably countless millions of substances that are active against HIV in a petri dish. The problem is, is when you have to translate that benefit into human research. That's where it becomes tricky. Even a positive trial on Simian animals/ SIV is no guarantee that it will work in humans, as we have seen in vaccine trials.