Bananas prevent HIV infection
Chemicals found in bananas are better at preventing HIV than two current synthetic anti-HIV drugs, according to new study.



Your favorite oblong fruit might be even healthier than you realized. According to The Gazette (Montreal) newspaper, a new study has found that chemicals commonly found in bananas are as potent in preventing HIV as two synthetic anti-HIV drugs. Researchers say the findings could lead to a cheap new component for applied microbicides that prevent sexual transmission of HIV.

The miracle substance in bananas is called BanLec, a type of lectin, which are the sugar-binding proteins found in a variety of plants. Scientists have long been interested in lectins because of their ability to halt the chain reaction that leads to certain viral infections. In the case of BanLec, it works by binding naturally to the sugar-rich envelope that encases the HIV virus, thus blocking its entry into the body.

"The problem with some HIV drugs is that the virus can mutate and become resistant, but that's much harder to do in the presence of lectins," said lead author Michael D. Swanson. "Lectins can bind to the sugars found on different spots of the HIV-1 envelope, and presumably it will take multiple mutations for the virus to get around them."

Swanson and his colleagues noted that even modest success in developing BanLec into a vaginal or anal microbicide could save millions of lives. In fact, 20 percent coverage with a microbicide that is only 60 percent effective against HIV may prevent up to 2.5 million HIV infections in three years. Furthermore, a BanLec ointment would be much cheaper to produce and distribute than most current anti-retroviral medications that require the production of synthetic components.

One thing's for sure: new ways of stopping the transmission of HIV are desperately needed. Condoms are effective, but they are often used incorrectly or inconsistently, and in many cultures and developing countries women are not always in control of their sexual encounters. The introduction of a cheap, long-lasting, self-applied ointment derived naturally from bananas could change all of that.

http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/bananas-prevent-hiv-infection

Another article.
http://www.naturalnews.com/031024_HIV_transmission_bananas.html

Bananas, herbs may help prevent HIV transmission
Sunday, January 16, 2011 by: Jonathan Benson, staff writer



Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/031024_HIV_transmission_bananas.html#ixzz26yMLUEm5

(NaturalNews) A study published in the March 19, 2010, issue of The Journal of Biological Chemistry found that banana lectins, the proteins that bind to sugars, also bind to HIV-infected cells and prevent their replication and transmission. And several other studies have found similar anti-HIV effects from various herbs and plants like the hyssop herb, pine cone seed extracts, "pokeweed" extracts, Reishi mushrooms and even cannabis (marijuana).

Researchers from the University of Michigan (UM) found in a laboratory study that banana lectins bind to HIV-infected cells and basically envelop them so that they cannot reproduce. So scientists are now working on a highly-concentrated extract of these lectins known as "Ban Tec" that they say may one day be widely used to prevent HIV transmission.



Pine cone seeds contain a high lignan extract that has been shown not only to inhibit HIV transmission, but also reverse the damage caused to the body by HIV-infected white blood cells. The "pokeweed" plant and at least three other North American prairie plants have shown HIV-preventive effects as well. And plant sterols in general seem to protect healthy cells from being invaded by HIV. These and other details came from a recent report by FOX News.

For treating HIV-related symptoms like "wasting syndrome" and neuropathy, cannabis, also known as marijuana, has proven itself to be highly effective. Cannabis spurs appetite in those with "wasting syndrome", helping them to eat more and gain weight, and it also reduces or completely eliminates the severe pain associated with neuropathy.

And the Reishi mushroom, which is known for its powerful immune-boosting activity, is also a favorite among Chinese herbalists treating HIV because it can help improve overall condition and even potentially help reverse the disease altogether.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/031024_HIV_transmission_bananas.html#ixzz26yMASFl3

really?? wow I didn't knew that, that's a very interesting thread sabellah

linda_1: really?? wow I didn't know that, that's very interesting sebellah

Yes indeed!

So if you see people smoking igbo now, they are jst trying to prevent HIV. As for me #AMA chop banana banana#

Chanchit: So if you see people smoking igbo now, they are jst trying to prevent HIV. As for me #AMA chop banana banana#

lmaooooo

fruits of any kind are always healthy to the human body.medical scienctist have a duty of discovery this useful micro components present in the fruits while humans should eat more fruits to stay healthy.

Avoid sex ohh no matter how much bananas you eat.



I think this would change the price of bananas!

ope oooooooooooooo

even its shape suggests it!

yea, it should change the price of bananas!

I just ordered for two trailer load of bananas

Btw, if bananas can prevent HIV, why can't it cure it even if it means mixing it with something. What's our doctors/pharmacists even doing. get your hands dirty and find the cure to HIV/Aids.

Sounds interesting banana will b cheaper dan garri nw

jammyng: Avoid sex ohh no matter how much bananas you eat.



I think this would change the price of bananas!

looool but u r right ooo, Abstinence is the best way of prevention

The price of garri has gone up, beans roof top, price of all stable food had skyrocketed.

Ban Ban ban that had caused a sharp rise in the price of imported Apples and Strawberry.

Why publish this article knowing that it could cause an increase in the cost of Banana that the masses use to "maintain", Why?

polokor60: fruits of any kind are always healthy to the human body.medical scienctist have a duty of discovery this useful micro components present in the fruits while humans should eat more fruits to stay healthy.

Spot on!

Na Which Banana Dem mean?

Hehehehe....why did the image of Africans Chowing down on bananas like there is no tomorrow.... flash in my head?

I ain't saying nothing but . . Africans. . . Banana. . .ya know.

swtchicgurl: ope oooooooooooooo

even its shape suggests it!

yea, it should change the price of bananas!

its shape now dirty mind! never underestimate the power of banana , i try eating at least one a day, it gives lot of energy

Eat a Bunch of Banana before Sex - #Dr. HQ's Recommendation.

Mehn, the future is bright.

But I'm thinking one thing. Research in the "prevent HIV" is making much headway than in the "Cure" angle.

Existing patients go vex o?! (A new world-wide group of MEND, may ensue)

linda_1: really?? wow I didn't knew that, that's a very interesting thread sabellah

now you know

swtchicgurl: ope oooooooooooooo

even its shape suggests it!

yea, it should change the price of bananas!

badt somebody

i think im going into banana farming now oo i know it will sell faster than condoms nw that this is out
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Compound Marrow is filled with some many benefits to our health with easy of use and body absorption.

Gwekzy: Na Which Banana Dem mean?

the yellow fruit one nau ! Now if u wanna try the other type without skin, u ll c consequences

Flesh Banana causes the thing and Fruit Banana prevents it . . . wow

So girls can now wound their flesh anyhow they want as long as dem dey chop the right combo of banana!!!

Sisi_Kill: Hehehehe....why did I have a sudden image of African Chowing down on bananas like there is no tomorrow.... flash in my head?

I ain't saying nothing but . . Africans. . . Banana. . .ya know.

lmaooooo

abeg people keep protecting yourself ooo banana won't do it all alone.

wow!!! The price of cassava products is about to have high competition with this new discovery

Its a nice feeling to see science forging ahead to solve and correct human problems...

That one no mean say pple shuld start ving sex any how because of bannana.TOO MUCH OF BANNANA CAN CAUSE CANCER OOO.SO BE WARNED.

afam4eva: I just ordered for two trailer load of bananas

LMFSO! The price of Bananas might increase if this transforms into urban myth. Banana growers worldwide may just end-up smiling to the bank.

K

Gwekzy: Na Which Banana Dem mean?

Na the unripe ones oooo