April 2, 2009

Modified tobacco can treat HIV

Researchers working for the University of Louisville’s Owensboro Cancer Research Program are reporting that they have been testing a gel that has been produced from a plant that is close to the tobacco family as a viable treatment for HIV.

It has been found that the plant nicotiana benthamiana contains a protein known as griffifthsin, this is the active ingredient in the gel and it is believed that this can prevent the human immunodeficiency virus from infecting healthy cells in the immune system.

The product could be produced as a gel, which would have a low price tag, it could be something in the region of £3 per pack, so the possibilities are endless for product like this that is easier to administer and reasonable in price.

Source [UPI]