From:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/h...sh_1591378.htm
“Humans appear to have lost what may have been a natural resistance to HIV some 7 million years when our bodies stopped producing particular kinds of protein
These circular proteins, called cyclotides
The first cyclotide discovered in mammals, RTD1, was found in rhesus monkeys and when chemically synthesised acts against HIV.
"It seems that somewhere between 7 and 10 million years ago some primates retained this mutation," Craik says.
"It's an ironic twist of fate because if it wasn't for that mutation you and I would have a gene that would produce a potent anti-HIV agent."
Cyclotides are found in herbs:
See
http://www.naturalbioskincare.com/al...t/natural.html
“Ribosome-inactivating proteins from Phytolacca americana have been reported to be active against HIV and from Saponaria officinalis to possess antineoplastic activity. Plant antimicrobial peptides comprise another large group of biologically active compounds. This group of compounds can be further subdivided into thionins, defensins, cyclotides, and lectins.
“This site is dedicated to the study of a fascinating new class of plant proteins called the Cyclotides.”
http://www.cyclotide.com/
“Cyclotides have a range of interesting biological activities including anti-HIV and neurotensin inhibition, anti-microbial activity and insecticidal activity. They are found in a variety of tropical plants from the Rubiaceae and Violaceae families.”
Does this mean that herbs with cyclotides such as Violet, Heartsease , Inkweed and Soapwort would be good for HIV?
Other herbs with cyclotides include Momordica cochinchinensis and Oldenlandia affinis (photo at
http://www.cyclotide.com/discovery.html )
Anyone know what they are?
This might be an interesting article if anyone can get a copy?:
Research progress on the cyclotides from plant kingdom. DOU Hui,DI Ying-tong,DING Li-sheng(76)
Michael
