According to a new research, lectins, which are derived from bananas, might be helpful in preventing sexual transmission of HIV. Lectins, a set of naturally occurring chemicals in plants can cease the series of reaction that leads to a variety of infections.

In lab tests, BanLec, lectin was found to be as powerful as two anti-HIV drugs used currently.

According to a new discovery that came out in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, lectin might become a cheap component of applied vaginal microbicides. Scientists were hunting for new techniques to halt the increase of HIV.

Meanwhile, scientists said that the rate of new infections is swelling compared to the rate of new individuals getting anti-retroviral drugs. It seems an effective vaccine is still years away.

Though condom use is helpful, they are most effective in preventing infection if used consistently and properly, which does not happen a lot.

David Marvovitz of the University of Michigan Medical School, said, “In settings where women have limited control over sexual matters, a long lasting, self-applied microbicide can be very attractive”.

The new study explains the intricate actions of lectins and their capacity to overcome HIV. Lectins are sugar- binding proteins that are capable of recognizing foreign intruders, like a virus, and attaching themselves to the pathogen, thereby obstructing its entry into the human body. The research group has developed a way to separate BanLec from bananas.