Scientists find anti-malarial properties in Goan delicacy The Times of India Kounteya Sinha Tuesday, March 14, 2006 11:59:48 pm
NEW DELHI: One of Goa's most exotic delicacies could soon lead India's fight against malaria. Scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography in collaboration with researchers at the National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, and International Centre for Generic Engineering and Biotechnology have isolated molecules from the Indian green mussel (perna viridis) that kills the chloroquine resistant malaria parasite, especially the Plasmodium falciparum type, very effectively. The molecules, named NIO-1 and NIO-2, have been sold to a Mumbai-based company which will develop and commercialise the anti-malaria drug. According to NIO's Anil Chatterji, pre-clinical toxicity study of the molecules have shown absolutely no side effect. Clinical trials will begin in two months. The project to find the molecules was funded by CSIR. Chatterjee said: "The molecules will be extremely effective especially against chloroquine resistant strain of malaria parasite - W2Mef. The molecules kill the parasite rather than just inhibiting their growth. Compounds were found to be non-toxic to human cells with no negative effect seen on them. ~(^^)~ Avelino
