Female milk is used as a basis for a new antibiotic
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In a national physical laboratory located in the UK, a team of specialists found that female milk can help fight viruses and bacteria. Studies in this field, conducted earlier, have shown that in human milk there are all the antibodies and nutrients the child needs, as well as molecules that have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.
British experts have identified in human milk protein, which helps a newborn to resist various infections and on the basis of this protein a drug was created which, according to scientists, will help in fighting microorganisms that are resistant to existing antibiotics.
Protein, which is present in human breast milk, helps the child in the first few months of his life to resist disease. In this protein (lactoferrin), a microscopic fragment was found, which is responsible for the "miraculous" properties of female milk. The experts examined the fragment in detail and suggested that it could be used to create a unique drug that will be active against even those bacteria that today are highly resistant to antibiotics.
In the course of further work of experts, an experimental medicine was created that destroys a certain type of bacteria, while not affecting the surrounding cells. A new version of the antibiotic, scientists tested in a viral environment and found that the protein effectively fights against pathogenic microorganisms and is safe for healthy cells.
Experts say that the new drug is able to overcome even those diseases that were previously considered incurable, including sickle-cell anemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis.
According to some experts, drugs that are active against bacteria that have increased resistance to existing antibiotics will help save millions of lives. Also, most antibiotics, which until recently were considered the most effective, are rapidly losing their positions today. In a number of countries, bacteria have been identified that have developed resistance to the last generation of antibiotics - colistin.
Scientists continue to study the milk of women, because they are sure that the protein it contains requires more attention. The research group plans to create a medicine that will not only surpass all existing antibacterial drugs, but will have minimal side effects.
It should be noted that breast milk has been studied by scientists for a long time and scientifically confirmed that such food contributes to the normal development of the child and strengthens its immunity. Last year in the US, a group of cosmetologists said that women's milk is also useful for adults, it contains a large number of antibodies that help to cope with infections and therefore in one of the American SPA centers use female milk in some masks for problem skin.
Milk for masks is purchased in a special breast milk bank, in which it passes an appropriate check.
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