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Studies on animals suggest that a new hybrid drug, made in part from the chemical in the yellow spice turmeric, could help regenerate brain cells after a stroke, US researchers said on Wednesday.
The molecular compound is made with curcumin, a natural yellow pigment that originates from a perennial herb called Curcuma longa and is popular in South Asian and Middle Eastern foods, particularly curries.
Human trials of the drug, which works by restoring pathways that feed neurons, could begin soon, according to scientist Paul Lapchak of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
The new drug does not attack clots, but if administered to rabbits in one hour, which translates to three hours in human time, it "reduced stroke-caused 'motor deficits' - problems of muscle and movement control," the study said.
The hybrid compound, CNB-001, "crosses the blood-brain barrier, is quickly distributed in the brain and moderates several critical mechanisms involved in neuronal survival," Lapchak said.
Lapchak presented the findings at the American Heart Association International Stroke Conference.
The spice by itself has proved problematic because it could not absorb well in the body or reach its target in high concentrations.
It was also naturally blocked from entering the brain by the protective mechanism called the blood-brain barrier.
Currently there is only one approved drug treatment for ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain.
Known as a tissue plasminogen activator, the drug is injected intravenously to dissolve clots and reinstate blood flow.
A separate study published in the United Kingdom last year suggested curcumin could help alleviate liver damage in mice.
Questions:
1. What new drug can help stroke patients?
2. What is it made of?
3. How will it help stroke victims?
Answers:
1. A new hybrid drug, made in part from the chemical in the yellow spice turmeric, could help regenerate brain cells after a stroke.
2. The molecular compound is made with curcumin, a natural yellow pigment that originates from a perennial herb called Curcuma longa and is popular in South Asian and Middle Eastern foods, particularly curries.
3. The new drug does not attack clots, but if administered to rabbits in one hour, which translates to three hours in human time, it "reduced stroke-caused 'motor deficits' - problems of muscle and movement control."
（中國日報網(wǎng)英語點津 Helen 編輯）
About the broadcaster:
Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.
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