Israeli study treatment for Crohns disease
Oct 26, 2004 Latest News
Oct. 11 2004 Beta carotene found in a species of algae called Dunliella bardawil has been deemed effective in treating intestinal inflammations, especially Crohn’s disease, on animal models, The Jerusalem Post reported. Dr. Alexandra Lavie and colleagues at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Bnei Zion Medical Center in Haifa will soon start clinical studies. Crohn’s, an incurable condition involving inflammation of the whole intestinal tract, is characterized by acute attacks followed by remission. The algae species is found naturally in the Bardawil Sea off Sinai, and is being cultivated in Eilat pools. The researchers say this natural form of algae is much more effective then synthetic beta carotene. Lavie explains that oxidation and the production of free radicals are conventionally believed to be responsible for various diseases. Much research has found a connection between free radicals and atherosclerosis, Type II diabetes and various cancers and inflammations. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants has been shown to lower the risk for these diseases, she says. Beta carotene is one of the most common antioxidants, but most research using this nutrient have used the synthetic form, whose efficacy in humans has not been proven. The Technion/Bnei Zion team succeeded in proving a significant biological difference between synthetic and natural beta carotene. The natural substance accumulates better in tissue, while the synthetic type increases the harmful effects of drinking alcohol. Thus the team focused on natural beta carotene from the algae.
Tags: crohn, Crohn's, crohns disease
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