Plantains could be used in healthcare plan for Crohn's disease

Those suffering from Crohn's disease may soon be able to incorporate medication derived from plantains into a healthcare plan.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool have found that soluble fibres found in the banana-like plant could be used to treat the condition.

They are now working with biotechnology company Provexis to test a new plantain-based food product that could be used to help Crohn's sufferers.

People with Crohn's disease suffer from a weakened ability to fight off bacteria.

This often leads to chronic inflammation of the gut caused by E Coli bacteria that are able to penetrate the gut wall via a special type of cell ,called M cells, that act as 'gatekeepers' to the lymphatic system.

It was found that the plantain fibres prevented the uptake and transport of E Coli across M cells.

Peter Laing, head of research and development at Provexis, said: "We are hopeful that this new medical food, containing soluble plantain fibres, could help halt the progression of the disease and prevent it from returning."

An estimated 90,000 people in the UK suffer from Crohn's disease.

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