Wonder vine 'may prevent stroke'

Researchers are frequently lauding new 'miracle foods' that appear to stave off life-threatening conditions, but now it appears that experts in the US may have found a truly effective remedy.

According to specialists at the University of Alabama, the vine kudzu, which is generally regarded as a nuisance due to its tendency to damage houses, may actually be able to save lives.

The experts have discovered that the plant contains properties which may be effective in preventing deadly diseases such as stroke and heart disease, the world's biggest killer.

A team led by Dr Michael Wyss has found that root extracts from kudzu show promise as a dietary supplement for the high-risk condition metabolic syndrome, which is a key factor in people developing heart diseases and suffering a stroke.

The study appears in the current issue of the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, in which the specialists say that health cover holders could potentially take a form of the vine in order to manage or even combat the syndrome.

Dr Wyss pointed out that metabolic syndrome sufferers have obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and problems with their body's ability to use insulin, which may also be a factor in the onset and treatment of diabetes and also heart attacks.

As stroke is now classed as the second largest cause of death in the UK, Dr Wyss said development of kudzu as a treatment is paramount, as the nation's two biggest killers may be combated.

He added that scientists have been seeking natural remedies for metabolic syndrome for years, so to come across one which is not only potent but also abundant in many areas of the globe could give hope to medical health insurance customers all over the planet.

Dr Wyss also pointed out that people in Japan and China have been taking kudzu root as a supplement for centuries and these countries have some of the lowest stroke rates in the world.

By Stephen Tate

Find out about our Health Insurance Plans. 

Adfero Ltd provides live and tailored breaking industry news for Chartis Direct. All industry news is prepared by Adfero Ltd and as such does not represent the views or opinions of Chartis Direct a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited.

© Adfero Ltd 2008