Calgary scientists have made a breakthrough that could help celiac patients digest gluten with the help of an enzyme from bug-eating pitcher plants.
Pitcher plants are like "disposable stomachs" that are filled with an enzyme-rich liquid that helps them digest insect prey. Scientists say preliminary research shows the enzymes in these so-called monkey cups are "enormously potent" in breaking down gluten, and could work in a human stomach, adding that in a few years' time, people with celiac disease could take a pill containing these enzymes, which would allow them to fully break down gluten.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/pitcher-plant-celiac-disease-u-of-c-1.3712073
Pitcher plants are like "disposable stomachs" that are filled with an enzyme-rich liquid that helps them digest insect prey. Scientists say preliminary research shows the enzymes in these so-called monkey cups are "enormously potent" in breaking down gluten, and could work in a human stomach, adding that in a few years' time, people with celiac disease could take a pill containing these enzymes, which would allow them to fully break down gluten.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/pitcher-plant-celiac-disease-u-of-c-1.3712073
