Plant Extract May Help Fight Floppy Baby Syndrome, Study Suggests

Lisa Franchi March 05, 2014

Scientists at Edinburgh University have discovered that a chemical found in plants may have beneficial effects for babies suffering from a rare muscle disease called floppy baby syndrome.

Floppy baby syndrome is the term that is commonly used to denote a medical condition called hypotonia. This rare condition (affecting one in 6,000 babies) is characterised by abnormal and reduced muscle tone, along with muscle weakness. It could be congenital or acquired, and may include autoimmune disorders, certain genetic conditions, infections, exposure to toxins, neurological problems and metabolic disorders. Until now, there is no cure for this condition.

Now, researchers identified a key compound quercetin found in some fruits, vegetables, herbs and grains, that could help prevent damage to nerves associated with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

They found that chemical targets the build-up of a specific molecule inside cells, called beta-catenin that is responsible for some of the symptoms of the condition.

In lab experiments, quercetin extract led to significant improvement in the health of nerve and muscle cells of mice.

"This is an important step that could one day improve quality of life for the babies affected by this condition and their families. “ says Prof Tom Gillingwater, one of the researchers.

"There is currently no cure for this kind of neuromuscular disorder so new treatments that can tackle the progression of disease are urgently needed."

The researchers hope that better versions of quercetin can be created that are more effective than the naturally-occurring chemical.

More about quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid which acts as an antioxidant and inflammatory. It has been promoted as being effective against a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. Some studies suggest that quercetin has antihistamine properties, and therefore help control allergies and asthma. It is also known to help alleviate symptoms of chronic prostatitis (swelling of the prostate gland) and the neurologic complications of diabetes.

Good sources of this important nutrient include apples, onions, teas and red wines.

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Plant extract may help floppy baby syndrome