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Chinese medicine yields secrets: Atomic mechanism of 2-headed molecule derived from Chang Shan shown

redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports - Your Universe Online For over a millennium the Chinese have used an herb known as Chang Shan to treat fevers associated with malaria. While its effectiveness in treating the disease has long been confirmed by modern medicine, its exact function has remained mystery. However, in a recent study, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) say they have uncovered the molecular mechanism that gives this ancient homeopathic drug its healing properties. The researchers say the critical component in Chang Shan is a molecule called halofuginone, and by analyzing its molecular structure they have discovered how it interacts with the immune system to ward off the tiny parasites associated with malaria. Halofuginone is already being tested in clinical trials as a treatment for cancer. However, the researchers now say the biochemical's unique molecular structure may make it useful as a multipurpose template compound for treating a variety of disease, such as malaria. Accor

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