Identification of chlorophyll a-b binding protein AB96 as a novel TGFβ1 neutralizing agent

The discovery of compounds and proteins from plants has greatly contributed to modern medicine. Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Compositae) is used by humans and primates for a variety of conditions including parasitic infection. This paper describes the serendipitous discovery that V. amygdalina extract was able to bind to, and functionally inhibit, active TGF beta 1. The binding agent was isolated and identified as chlorophyll a-b binding protein AB96. Given that active TGF beta 1 contributes to the pathology of many infectious diseases, inhibiting these processes may explain some of the benefits associated with the ingestion of this species. This is the first plant-derived cytokine-neutralizing protein to be described and paves the way for further such discoveries.

Automated summary

Compounds and proteins from plants have significantly contributed to modern medicine. Vernonia amygdalina extract was found to inhibit TGF beta 1, which may help treat various infectious diseases. This discovery of a plant-derived cytokine-neutralizing protein opens up opportunities for further research.