Safe and effective analgesic derived from sunflower

Natural peptide from sunflower seeds has every chance to become a new effective and safe analgesic.

Scientists from Australia and Austria have discovered a molecule that has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. They have managed to isolate a unique peptide affecting kappa opioid receptors. This development was named sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1).

SFTI-1 is one of the smallest naturally occurring cyclic peptides. The molecule selectively activates one signaling pathway mediated by the transmission of pain and does therefore not cause the side effects associated with opioids. This peptide is extremely stable, highly effective and its effect is very limited by peripheral nerve endings. Scientists expect that its use may cause fewer side effects when used with potent analgesics. This natural peptide from sunflower seeds has the potential to become a new effective and safe analgesic used to relieve pain in the gastrointestinal tract or peripheral organs.

Source: sciencedaily