Compounds found in tequila could be used to effectively treat various colon diseases, scientists have revealed.
Researchers claim to have found that the blue agave fruit, the raw ingredient used to make tequila could be used to help develop new drugs to fight conditions such as colon cancer, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Scientists at Mexico's University of Guadalajara have found that compounds derived from agave could be used as natural carriers to deliver drugs to the colon in a more effective way than existing treatments.
The results of early laboratory tests, presented at the latest meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago, are part of an ongoing effort to develop new drugs which cannot be destroyed by stomach acids.
Scientists hope to identify new carrier compounds that can successfully transfer drugs to the intestine, where they can be absorbed before they are broken down in the stomach.
Leader of the research, Guillermo Toriz, said: "This study shows that the agave fruit is good for more than just tequila. It also has medicinal value.
"Agave fructan is the ideal natural carrier of drugs for the colon."
