Gramine is an indole alkaloid, also called donaxine. It is thought it acts as a defence because it is toxic to many organisms such as pests and herbivores. It may act as a precursor for the biosynthesis of tryptophan and play a vital role in amino acid metabolism.
In humans gramine can be a powerful free radical scavenger and has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral and neuroprotective properties. It is thought to be a possible therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.
In Chinese medicine it is used for heart disease, toothache and urinary system disorders. Enterovirus 71, widely reported in the Asia–Pacific region, is a classical RNA virus, which cand infect the hand, foot and mouth of a human. Scientific studies have found that gramine has the potential of being able to fight of this virus in its early stages.
Natural food sources of gramine
- Barley sprouts
- Oats
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Brain and mental health disorders
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Virus infections
References
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