Pratibha Masand, TNN Jun 13, 2012, 07.12PM IST
MUMBAI: Scientists in China are working on a research to develop a new
generation antibiotics from the skin of stinking frog species. So far, the
scientists have identified more than 700 chemical substances from nine species
of odorous frogs. Researchers have also found that foul smelling frogs not only
offer clues to prepare a new range of antibiotics but boost human immune system
against bacterial attacks.
Stumbling upon this new development, scientists have taken into account
the simple fact that the 'rotten fish' smelling frogs, could survive the worst
bacterial attacks in their life span as their skin emits some chemical
substances that have the anti-bacterial properties.
China 's National Basic Research Programme and the National Natural
Science Foundation are funding the research. "We are trying to identify
the specific Anti-Microbial Peptides (AMPs) that account for almost one-third
of all peptides found in the world, the greatest known diversity of these
germ-killing chemicals," said scientists, Yun Zhang, Wen-Hui Lee and
Xinwang Yang.
"Long back scientists have recognized frog's skin as a rich
potential source of new antibiotics. Frogs live in warm, wet places where
bacteria thrive and have adapted skin that secretes chemicals, known as
peptides, to protect themselves from infections," explained the scientists.
Earlier in a similar case, a drug from the poison of 'Bufo Rana', a toad
specie was prepared in Homoeopathy to treat various disorders including nervous
troubles, paralysis, rheumatism and impotence. Homoeopathic Bufo is made from
the poison of the toad. The toad releases poison when it is teased or
irritated. It can paralyse a dog. The Chinese were the first to apply dried
toad poison for a variety of complaints.
On one hand when the frogs are being used for a variety of purposes such
as study subjects in labs and as food delicacies in a variety of cuisine like
'jumping legs' in restaurants, environmentalists are worried that large scale
butchering of frogs may disturb the environment as these amphibians have been
protecting the environment by killing the harmful disease causing bacteria and
insects. Killing the frogs is a punishable offense under the World Life
(Protection) Act in many countries.
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