For over 2,000 years, the Chinese have used a plant called Changshan to treat malaria-induced fevers.
It seemed destined to remain in the shadows of traditional medicine.
But in a recent study, researchers investigating one of its compounds, halofuginone (HF), stumbled upon something remarkable.
During a lab trial with mice, something unexpected happened. The mice began to lose weight - safely and significantly.
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And they weren't starving themselves.
The science behind the slim-down
Digging deeper, scientists found that HF activated two key hormones in the body: GDF15 and FGF21.
GDF15 works in the brain to reduce appetite by interacting with a specific receptor.
FGF21, on the other hand, helps the body burn more energy, boosts insulin sensitivity, and regulates fat storage.
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Together, these hormones create a powerful effect: eating less and burning more, without extreme diets or exercise.
In the study, even mice fed high-fat diets lost weight after receiving HF. Their metabolism improved, and their insulin response was better than before.
This wasn’t just a fluke - it worked in various animals, regardless of sex, method of delivery, or environmental conditions.
A simple pill with big potential
What sets HF apart is its simplicity. Unlike expensive protein-based drugs, HF is a small molecule.
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That means it can be taken as a pill, making it more affordable and easier to use.
HF inhibits an enzyme called EPRS1. This triggers the body to produce more GDF15 and FGF21.
When EPRS1 isn’t blocked, HF has no effect - confirming the enzyme is the key to its success.
What began as a malaria treatment could soon become a new frontline weapon against obesity.
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This article is based on information from Medicalxpress.com.