While there are those who would dispute the benefits of fart, researchers from Exeter University confirm that the concept is not as laughable as it sound. Farts do indeed provide secret health benefits.
According to research, small doses of the hydrogen sulfide produced by bacteria in the gut during digestion can aid in preventing cancer, strokes, heart attacks and even dementia.
Professor Matt Whiteman from the Medical School of the University of Exeter explains: "When cells become stressed by disease, they draw in enzymes to generate minute quantities of hydrogen sulfide."
This helps to keep the mitochondria ticking. Cells are able to stay alive. Without this, however, cells lose the ability to facilitate survival. Inflammation goes out of control.
Building upon this natural process, the researchers created the AP39 compound which will slowly deliver small amounts of hydrogen sulfide to the mitochondria.
"Our results indicate that if stressed cells are treated with AP39, mitochondria are protected and cells stay alive."
The AP39 helps the body produce the needed amount of hydrogen sulfide to prevent or reverse mitochondrial damage. This process is key to the treatment of such illnesses as cancer, stroke, heart failure, diabetes, arthritis, dementia and ageing.
The researchers have run disease models to verify the effectivity of AP39 before this is tested on human subjects. The findings from this early stage, which are published in the Medicinal Chemistry Communications journal, indicate that up to 80 percent more mitochondria are able to pull through highly damaging conditions. Cardiovascular disease is an example of these conditions.
Researcher Dr. Mark Wood considers hydrogen sulfide a hero: "Although hydrogen sulfide is well known as a pungent, foul-smelling gas in rotten eggs and flatulence, it is naturally produced in the body and could in fact be a healthcare hero with significant implications for future therapies for a variety of diseases."
