Pepper plant provides drug hope

Researchers have found potential new treatments for the tropical disease leishmaniasis, by isolating compounds from a pepper plant used by Peru's native Chayahuitas people as an anti inflammatory.

Leishmaniasis, a disease transmitted through the bite of an infected sand fly, affects two million people each year with a further 350 million thought to be at risk worldwide. The most common form, cutaneous leishmaniasis, results in sores on the skin while the more dangerous visceral leishmaniasis can attack internal organs and ultimately cause death.  More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/October/27101001.asp