Sugar candies, a unique medicine to treat malaria were developed by a team of JNU researchers. Malaria, an acute illness has been a challenge to many researchers in terms of developing effective therapies and drugs. JNU researchers identified Erythritol as a potent anti-malarial component that is commonly used as a sweetener.

Erythritol is an organic compound that is used as an additive and sugar substitute in food items. The study published in BioXRiv suggested using simple sugar alcohol candies in combination with existing anti-malarial drugs to better protect against illness caused by Plasmodium parasites. According to the study, Erythritol is a naturally occurring compound extracted from corn that passes through aquaporin channels of the parasite, hence inhibiting their growth. 

Shailaja Singh, professor, JNU stated that if the candy is added with the artemisinin therapy, it will be effective to treat both malaria and cerebral malaria. She also added that the sugar candies will be able to kill most parasites and will help children in developing resistance. 

Source: India Today