Drug That Stops Binge Drinking Could Also Reverse Neurological Disorders

Could a drug stop binge drinking and reverse certain neurological disorders? Recent findings published in the Journal of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has shown that the chemical, ethane-beta sultam, was found to cross blood-brain barrier and reduce inflammation, in mice studies.

"One of things that alcohol does is to destroy some of the brain cells which are important for navigation and orientation. But a combination of alcohol and our compound could overcome this damage," said researcher Mike Page of the University of Huddersfield, in a news release.

Fortunately, this chemical works by entering the barrier and preventing multiplication of a special type of cells called glial cells. During a binge drinking session, in which the brain increases numbers of these cells to protect itself from alcohol. At this time, it prevents the brain from increasing glial-cell count while it enters the brain to counter inflammation, according to researchers.

Previous studies have shown that rats who received the chemical actually had improved working memory and fared better in maze tests compared to those who did not receive the drug, according to Medical News Today.

Researchers hope that in the future, the drug's use could potentially be extended to treat other health issues involving brain cell damage and inflammation.

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