Researchers at Sweden's Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, have discovered that a substance from the saliva of a Gila Monster, known as exendin -4, can decrease cravings for sweets and chocolates.

In an experiment reported by Science Daily, researchers from the said Academy tested a drug made out of Gila Monster Lizard saliva on rats, and it effectively reduced their cravings for food and chocolates.

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The drug that they tested is called Exenatide, which is normally offered for patients suffering type 2 diabetes to help control their blood sugar. The drug contains a synthetic substance called exendin -4, which can be found from the saliva of the Gila Monster lizard.

According to Alpha Galileo, Assistant Professor Karolina Skibicka and her co-researchers proved that the substance can successfully and efficiently reduced cravings for food.

"This is both unknown and a quite unexpected effect," said Skibicka. "Our decision to eat is linked to the same mechanisms in the brain which control addictive behaviors. We have shown that exendin-4 affects the reward and motivation regions of the brain."

The study is significant to the world of science and medicine as this discovery can also be helpful in reducing illness related to eating disorders, said reports. Researchers also pointed out that exendin -4 can give a new approach to treat other diseases, and it may also be used to decrease the desire to drink alcoholic beverages.

TagsNew Discovery, Discoveries, Food Disorder Treatment, Chocolate craving Treatment, Food Craving Treatment, Exenatide, Exendin -4, Exendin -4 News, Exendin -4 Substance, New Drug News