A chemical found in plants could help improve the lives of babies with a rare muscle disease, a study has found.
Scientists hope naturally occurring extract quercetin will pave the way for new treatments to ease the symptoms of incurable spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
The disease, commonly known as floppy baby syndrome, leaves children with little or no control of their movements and is a leading genetic cause of death in infants and toddlers.
One in 6000 babies is affected by the condition and about half of those with the most severe form die before age two.
A team from Edinburgh University found evidence that quercetin - present in some fruits, vegetables, herbs and grains - could help prevent damage to nerves associated with SMA.
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The chemical targets the build-up of a specific molecule inside cells - called beta-catenin - that is responsible for some symptoms of the condition.
Tests of a purified form of the extract on zebra fish, flies and mice led to a significant improvement in the health of nerve and muscle cells.
Professor Tom Gillingwater, who led the study, said: "This is an important step that could one day improve quality of life for the babies affected by this condition and their families.
"There is currently no cure for this kind of neuromuscular disorder, so new treatments that can tackle the progression of the disease are urgently needed."
It is hoped better versions of quercetin can be created that are more effective than the naturally occurring chemical.
