An alcohol that does not cause hangovers, liver problems or blackouts… This is the goal that the English researcher David Nutt has set himself.
Behavioral disorders, impaired vision and reaction capacities, black-out, vomiting, but also risks of cardiovascular disorders, ulcers, cirrhosis, cancers and hypertension in the event of regular abuse… the ravages alcohol no longer need to be demonstrated. But that could soon be history.
David Nutt, an English scientist specializing in neuropsychopharmacology, who officiates at Imperial College London (England), is currently working on a synthetic drink able to reproduce the euphoric effects of alcohol… without its inconveniences. Indeed, the professor told the newspaper the Guardian, to be able to identify the GABA receptors, responsible for drunkenness, but avoiding the activation of the receptors leading to the more problematic side effects, mentioned above. This drink could be put on sale soon, if the scientist manages to raise the necessary funds.
Keeping the good effects without the bad
Professor David Nutt started working on this project as early as 1983. He based his research on the fact that alcohol is connected to 15 different types of Gaba receptors. After several searches, he discovered those who could be targeted for create a feeling of euphoria, without the other side effects. “We know where in our brain the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ effects of alcohol are activated and which receptors moderate all this: Gaba, glutamate and others such as serotonin and dopamine”, explains the researcher to Guardian.
After testing over 90 different chemical combinations, the research team achieved the desired results with a benzodiazepine derivative (a molecule often used to treat anxiety-related disorders). They thus created the molecule alcosynth. After trying it themselves, the team of scientists found that the inebriation effects disappeared after 45 minutes. They were then able to continue their day without headaches, dry mouth or nausea. They claim today that “this alternative will not be not toxic on the liver as real alcohol can be”. The alcosynth could be marketed in a few years under the name Alcarelle, if the necessary funds are raised: they need 20 million Pounds Sterling (about 23.3 million euros) for this.
In France, alcohol responsible for 7% of deaths
Beyond allowing us to avoid the “hangover”, this discovery could prevent a considerable number of deaths in France: the consumption of alcohol is responsible for approximately 41,000 deaths per year in our country. Specifically, alcohol consumption was the cause of 16,000 cancer deaths, 9,900 by cardiovascular diseases, 6,800 by digestive diseases and 5,400 by an external cause (car accident) according to estimates for the year 2015. Indeed, there would be 10.5 million adults who drink too much, according to a study of Public Health France. Contrary to popular belief, the health risks of alcohol consumption exist from the first daily drink.
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