Inosine is structurally similar to some of the molecules that make up DNA.
"Inosine passes through cell membranes, so it doesn't act on receptors," he said. "It gets right to the heart of the matter."
Advertisement
The benefits, especially in stroke victims, would be two-fold, Benowitz said, according to his laboratory research. A major problem with strokes is that not only are cells damaged, but also, cells that are not immediately killed lose their connections and die out over time.
Inosine can minimize the amount of damage to individual cells, while at the same time stimulating the nerve cells that are not damaged to re-establish new circuitry to replace lost connections.