A chemical in bananas, called BanLec, inhibits the spread of HIV, according to a new study by the University of Michigan.

The study, published in the March 19 issue of Journal of Biological Chemistry, found that BanLec, a lectin or protein in bananas, inhibits HIV infection as effectively as two popular anti-HIV drugs currently on the market.

The research showed that BanLec inhibits infection by binding to the glycosylated viral envelope of HIV-1 and blocking cellular entry, thus obstructing the virus’ ability to spread to the body.

According to the study, because BanLec is a natural chemical and can bind to the sugars found on different spots of the HIV-1 envelope, it is less likely to be overcome by virus mutations, a common problem with current anti-HIV drugs where the virus often mutates and then becomes drug-resistant.

The researchers suggest that BanLec could be used as an affordable and effect vaginal microbicide to help prevent the spread of HIV; however, developing that application is likely still several years away.