Hydrogen sulfide is one of a number of potent smelly gases produced by bacteria as it breaks down food in the gut.
Scientist have revealed that the smell of fart has secret health benefits that could help stave off cancer, strokes, heart attacks and dementia.
Smell of fart can fight cancer, stroke and other killer diseases
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It is toxic in large doses but in tiny amounts it helps protect cells and fight illness, according to researchers at Exeter University.
Researchers believe that the smell of fart will also help prevent or reverse mitochondrial damage, a key strategy in treating conditions such as stroke, heart failure, diabetes, arthritis, dementia and ageing.
Professor Matt Whiteman from University of Exeter's medical school said: "We have researched this natural process by making a compound, called AP39, which slowly delivers very small amounts of this gas specifically to the mitochondria.
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"Our results indicate that if stressed cells are treated with AP39 (smell of fart), mitochondria are protected and cells stay alive."
Before it can be tested on humans, researchers have run disease models to see how effective AP39 is.
Fellow researcher Dr. Mark Wood added: "Although hydrogen sulfide is well known as a pungent, foul-smelling gas in rotten eggs and flatulence, it is naturally produced in the body and could in fact be a healthcare hero with significant implications for future therapies for a variety of diseases."
