Scientists from Manchester University have discovered that a key molecule in potato can both cure and prevent the bacteria that lives in the stomach and causes stomach ulcers and heartburn, the Daily Mail reported.
Unlike with antibiotics, the stomach bacteria cannot develop resistance to the 'potato juice' which also does not cause any side-effects.
Scientists carried out the test on different types of potatoes - discovering Maris Piper and King Edward varieties worked the best.
The process to extract the as yet unnamed molecule has now been patented, with hopes it could one day be sold as a supplement similar to probiotic yoghurt drinks.
"We see this potato juice as a preventative measure to stop stomach ulcers developing that people would take as part of a healthy lifestyle," Ian Roberts, professor of microbiology at the Faculty of Life Sciences, who worked on the discovery was quoted by the paper as saying.
