An extract from the bark of the evergreen mute tree can help treat and destroy the coronavirus. This optimistic conclusion was reached by scientists from the Medical Campus of the University of Colorado Anschutz and the Indian Institute of Scientific Education and Research in Calcutta. The study is published in the journal Virology.
According to the new work, the components of the bark can be targeted to a wide range of viral proteins, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent against new variants of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Reference: Nim, as well as marjoram – an evergreen plant. It originates from the tropics and subtropics of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. The tree has been used for thousands of years by humans for antiparasitic, antibacterial, antidiabetic and antiviral purposes.
Bark extract is known to help treat malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin and many other diseases. In India, the plant is known as a “village pharmacy”. Earlier research conducted at the National University of Singapore showed that the active substance released from the tree – nimbolide – stops the development of prostate cancer. In addition, the tree has shown its effectiveness in other cancers: breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gynecological types of cancer, hematology, lung cancer, skin cancer.
Preparations based on mute for the treatment of emerging strains.
Scientists have set a goal to develop drugs based on it, which can reduce the risk of serious diseases when infected with coronavirus.
“We hope that scientists will not have to constantly develop new treatments every time a new version of SARS-CoV-2 appears,” said study co-author Maria Nagel. “Just as we take penicillin for sore throat, we expect to take a drug based on mute from the coronavirus, which will allow us to restore our normal lives without fear of hospitalization and death.”
The researchers studied the effects of bark extract on coronaviruses in their laboratories. In India, researchers tested it on animals and showed that it does have antiviral properties against coronavirus. Using computer simulations, the researchers predicted that the bark extract would bind to the SARS-CoV-2 adhesion protein at various sites, preventing the virus from entering host cells.
In the laboratory, the researchers tested the bark extract in human lung cells SARS-CoV-2. It has been shown to be as effective as a prophylactic against infection and to reduce replication and spread of the virus after infection.
Pandemic fight
According to experts, their work is not over. The next step in their study will be to identify specific components of the bark extract that have antiviral activity.
“Because these components are associated with different regions of SARS-CoV-2, we believe that it will be effective in the emergence of variants with adhesion mutations,” said Nagel. We will then determine the dosage formulation of the antiviral drug for the treatment of coronavirus infections.
Scientists have stated the relevance of their observations: the study may direct new antiviral therapeutic efforts to combat the ongoing pandemic, while promising to treat new strains of coronavirus.
Earlier, the DIP wrote that “Scientists have identified a blood group at high risk of hospitalization and death from covid.”
* This content, including tips, contains only general information. This in no way replaces a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or doctor for more information. We wish you good health, your DIP.