An antiviral drug derived from the plant can be ‘very effective’ in treating the coronavirus – and it can also help fight future pandemics, according to new research in the UK.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found that the broad-spectrum antiviral thapsigargin is not only very effective against COVID-19, but also against a common cold coronavirus called respiratory synthesis virus and influenza A, reports Eurekalert.org.
“While we are still in the early stages of research on this antiviral drug and its impact on how viruses such as COVID-19 can be treated, these findings are very important,” said Professor Kin-Chow Chang, who co-authored the study. led, led. at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, China Agricultural University and the Pirbright Institute. “The current pandemic underscores the need for effective antiviral drugs to treat active infections, as well as vaccines, to prevent the infection,” he said.
‘As future pandemics are likely to be of animal origin, where animal-to-human and reverse zoonotic (human-to-animal) distribution occur, a new generation of antiviral drugs, such as thapsigargin, may play a key role in control and treatment of major viral infections in humans and animals, ”Chang added.
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The scientists found that the antiviral drug, in small doses, elicited a ‘very effective’ immune response against the three main types of human respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.
Thapsigargin, which has been tested in prostate cancer, is according to the study effective against viral infection when used before or during active infection.
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It is able to prevent a virus from making new copies of itself in cells at least 48 hours after a single exposure of 30 minutes, according to the study.
“Although more tests are clearly needed, current findings strongly suggest that thapsigargin and its derivatives are promising antiviral treatments against COVID-19 and influenza virus, and can defend us against the next disease X pandemic,” Chang said.
This article originally appeared on NYPost.com.