Antiviral compound could be broadly efficient in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 (Piperlongumine)

Medical Xpress / Instituto de Medicina Molecular / ACS Central Science ^ | Jan. 20, 2023 | Cong Tang et al

[ConservativeMind]

A study reports the discovery of a compound efficient in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 that could be broadly applied to treat different variants of the virus.

The researchers discovered that the compound piperlongumine (PL), extracted from the long pepper, the natural ingredient used most extensively in Indian medical systems, has a potent antiviral effect in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 in mice.

"We found that PL delays disease progression and reduces lung inflammation in a mouse model mimicking SARS-CoV-2 infection," says Gonçalo Bernardes.

"The action of this compound in the organism, which was previously studied in the treatment of cancer, is the induction of a stress response in the host cells. In our work, we saw that this stress response is selective for infected cells. This is quite advantageous because PL acts on the cells infected by the virus and not on the virus itself, making it a potential antiviral treatment that can be efficient in upcoming variants of SARS-CoV-2 or even different viruses, to fight future outbreaks," continues Bernardes.

The researchers tested PL treatment in mice infected with alpha, delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the treatment is efficient in decreasing the amount of virus in the three different variants.

To access the compound as a potential treatment, the effect of PL was compared with Plitidepsin, an antiviral administered subcutaneously that is already known to reduce viral load in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

"In the case of PL we were able to administer intranasally, which was suggested as a better route because the nasal mucosa is frequently the primary site of infection in SARS-CoV-2. We demonstrated that PL intranasal administration is not toxic and the treatment is more effective in the infected mice relative to Plitidepsin, a potent antiviral that is currently being tested in human clinical trials," adds Cong Tang.

[ConservativeMind]

This is available in a few supplements, but one study I looked at says NAC stops one of its main effects in the body. Strangely, NAC stops the effects of multiple other antioxidant compounds, so take NAC separate from any antioxidants.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[dkGba]

And on an empty stomach

[jacknhoo]

Thanks on the heads up regarding NAC.

[Arcadian Empire]

Natural compounds have been successding where Big Pharma has been failing.

[neverbluffer]

I only have two things to say Hydoxychloroquine and Ivermectin