A plant-derived antiviral drug can be “highly effective” in treating coronavirus – and it can also help fight future pandemics, according to new research in the UK.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that the broad-spectrum thapsigargin antiviral is not only very effective against COVID-19, but also against a common cold coronavirus called respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A, Eurekalert.org reported.
“Although we are still in the early stages of research on this antiviral and its impact on how viruses like COVID-19 can be treated, these findings are extremely significant,” said Professor Kin-Chow Chang, who led the study together with colleagues at China Agricultural University Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Pirbright Institute. “The current pandemic highlights the need for effective antivirals to treat active infections, as well as vaccines, to prevent infection,” he said.
“Given that future pandemics are likely to be of animal origin, where propagation from animal to human and reverse zoonotic (from human to animal) occurs, a new generation of antivirals, such as tapsigargine, could play a key role in controlling and treatment of major viral infections in humans and animals, “added Chang.
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The scientists found that the antiviral, in small doses, triggers a “highly effective” immune response against the three main types of human respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.
Thapsigargin, which was tested in prostate cancer, is effective against viral infection when used before or during active infection, according to the study.
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It is able to prevent a virus from making new copies of itself in cells for at least 48 hours after a single 30-minute exposure, according to the study.
“While more testing is clearly needed, current findings strongly indicate that tapsigargine and its derivatives are promising antiviral treatments against COVID-19 and the influenza virus, and have the potential to defend us against the next disease X pandemic,” said Chang.
This article originally appeared on NYPost.com.