HKU Discovers Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn Extract Can Protect Against Mutant Viruses.
A multidisciplinary study at the HKU School of Chinese Medicine found that the extract (SSP) of Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn (SSD), an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, can inhibit and kill a broad range of viruses, including coronavirus, SAR-CoV-2, and its variants. Researchers expect that sprays will be developed from the extract, that can be applied daily to the nasopharynx and oral cavity, acting in a similar way to wearing an invisible face mark.The research found that SSP is able to inhibit SARS-CoV-1, COVID-19, H5N1 which is common flu virus, and HIV-1 which is a virus of AIDS. It can also effectively inhibit the mutant forms of COVID-19, including Alpha (B1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P1), Delta (B.1. 617.2), and Omicron (BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/5). The team indicated that the active ingredients of SSP can stay for a long time long on the mucous lining of respiratory tracks, blocking the receptors called ACE2 of the cells. Since the virus cannot fuse with the receptors on the cellular membrane, it cannot enter the cell. Afterwards, SSP inhibits and kills the virus directly. Researchers found through mouse experiments that the amount of Omicron BA.2 is greatly reduced after the application of SSP in the mouse’s nasopharyngeal cavity. SSP is safe to use because it is not toxic at high or low doses. Dr. Jian-ping Chen, Principal Lecturer at the School of Chinese Medicine, HKU, said that SSD is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, especially in Guangxi Region and Yunnan Province. It is used by men and women, young and old, due to its low cost and non-toxicity. It also would not counteract the effect of western medicine when taken together. The extracting technique of the research has been granted the European Patent. Dr. Chen said that “SSP is a new antiviral agent that can be developed to prevent COVID-19.” and that the research team is developing products such as SSP sprays and hand sanitizers. She said that a few sprays in the mouth and nose each time is like wearing an “invisible mask.” As for how long the spray can be effective, the team has not yet conducted a study but recommends daily use, three sprays each time. The result of the study has been published online in Phytotherapy Research.
Udumbara
A multidisciplinary study at the HKU School of Chinese Medicine found that the extract (SSP) of Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn (SSD), an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, can inhibit and kill a broad range of viruses, including coronavirus, SAR-CoV-2, and its variants. Researchers expect that sprays will be developed from the extract, that can be applied daily to the nasopharynx and oral cavity, acting in a similar way to wearing an invisible face mark.
The research found that SSP is able to inhibit SARS-CoV-1, COVID-19, H5N1 which is common flu virus, and HIV-1 which is a virus of AIDS. It can also effectively inhibit the mutant forms of COVID-19, including Alpha (B1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P1), Delta (B.1. 617.2), and Omicron (BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/5).
The team indicated that the active ingredients of SSP can stay for a long time long on the mucous lining of respiratory tracks, blocking the receptors called ACE2 of the cells. Since the virus cannot fuse with the receptors on the cellular membrane, it cannot enter the cell. Afterwards, SSP inhibits and kills the virus directly.
Researchers found through mouse experiments that the amount of Omicron BA.2 is greatly reduced after the application of SSP in the mouse’s nasopharyngeal cavity. SSP is safe to use because it is not toxic at high or low doses.
Dr. Jian-ping Chen, Principal Lecturer at the School of Chinese Medicine, HKU, said that SSD is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, especially in Guangxi Region and Yunnan Province. It is used by men and women, young and old, due to its low cost and non-toxicity. It also would not counteract the effect of western medicine when taken together.
The extracting technique of the research has been granted the European Patent.
Dr. Chen said that “SSP is a new antiviral agent that can be developed to prevent COVID-19.” and that the research team is developing products such as SSP sprays and hand sanitizers. She said that a few sprays in the mouth and nose each time is like wearing an “invisible mask.” As for how long the spray can be effective, the team has not yet conducted a study but recommends daily use, three sprays each time.
The result of the study has been published online in Phytotherapy Research.
