While the world is looking for an effective drug against SARS-CoV-2, a herb widely used in Ayurveda provides an exciting new advantage.
Scientists at the National Center for Brain Research, Manesar, have found that one ingredient it contains Muleth (Yashthimadhu in Sanskrit) has the potential to appear as a candidate for SARS-CoV-2 medication, as it reduces the severity of the disease and reduces viral replication.
More than 15 months after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, scientists have yet to discover a drug to fight the furious virus, although several vaccines have been released.
Doctors currently manage patients with a handful of reused drugs with a varying degree of efficacy.
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With the support of the Department of Biotechnology, last year the NBRC team began looking for a new therapeutic treatment for Covid-19 in the midst of a blockade.
When the search was reduced to glycyrrhizin due to its wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, the researchers conducted a series of experiments to test its potential against SARS-CoV-2.
In the laboratory, the scientists expressed specific viral proteins in human lung epithelial cells. Viral proteins caused inflammation in these cells, but glycyrrhizin treatment clears inflammation in these cells. Untreated cells succumbed to inflammation.
“By cushioning the cytokine storm (a severe immune reaction triggered by severe cases of Covid-19), glycyrrhizin can reduce the severity of the infection,” said Ellora Sen, NBRC chief scientist, who led the team. DH.
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Later, when Sen and his research colleagues Pruthvi Gowda, Shruti Patrick, Shanker Datt, Rajesh Joshi, and Kumar Kumawat analyzed the molecule, they found that in addition to inhibiting the cytokine storm, glycyrrhizin also reduces replication. 90% viral.
Although Mulethi (Yashtimadhu) is widely prescribed for lung disease, chronic fevers, and airway inflammation in Ayurveda, glycyrrhizin is used in the treatment of hepatitis B and C.
“Given its safety and tolerability profile, it could constitute a viable therapeutic option in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection,” he said. The team is now looking for partners to carry out the research in the preclinical phase.
The study has been published in Cytokine, the official journal of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society.