Chewing gum against viruses: revolutionary weapon in the fight against flu!

Chewing gum against viruses: revolutionary weapon in the fight against flu!

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at... University of Pennsylvania developed an antiviral chewing gum that is supposed to have a targeted effect against flu and herpes viruses. This innovative solution, originally conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to neutralize viruses in the mouth and throat, thereby stopping the oral transmission of infections.

The chewing gum contains special plant cells and the protein CTB-ACE2, which binds to the coronavirus and can reduce the viral load in the mouth by up to 95 percent. The promising test results show that the chewing gum is not only effective against SARS-CoV-2, but also against influenza A strains such as H1N1 and H3N2 as well as herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2). In laboratory tests, the product has proven to be as effective as chewing gum against the coronavirus, which raises hopes that it will be used widely.

New developments and ingredients

In addition to the previous recipes, researchers are working on new variants of chewing gum that contain Lablab beans (Lablab purpureus). These beans are known for their antiviral properties, which can neutralize not only certain herpes simplex viruses but also influenza A viruses. In tests, just 40 milligrams of the bean flour reduced the viral load by more than 95 percent, which speaks for its effective use. This chewing gum releases the ingredients directly into the mouth, where the viruses tend to enter the body, like the PHARMACY ADHOC reported.

In addition, the research team plans to use the powder contained in the beans to combat bird flu (H5N1). This strain of virus currently poses a threat, with over 54 million birds affected in North America and several human infections occurring in the United States and Canada. The bean powder has already been proven to be effective against H5N1 and H7N9 in previous studies.

Outlook for clinical studies

To date, Professor Henry Daniell's team has not been able to carry out any clinical studies on humans as the new chewing gums are in the preclinical phase. However, the researchers have suggested that the results of the laboratory tests suggest a promising effect that could provide cost-effective and easily accessible protection for broad populations. The need for effective antiviral measures is reinforced by the current outbreaks of avian flu and seasonal influenza, so the next phase of research will be crucial to prove the gum's effectiveness, according to the site Research and knowledge holds on.

The insights from this work could not only help combat influenza and herpes, but also fill an important gap in the healthcare system by providing a new approach to virus control. The research is promising, but the gum's ultimate use remains to be seen, while further testing needs to be carried out both in laboratories and clinically.