City
Epaper

Neem tree-based drugs may help fight Covid variants: Study

By IANS | Updated: March 1, 2022 19:25 IST

Kolkata, March 1 Extract from the bark of the neem tree, indigenous to India, may help treat and ...

Open in App

Kolkata, March 1 Extract from the bark of the neem tree, indigenous to India, may help treat and reduce the spread of coronavirus, a team of international researchers found.

Neem, used for over thousands of years, is known for its pesticidal, insecticidal, and medicinal properties.

The bark extract has helped treat malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases and many other diseases. People also use it in hair and dental products.

The study, led by a team from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, shows that components of neem bark may target a wide range of viral proteins, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent against emerging variants of coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2.

The Indian researchers tested it in animal models and showed that it had antiviral properties against coronavirus.

Using computer modeling, the researchers predicted that Neem bark extract will bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at various locations, preventing virus entry to host cells.

Further, a team at University of Colorado, US, tested the Neem bark extract in SARS-CoV-2 human lung cells. It proved as effective as a preventive drug for infection and also decreased virus replication and spread after infection.

The findings are reported in the journal Virology.

"The goal of this research is to develop a Neem-based medication that can reduce the risk of serious illness when someone is infected with coronaviruses," said study co-author Maria Nagel, research professor in the department of neurology and ophthalmology at the varsity's School of Medicine.

"We hope that scientists won't have to continuously develop new therapies every time a new SARS-CoV-2 variant emerges.

"Just like how we take penicillin for strep throat, we envision taking the Neem-based drug for Covid, allowing us to resume our normal lives without fear of hospitalisation and death," Nagel said.

The scientists believe this research could guide new antiviral therapeutic efforts to combat the ongoing pandemic, while holding out the promise for treating new coronavirus strains.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Tags: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, PuneMaria nagelUniversity Of Colorado
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalIISER, Bhopal ranks fourth in academic category in Nature Index Rankings 2023

BusinessPrecursor events to 4th G20 Education Working Group Meeting, Education Ministers Meeting kickstart in Pune

HealthResearchers reveal seizures while driving, it's important to diagnose epilepsy

AurangabadBamu loses place in top 100 NIRF ranked universities

TechnologyIISER Bhopal team creates organic molecules that emit near-infrared light

Health Realted Stories

HealthUS launches next-generation universal vaccine platform for pandemic-prone viruses

HealthSocial pension: Tripura govt sets up new help desk for cancer patients

HealthTN school reopening decision will depend on heatwave conditions: Minister

HealthGlobal recognition of Yoga testament to India’s rich cultural heritage: Ayush Minister

HealthGujarat beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat gettting life-saving medical treatments without financial strain