Scientists from Finland and the United States have developed a special type of chewing gum that can ‘trap’ and neutralize some influenza and herpes viruses.
When asked to think about the best thing to fight the flu and herpes with, most people probably wouldn’t say ‘chewing gum’, but according to a new study published in the Molecular Therapy journal, the humble chewing gum could prove extremely effective at fighting off certain viruses. A medical-grade gum made primarily from lablab bean powder ground from the seeds of the Lablab purpureus species, which contain a natural viral trap protein called FRIL, has shown great potential for neutralizing certain types of viruses, including influenza and herpes-causing viruses, in lab tests.
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“A broad-spectrum antiviral protein (FRIL) present in a natural food product (bean powder) to neutralize not only human flu viruses but also avian (bird) flu is a timely innovation to prevent their infection and transmission,” said Henry Daniell, PhD, a professor at UPenn’s School of Dental Medicine. “By targeting viruses where they spread most efficiently, in the oral cavity, this product could address a major gap in healthcare.”
In lab tests that involved a mechanical mouth, more than 50% of the virus-neitralizing FRIL protein was released within just 15 minutes of chewing. Researchers showed that just 40 milligrams of FRIL in a 2-gram gum tablet was sufficient to reduce viral loads by more than 95 percent for flu, while for the herpes-causing viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2, only 160 milligrams and 74 milligrams, respectively, were required.
The researchers noted that while formulating their innovative chewing gum, they adhered to clinical-grade drug standards and food standards, ensuring its safety for human consumption. Stability tests also showed that the antiviral chewing gum can be stored at room temperature for nearly 800 days without going bad or losing the FRIL proteins it contains.
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Daniell and his team came up with the idea of a virus-trapping chewing gum at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission. They targeted saliva, the place where the virus could replicate and spread via sneezing, coughing, and speaking. They knew about the antiviral properties of lablab beans, so all there was left was a way to incorporate the FRIL proteins into the gum to ensure its effectiveness.
Following the promising results of their lab tests, scientists are hoping to begin human trials soon, while also testing the gum’s effectiveness in fighting other dangerous viruses.
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