Basil plant found to contain substances that inhibit the growth of SARS-CoV 2 virus

Basil contains a compound called SQDG, which strongly inhibits the activity of an enzyme important for viral replication called the “main protease” in the coronavirus.

A research team in Japan has announced the discovery of a substance in the Holy Basil plant that inhibits the growth of the coronavirus, and the researchers aim to develop a natural compound that can be used as a therapeutic agent.

The research team, led by Associate Professor Toshiyuki Hamada at Kagoshima University's Faculty of Science, published the results in the late November online issue of the Journal of Natural Medicines, a quarterly academic journal published by the Japan Pharmacological Society.

According to the announcement, holy basil contains a compound called Sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), which strongly inhibits the activity of an enzyme important for viral replication called the “main protease” in the coronavirus. Furthermore, experiments using cultured cells have confirmed its ability to inhibit infection.

Associate Professor Hamada and his team have been working since fiscal 2023 to develop Covid-19 treatment agents using agricultural products, focusing on pesticide-free basil grown in Minamiosumi Town, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Although there are already drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2, the use of natural substances could pave the way for the development of safer treatments.

Because many viruses share the same “main protease,” the researchers say SQDG-based drugs could be effective against many coronaviruses.

However, SQDG is said to have a low cell penetration rate, so large amounts of basil would be needed for practical application if used in its current form, and the research team is working to address this challenge.

“We have discovered the potential to develop therapeutic agents in a relatively familiar agricultural product. This could also lead to new local industries,” said Associate Professor Hamada.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/phat-hien-cay-huong-nhu-chua-chat-uc-che-su-phat-trien-cua-virus-sars-cov-2-post851952.html