Chewing gum invention 'catches' flu and herpes viruses

kẹo cao su - Ảnh 1. — Chewing gum contains antiviral substances that help limit the transmission of influenza and herpes viruses - Photo: SMILESDENTISTRY4KIDS

This special chewing gum is made from purple lablab (Lablab purpureus) powder, which contains a natural virus-trapping protein called FRIL.

Experiments showed that chewing gum made from peanuts for 15 minutes released more than 50% of the FRIL protein in the gum, according to ScienceAlert on April 10.

These proteins give saliva the ability to neutralize more than 95% of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses in the lab. It also neutralizes up to 75% of HSV-1 viruses and up to 94% of HSV-2 viruses, the two most common herpes viruses today.

Neutralization means the virus is less able to infect and replicate itself, which in theory should reduce the amount of virus and reduce the chance of infection.

Scientists are currently testing the anti-COVID-19 chewing gum in clinical trials, but in the meantime, they're turning to other viruses to see if the solution works.

According to scientists, chewing gum can help reduce the amount of virus in saliva and the throat area - two main areas of oral virus transmission.

Meanwhile, FRIL is said to have antiviral properties. A study published in 2020 found that FRIL reduced the amount of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, viruses that can cause influenza in humans and birds.

The study was published in the journal Molecular Therapy .

The herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both cause cold sores, which cause itching, burning, and blisters on the lips and mouth. Although it is one of the most common infections in the world , there are currently few ways to prevent it.

Some scientists hope this new antiviral chewing gum could help solve that problem, especially as research on a herpes vaccine has stalled due to lack of funding.

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ANH THU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-minh-keo-cao-su-bat-vi-rut-cum-herpes-20250411123040337.htm