Compound found that inhibits the growth of coronavirus

Recently, a research team in Japan announced the discovery of a substance in Holy Basil that inhibits the growth of the corona virus.

Inhibitors of SARS-CoV 2 virus growth discovered in basil. (Source: Alamy)

The research team, led by Associate Professor Toshiyuki Hamada at the Faculty of Science at Kagoshima University, published the results in the late November issue of the online Journal of Natural Medicines. The academic journal is 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 confirmed the ability to inhibit infection.

Assoc. Prof. Hamada and his team have started research from 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.

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