An Antivirus for Gum
- PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine have developed an antiviral chewing gum that, in laboratory tests, significantly reduced the viral load...
- The chewing gum utilizes a protein, Fril, found in Lablab purpureus , a bean species commonly used in tropical cuisines, particularly in Africa.
- Rather then relying on human subjects for initial testing, the research team employed a chewing simulator to analyse the release of Fril from the gum.The simulator released...
Antiviral Chewing Gum Shows Promise Against Flu, Herpes in Lab Tests
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine have developed an antiviral chewing gum that, in laboratory tests, significantly reduced the viral load of certain influenza and herpes viruses. the gum, incorporating a protein derived from lablab beans, neutralized over 95% of two influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and two herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2).
Plant-Based Protein Targets Viral Transmission
The chewing gum utilizes a protein, Fril, found in
Lablab purpureus
, a bean species commonly used in tropical cuisines, particularly in Africa. According to a study published in the journal “Molecular Therapy,” Fril effectively decreases the viral load of influenza A and herpes simplex viruses.
Chewing simulator Used in Study
Rather then relying on human subjects for initial testing, the research team employed a chewing simulator to analyse the release of Fril from the gum.The simulator released more than 50% of the Fril within 15 minutes from a gum containing 79 mg of bean powder.
Effective Viral Neutralization
The results indicated that a concentration of just 40 mg/ml of Fril was sufficient to neutralize 95% of the H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses. A fourfold increase in concentration was needed to achieve similar neutralization of HSV viruses.
Researchers stated that a 2,000 mg piece of gum would likely provide sufficient efficacy for clinical evaluation.
Potential for Long Shelf Life
An additional benefit identified in the study is the potential for a long shelf life. The antiviral chewing gum demonstrated effectiveness for up to 794 days when stored at room temperature.
Clinical Trials Needed
The researchers emphasize that clinical trials are necessary to fully assess the chewing gum’s effectiveness in preventing the infection and transmission of these viruses. The gum is not intended to replace existing antiviral medications at this time.
Future Research
The research team is exploring the possibility of incorporating lablab bean powder into bird feed to help control outbreaks of avian flu.
Antiviral Chewing gum: Your Questions Answered
What is antiviral chewing gum?
Antiviral chewing gum is a product being developed by researchers at the university of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine. In lab tests, it has shown promise in reducing the viral load of certain influenza and herpes viruses.It incorporates a protein derived from lablab beans to neutralize the viruses.
How does this antiviral chewing gum work?
The gum’s antiviral properties come from a protein called Fril, extracted from Lablab purpureus, a type of bean.Fril effectively decreases the viral load of influenza A and herpes simplex viruses. When you chew the gum, Fril is released and works to neutralize the viruses.
What viruses has the antiviral chewing gum shown effectiveness against?
the antiviral chewing gum has demonstrated effectiveness against:
Influenza A: Specifically, H1N1 and H3N2 strains.
Herpes simplex Viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
What is Fril and where does it come from?
Fril is the antiviral protein used in the chewing gum.It’s derived from Lablab purpureus, a bean species commonly found in tropical cuisines, particularly in Africa.
How was the gum tested?
Researchers used a chewing simulator to analyze the release of Fril from the gum. This allowed them to measure how much of the active ingredient was being released over time without using human subjects in the initial stages.
How effective is the antiviral chewing gum?
In lab tests, the gum neutralized over 95% of the tested influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2). A concentration of just 40 mg/ml of Fril was sufficient to neutralize 95% of the influenza viruses. However,a fourfold increase in concentration was needed to achieve similar neutralization of HSV viruses.
How much gum would be needed per dose?
Researchers stated that a 2,000 mg piece of gum would likely provide sufficient efficacy for clinical evaluation.
What are the potential benefits of using this antiviral chewing gum?
Beyond its antiviral properties, the study identified a long shelf life as a potential benefit. The antiviral chewing gum demonstrated effectiveness for up to 794 days when stored at room temperature.
Does the gum have a long shelf life?
Yes, the antiviral chewing gum demonstrated effectiveness for up to 794 days when stored at room temperature.
Is this chewing gum available now?
No. The researchers emphasize that clinical trials are necessary to fully assess the chewing gum’s effectiveness in preventing infection and transmission of these viruses. The gum is not intended to replace existing antiviral medications at this time.
What are the next steps for this research?
The researchers are planning for clinical trials to evaluate the gum’s effectiveness in humans. They are also exploring the possibility of incorporating lablab bean powder into bird feed to help control outbreaks of avian flu.
Key Takeaways – Antiviral Chewing Gum
Here’s a summary of the critical information about the antiviral chewing gum:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Fril (protein from Lablab purpureus beans) |
| Viruses Targeted | Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2), Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2) |
| Efficacy (Lab Tests) | Neutralized >95% of target viruses |
| Shelf life | Effective for up to 794 days at room temperature |
| Current Status | In advancement, clinical trials needed |