Scientists have created a bean powder-based chewing gum that has demonstrated the ability to effectively capture and largely neutralize flu and herpes viruses. The researchers believe that their development could become a convenient means of preventing the spread of these infections, informs Gizmodo.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania created an antiviral gum based on the African plant Lablab purpureus (lablab bean), which contains the protein FRIL, which can bind to viruses. During in vitro experiments, it was established that FRIL effectively neutralizes influenza and herpes viruses at high doses. Using a mechanical mouth model, the researchers found that chewing gum with 40 mg of lablab bean powder released enough FRIL to reduce viral load by more than 95%.
Research is still in its early stages, but the gum already meets FDA drug specifications, an important step in the fight against infections. Scientists also found that the gum remains stable and safe to chew for at least two years.
Despite the current availability of antiviral drugs against influenza and herpes, as well as the seasonal flu vaccine, all of these agents have certain limitations. Influenza vaccines, for example, help prevent severe disease, but are not always effective in preventing transmission of the virus to other people. Antiviral drugs for herpes reduce the risk of infection, but many people do not even suspect the presence of the virus due to the asymptomatic course.
Herpes can spread through saliva, even without symptoms, and thus infect the genitals during oral sex. At the same time, there are currently no vaccines against any type of herpes virus.
The researchers hope that their chewing gum will be a new and effective way to prevent the transmission of saliva-borne viruses such as influenza and HSV-1/2. They also plan to investigate the possibility of using FRIL in poultry feed to prevent the spread of bird flu among poultry.
