BREAKING! Singaporean Scientists Discover That The Phytochemical Peruvoside Used to Treat Heart Failure Has Antiviral Properties Against SARS-CoV-2!
Phytochemicals - Peruvoside - SARS-CoV-2 Jun 24, 2023 1 year, 5 months, 1 hour, 11 minutes ago
Plant Based Compound Can Be Used To Treat Various Virus Infections Including Those Caused By SARS-CoV-2, Zika Virus, Dengue Virus And Enteroviruses!
Phytochemicals: In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from Singapore have found that peruvoside, a
phytochemical compound derived from the Cascabela thevetia plant (Commonly called as Yellow Oleander) , exhibits potent antiviral properties against a wide range of concerning viruses including the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The compound, commonly used to treat heart failure, has shown remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the replication of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, enteroviruses responsible for the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), and flu viruses among others. Led by Associate Professor Dr Justin Chu from the National University of Singapore, the study sheds light on peruvoside's potential as a versatile and effective antiviral therapeutic.
The Quest for a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral
Searching for a therapeutic agent capable of combating a diverse array of viruses, the study team conducted an extensive screening process involving thousands of compounds and
Phytochemicals. Through this rigorous approach, peruvoside emerged as the most promising candidate, demonstrating broad-spectrum antiviral properties with minimal side effects. The compound targets GBF1, a crucial protein responsible for virus replication, effectively disabling its functionality and halting the production of new virus particles.
Unveiling the Mechanism of Action
Positive-sense RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and various other viral strains, rely on the formation of viral factories within host cells for replication and propagation. Remarkably, peruvoside disrupts this process by triggering extensive vesiculation of the Golgi apparatus, inhibiting the formation of viral factories and hindering viral replication. The compound's unique mechanism involves the activation of cellular signaling pathways, such as Src and PLC kinase signaling, which ultimately leads to GBF1 phosphorylation and Golgi vesiculation.
Promising Results and Future Prospects
The study demonstrated the efficacy of peruvoside in protecting against Enterovirus, the causative agent of HFMD. At a treatment dosage of 0.5 milligrams, peruvoside achieved 100% protection, completely eliminating traces of the virus in affected tissues. Importantly, the compound exhibited minimal toxicity, as confirmed by liver enzyme tests. These promising findings position peruvoside as a potential game-changer in the fight against existing and emerging viral diseases.
Associate Professor Justin Chu, the Principal Investigator of the study, emphasized the significance of peruvoside as a general cellular target and an antiviral therapeutic. He expressed confidence in the compound's potential to fill the gap when vaccines and specific therapeutics are unavailable. Moving forward, the research team aims to further refine peruvoside's pharmacological profile and ensure its safety for clinical trial
s and eventual consumption.
Graphical abstract
Peruvoside inhibits viral replication via Src/ERK kinase cascade activation of CDK1 and GBF1 phosphorylation. Phosphorylated GFB1 successively causes direct/indirect Golgi vesiculation which curtails viral replication.
Conclusion
The discovery of peruvoside's broad-spectrum antiviral properties against medically important viruses marks a significant breakthrough in the field of viral research. With its ability to disrupt viral replication and minimize toxicity, peruvoside holds promise as a versatile and effective antiviral therapeutic. As scientists continue to explore its potential and work towards clinical trials, the world may be one step closer to a powerful weapon against viral diseases, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383523001041
Warning: The Yellow Oleander plant is highly poisonous and no parts of the plant should be consumed. Peruvoside is an extracted phytochemical that has undergone a variety of purification processes and can only be prescribed by a licensed medical doctor.
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