Elderberry Extract and Quinine Show Promising Antiviral Potential Against Influenza And COVID-19
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 19, 2025 1 day, 17 hours, 48 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers Explore Natural Remedies for Viral Infections
A new study conducted by scientists from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany and Iprona Lana SpA in Italy has revealed promising antiviral properties in two natural substances: European black elderberry fruit extract and quinine. Their findings suggest that combining these two compounds could offer a potent strategy for fighting respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza A virus (IAV).
Respiratory viruses continue to be a global health concern, with seasonal outbreaks of influenza and the ongoing presence of Covid-19 leading to severe illness and even death. While vaccines and antiviral medications exist, they are often expensive, difficult to access globally, and sometimes lose effectiveness as viruses mutate. This
Medical News report highlights how researchers have turned to nature for potential solutions, investigating traditional remedies used for centuries against viral infections.
Examining the Power of Elderberry and Quinine
European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) has long been recognized for its medicinal properties. It is rich in anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, which have been shown to have antiviral effects. Similarly, quinine, derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, has been historically used to treat malaria and has demonstrated antiviral activity in some studies.
To assess the effectiveness of these natural substances, the research team used in vitro laboratory tests on infected human lung epithelial cells (Calu-3) and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney II (MDCKII) cells. The viruses used were SARS-CoV-2 (the original Wuhan strain) and Influenza A virus PR-8 (H1N1). The study tested varying concentrations of elderberry extract (containing 3.2% anthocyanins) and quinine as both standalone treatments and in combination.
Breakthrough Findings on Synergistic Antiviral Effects
The results demonstrated that both elderberry extract and quinine individually reduced viral replication in a dose-dependent manner. However, when combined, they exhibited a significantly stronger antiviral effect. The study applied the Bliss independence model, a mathematical method for evaluating drug interactions, to confirm this synergy. The combination achieved a synergy score of 14.7 for Influenza A virus and an even higher 27.8 for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting a substantial enhancement in antiviral activity.
A crucial aspect of the study was ensuring that the combination did not harm healthy cells. The researchers conducted WST-1 assays to measure cell viability and found that the combination therapy effectively reduced viral replication without causing toxicity to the cells. This finding supports the potential for developing these natural compounds into a safe therapeutic option.
How Elderberry and Quinine Work Against Viruses
The research suggests that elderberry extract and quinine target different stages of the viral lifecycle.
-Elderberry Extract: Contains flavonoids an
d anthocyanins, which may bind to and block viral surface proteins, preventing them from entering host cells. Additionally, it may interfere with viral replication by inhibiting key enzymes.
Quinine: Acts as an antiviral by increasing the pH within endosomes, disrupting viral entry and replication. It also enhances the production of interferons, which boost the body's immune response against viral infections.
The combination of these mechanisms likely explains the enhanced antiviral effect observed in the study. By targeting multiple steps in the virus's replication cycle, the treatment becomes more effective while requiring lower doses of each compound.
Implications for Future Treatments and Pandemic Preparedness
The study's findings suggest that a combination of elderberry extract and quinine could serve as a cost-effective and widely available antiviral option. Unlike some pharmaceutical antivirals that require early administration and may lead to drug resistance, these natural compounds appear to work efficiently at different stages of viral infection and show no signs of toxicity in tested concentrations.
Given the growing threat of emerging respiratory viruses, this research paves the way for further studies, including clinical trials to evaluate effectiveness in humans. If confirmed, the combination could be developed into over-the-counter formulations or prescription treatments to help combat COVID-19, influenza, and potentially other respiratory viruses.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking research highlights the potential of European black elderberry extract and quinine as a powerful antiviral combination. Their ability to reduce viral replication, work synergistically, and maintain safety in lab tests makes them promising candidates for future antiviral treatments. While further research, including clinical trials, is needed, this study represents an important step toward developing natural, accessible, and effective solutions for respiratory viral infections.
The study findings were published on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed.
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202502.1469/v1
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Medical News.
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