Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 19, 2024 1 month, 2 weeks, 5 days, 21 hours, 35 minutes ago
Herbs And Phytochemicals: Researchers from the University Hospital OWL of Bielefeld University in Germany have uncovered a potential new weapon against common cold and flu viruses: 1,8-Cineol, a bioactive phytochemical found in eucalyptus oil. This
Herbs And Phytochemicals news report delves into how this natural compound could help in the fight against these pervasive viruses, offering a glimmer of hope for more effective and safer treatments.
Eucalyptus extract shows promise against Coronaviruses and Influenza viruses
Thailand Medical News had covered a number of studies in the past that showed the merits of Eucalyptus extracts in treating common cold, as antithrombotic agent and even as a disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbs-and-phytochemicals-german-non-randomized-clinical-trial-showed-that-cineole-from-eucalyptus-can-help-with-common-cold
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbs-and-phytochemicals-1-8-cineole-from-eucalyptus-is-a-natural-antithrombotic-agent
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-disinfectants-citriodiol-from-eucalyptus-plants-found-in-chiangmai,-australia-and-elsewhere-able-to-destroy-sars-cov-2-according-to-uk-study
The Battle Against Common Cold and Flu
As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight against respiratory viruses remains a priority. The common cold, often caused by coronaviruses and influenza viruses, remains a significant public health challenge. These viruses are known for their ability to mutate and evade traditional treatments, necessitating new and innovative approaches.
The Role of 1,8-Cineol
In this study, the research team, led by Dr Matthias Schürmann and Dr Holger Sudhoff, focused on 1,8-Cineol, a compound primarily found in eucalyptus oil. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, 1,8-Cineol has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. However, its potential as a treatment for viral infections in the respiratory tract has only recently begun to be explored.
Understanding Viral Entry Mechanisms
The study aimed to understand how viral entry mechanisms are upregulated in cells from the respiratory tract upon infection. Specifically, the researchers investigated the ex
pression of transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), neuropilin1 (NRP1), and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which are critical for the replication of both coronaviruses and influenza viruses.
Using primary fibroblasts derived from the lung and nasal cavity, as well as epidermal stem cells and fully matured respiratory epithelium, the team stimulated toll-like receptor-3 (TLR-3) to mimic viral infection. This stimulation led to the upregulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in respiratory epithelial stem cells and NRP1 in fibroblast cells.
The Impact of 1,8-Cineol
Upon stimulating the cells, the researchers treated them with 1,8-Cineol and compared the results with traditional pharmaceuticals such as Dexamethasone and Enzalutamide. Remarkably, 1,8-Cineol disrupted the self-perpetuating cycle of infection-driven upregulation of key viral replication factors, much like the standard pharmaceuticals.
The study found that 1,8-Cineol was effective in downregulating the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in respiratory epithelial cells. This suggests that the compound could potentially prevent viruses from entering and replicating in these cells, thereby reducing the severity of the infection.
Benefits of 1,8-Cineol
One of the most significant advantages of 1,8-Cineol is its safety profile. Unlike many pharmaceuticals, 1,8-Cineol has minimal side effects and negligible pharmacological interactions with other drugs. This makes it a promising candidate for adjuvant or combinatorial therapy for respiratory diseases caused by coronaviruses and influenza viruses.
Clinical Implications
The implications of these findings are significant. With the rise of drug-resistant viral strains and the limitations of current antiviral therapies, there is an urgent need for alternative treatments. 1,8-Cineol could fill this gap, offering a natural, effective, and safe treatment option for respiratory viral infections.
The research team from the University Hospital OWL of Bielefeld University has laid the groundwork for future studies to further explore and validate the clinical efficacy of 1,8-Cineol. If proven effective in larger clinical trials, this compound could become a staple in the treatment of common cold and flu, helping to alleviate the global burden of these diseases.
Conclusion
The findings from this study are promising, highlighting the potential of 1,8-Cineol as a novel treatment for respiratory viral infections. The study underscores the importance of exploring natural compounds in the fight against evolving viral threats.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Phytotherapy Research.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.8280
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/plant-alkaloids-show-promise-against-covid-19
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/traditional-chinese-medicine-s-rujin-jiedu-decoction-a-new-hope-for-influenza
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