Thailand Medical Study Highlights Potential of Khamin Oi Extracts Against Coronavirus OC43
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 21, 2024 5 hours, 22 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Mahidol University and Walailak University in Thailand has unveiled the antiviral potential of Curcuma sp. “Khamin Oi,” (Also known as Curcuma zedoaria (Berg.) Roscoe), a traditional Thai medicinal plant, against the human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43). This virus, part of the Betacoronavirus genus, is known to cause respiratory illnesses, ranging from mild symptoms to severe complications like bronchiolitis.
Thailand Medical Study Highlights Potential of Khamin Oi Extracts
Against Coronavirus OC43
Plants from the Curcuma genus, including turmeric, have long been used for their therapeutic properties. Khamin Oi or Curcuma Zedoria Roscoe belongs to the same plant species as that of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) but has a different profile of phytochemicals. “Khamin Oi” extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit HCoV-OC43 replication in human intestinal cells (HCT-8 colorectal cells). This
Thailand Medical News report details how these findings could pave the way for alternative antiviral treatments.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research involved preparing crude extracts from Khamin Oi using various solvents such as hexane, toluene, ethanol, and methanol. Advanced analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), were used to identify the phytochemical profiles of these extracts.
The inhibitory effect of these extracts on HCoV-OC43 replication was tested using an in-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Researchers also compared the results to those obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa) extracts, known for their high curcuminoid content.
Key Findings of the Study
-Strong Antiviral Activity of Hexane Extract
Among the extracts tested, the crude hexane extract of Khamin Oi demonstrated the strongest antiviral activity, with the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.62 μg/mL. This extract also showed high safety levels, evidenced by a selectivity index (SI) of 31.90. Interestingly, the hexane extract had the lowest curcuminoid content, suggesting that other compounds, such as sesquiterpenes, contribute significantly to its antiviral properties.
-Comparative Analysis with Turmeric
While turmeric’s methanolic extract contained a high concentration of curcuminoids, it showed a weaker antiviral effect against HCoV-OC43, with an IC50 of 14.83 μg/mL and an SI of 2.80. This indicates that Khamin Oi may contain unique compounds that enhance its antiviral potential.
Sesquiterpenes and Their Role
GC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of sesquiterpenes such as ar-turmerone, α-curcumene, and β-turmerone in Khamin Oi extracts. These compounds are known for their bioactive
properties and are likely contributors to the plant’s antiviral effects.
Inhibitory Mechanism and Cell-Specific Action
The study found that Khamin Oi extracts were particularly effective in inhibiting HCoV-OC43 replication in intestinal cells rather than lung cells. This aligns with the plant’s traditional use in treating gastrointestinal disorders.
Implications of the Study
These findings highlight the potential of Khamin Oi as a natural antiviral agent. Its ability to target HCoV-OC43 replication with high efficacy and low toxicity makes it a promising candidate for further development. The unique phytochemical composition of Khamin Oi, particularly its sesquiterpene content, distinguishes it from other members of the Curcuma genus like turmeric.
Next Steps in Research
The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to fully understand the mechanisms behind Khamin Oi’s antiviral activity. Future work will involve isolating and characterizing the specific active compounds and exploring their potential synergistic effects. Clinical trials will also be essential to determine the practical applications of these findings.
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of exploring traditional medicinal plants for modern therapeutic purposes. Khamin Oi, with its potent antiviral properties against HCoV-OC43, has emerged as a valuable candidate for further research and development. This discovery not only supports the efficacy of Thai traditional medicine but also contributes to the global search for alternative antiviral treatments.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Heliyon.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024166005
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/italian-study-shows-curcuma-and-boswellia-blend-eases-ibs-symptoms-and-restores-gut-health
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/curcumin-the-golden-key-to-healthy-aging-and-disease-prevention
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-study-review-shows-that-curcumin-is-a-potential-antiviral-agent-and-immune-inflammatory-modulator-in-covid-19
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