The Neem tree is native to India and its bark has antibacterial, antiparasitic and antiviral properties, which is why it has been used for thousands of years to treat malaria, intestinal and stomach ulcers, and skin problems, among others. Now a study has found that Neem-based medicines could also be effective against COVID-19 and help fight future variants of the coronavirus.
And it is that the components found in the bark of this tree, also known as the nimbus of India, have the ability to target a wide range of viral proteins, including those of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID. -19, according to the study carried out by members of the Anschutz Medical Campus of the University of Colorado (USA) and the Indian Institute of Education and Scientific Research in Calcutta (India).
In the research, which has been published in the journal Virology, the effects of the extract from the bark of the Neem tree against the coronavirus were analyzed in laboratories, in addition, in India it was tested in infected animal models, resulting in a better prognosis, so it could be ventured that it has antiviral properties against this virus.
Neem extract prevents the entry and attachment of SARS-CoV-2
On the other hand, computer models have also been used in which Neem bark extract has been observed to bind to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in several places, which helps prevent the entry and coupling of the virus. viruses in host cells. Finally, tests were carried out on infected human lung cells, after applying the tree compound, the replication and spread of the virus after infection was reduced.
Neem tree extract would help patients with COVID-19 not develop severe disease, in addition to reducing virus replication
“The goal of this research is to develop a Neem-based medicine that can reduce the risk of serious illness when someone is infected with coronavirus. Just like we take penicillin for strep throat, we envision taking Neem-based medicine for COVID, allowing us to resume our normal lives without fear of hospitalization and death,” explains Dr. Maria Nagel, one of the study authors.
The next step that the researchers want to take is to identify the specific antiviral components of the Neem tree extract, as they believe that since this compound has the ability to bind to various regions of SARS-CoV-2, it could be effective in emerging variants that have tip mutations. In addition, they also have to find the specific dose and formulation of the drug that can help treat and prevent the coronavirus and its possible mutations.
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