US scientists have developed a revolutionary antiviral chewing gum that has shown remarkable results in lab tests, cutting down viral loads of two herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and two influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) by more than 95%. The gum, made from lablab beans, contains a special protein called FRIL that can trap and neutralize viruses.
The researchers created the gum to target the mouth, where these viruses are commonly transmitted. In tests, just one two-gram gum tablet was enough to reduce virus levels by over 95% in lab settings. The gum has been prepared to meet US FDA drug safety standards, making it potentially safe for human use.
According to Professor Henry Daniell from Penn’s School of Dental Medicine, the results are promising and open the door for testing the gum in people to see if it can help reduce infections and transmission. The team is now exploring how this gum might help fight avian influenza or bird flu, which is currently spreading across parts of North America.
The development of an antiviral chewing gum could provide a convenient and effective way to curb the spread of multiple viral infections, including those that lack reliable vaccines. Symptoms of herpes and flu include painful blisters or sores, itching or tingling sensations, fever, swollen glands, cough and sore throat, body aches and chills, and runny or blocked nose.
Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/health/us-scientists-develop-antiviral-chewing-gum-that-kills-95-of-flu-herpes-viruses-article-151356222