In a new study, chewing gums containing plant-based antiviral proteins showed significant effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.

The ability of the plant protein lectin (FRIL) to neutralise influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses was evaluated by using the RAPID and micro bubbling (N-antigen) assays. Plaque reduction assay was used to assess FRIL′s ability to neutralize influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, and electron micrography was used to examine the process of entrapment.

According to researchers all four of the Omicron variant strains were successfully debulked utilizing CTB-ACE2 gum. When the doses of the two plant-based anti-viral trap proteins were evaluated, the researchers discovered that CTB-ACE2 (0.46 g dose) and FRIL (20 g dose) both demonstrated notable debulking. It was found that CTB-ACE2 chewing gum could efficiently capture viral particles and lower viral load in all test samples.

Further, it was seen that 95 ng and 96 ng of purified FRIL protein showed 50% inhibition against H1N1 and H3N2 viruses respectively. OC43 was also inhibited by FRIL protein. Additionally, Lablab bean powder and CTB-ACE2 chewing gum both resulted in a dose-dependent 50% plaque reduction.

A phase I/II placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical investigation is currently underway to ascertain whether CTB-ACE2 gum has any impact on the viral load in saliva. The study is available as pre-proof in Biomaterials which concluded that plant-based proteins used in the chewing gum showed significant antiviral activity, had high stability at high temperatures, and could be stored for long-period storage at room temperature and thus could also be effectively used for other oral pathogens. (News-medical.net, Jul 20, 2022)