A study by scientists from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata suggests that extract from the bark of the Neem tree may have a role in treating and reducing the spread of COVID-19.

According to the study published in the journal Virology, components of the bark of Neem may target several viral proteins, pointing to its antiviral potential against emerging variants of coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2). Researchers evaluated the impact of the extract against coronaviruses in the laboratory. In India, it was tested in animal models and the researchers noted it to have antiviral properties against coronavirus. Computer modeling helped the researchers predict that the extract will bind to the virus spike protein at different locations, thus preventing the virus from entering the host cells. At the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the extract was tested in SARS-CoV-2 human lung cells. It was found to be as effective as a preventive agent. It reduced virus replication and spread following the infection… (HT – ANI, March 3, 2022)