A new study has found that there is a viral antiviral agent called (Thapsigargin), extracted from a plant known as (Thapsia garganica, the deadly flower), which may help combat the coronavirus and could significantly change the way the pandemic is fought.
It is noteworthy that the medication (Thapsigargin) has broad-spectrum antiviral effects, capable of inhibiting various types of viruses, and it can be effective against a wide range of microorganisms. The new study revealed that (Thapsigargin) is highly effective against seasonal influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common cold coronaviruses, and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Some viruses can cause severe respiratory infections, but fortunately, they are clinically identical. The availability of a broadly potent antiviral drug could limit infections and prevent their spread. Some researchers noted that small amounts of (Thapsigargin) induce robust and effective innate immune responses against viruses such as coronavirus and other respiratory viruses.
There are several reasons that make this plant-derived product a suitable antiviral: it is not broken down by stomach acid, allowing for oral administration instead of injection; if taken during early infection, it effectively disrupts the virus, giving antibodies and cellular immunity time to prepare to combat the illness; exposure of this extract to the virus for 30 minutes prevents the virus from reproducing for at least 48 hours; it is hundreds of times stronger than other antiviral products; while viruses typically mutate to become resistant to treatments, this does not apply to (Thapsigargin); it effectively prevents co-infection with influenza and coronavirus so that a person contracts only one virus; it is considered safe as it has been used in treating prostate cancer.
Professor (Kin Chao Chang), the study's lead author, stated, "While we are still in the early stages of research on this antiviral and its effects on the treatment of viruses such as the novel coronavirus, we see that such results are extremely important."
Considering that future pandemics are likely to be of zoonotic origin, where the virus transfers from animals to humans and has a reverse transmission from humans to animals, a new generation of antiviral agents, such as (Thapsigargin), could play a major role in treating significant viral infections in both humans and animals. While further testing is clearly needed, current results strongly suggest that (Thapsigargin) and its derivatives are pioneering treatments and antivirals, with the potential to defend us against upcoming viral pandemics.
