Willow bark extract protects human lung cells from penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.
The scientists used bark extracts from 16 willow species. Its effects were tested on human lung cells. Aqueous extracts of the bark of 14 willow species at a concentration of 1% protected cells from infection with HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses (the strain was obtained from the first person to fall ill with COVID-19 in Finland). As well as Coxsackie enterovirus B3. However, they were not toxic to lung cells. The experiment also showed that willow bark extract did not affect the reproduction of viruses that had already entered the cell.
When scientists repeated the experiment not with the willow bark extract but with individual ingredients, they were unable to protect the cells from infection. Even very high concentrations did not work. This could mean that protection against the virus is provided by the combined action of various substances in the extract. Scientists now plan to determine which substances are responsible for the antiviral activity of willow bark extract.
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Source: Gazeta
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