Haritaki-Based Encephalitis Drug in Early Study

An Irkutsk‑based scientist, Maxim Khasnatinov, is pursuing a novel approach to treating encephalitis that centers on plant substances derived from the haritaki tree. The project aims to translate traditional Eastern medical knowledge into a modern pharmacological candidate, using natural compounds as the starting point rather than relying solely on synthetic drugs. The work, as reported by TASS, frames a bridge between centuries of herbal practice and today’s scientific methods, with the goal of delivering a therapy that can be tested under contemporary regulatory standards. Khasnatinov leads a team that studies how plant chemistry interacts with brain inflammation caused by viruses and other pathogens. The idea is to identify a core extract that can be developed into a medicine while maintaining a clear line of quality, safety, and reproducibility. The current step involves moving from laboratory observations to planned preclinical assessments, laying the groundwork for potential clinical trials if the results hold up to scrutiny.