Russian doctors may soon have an alternative to immunoglobulin for the treatment and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis. Scientists from Irkutsk have discovered substances in plants capable of combating this dangerous virus.
Researchers from the Irkutsk Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems have obtained three patents for new antiviral drugs that they developed while studying extracts of certain Asian plants.
The strongest antiviral effect was found in extracts from the haritaki plant, as well as from the snake gourd and direct hygrophila. According to the researchers, this discovery could play an important role in the development of new medications against tick-borne encephalitis.
Scientists were able to identify three chemical components in the haritaki extract that give it virucidal properties: punicalagin, trigalloyl glucose, and corilagin. The researchers experimentally confirmed the effectiveness of these substances in their pure form.
In the near future, medical professionals may have access to an alternative to immunoglobulin, which they will use for the treatment and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis, concluded the scientists.
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