In Vitro Efficacy of Artemisia Extracts Against SARS-CoV-2

Overview

Journal Virol J

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2021 Sep 9

PMID 34496903

Citations 24

Authors

Chuanxiong Nie

Jakob Trimpert

Sooyeon Moon

Rainer Haag

Kerry Gilmore

Benedikt B Kaufer

Peter H Seeberger

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Traditional medicines based on herbal extracts have been proposed as affordable treatments for patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Teas and drinks containing extracts of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra have been widely used in Africa in efforts to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and fight COVID-19.

Methods: The plant extracts and Covid-Organics drink produced in Madagascar were tested for plaque reduction using both feline coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Their cytotoxicities were also investigated.

Results: Several extracts as well as Covid-Organics inhibited SARS-CoV-2 and FCoV infection at concentrations that did not affect cell viability.

Conclusions: Some plant extracts show inhibitory activity against FCoV and SARS-CoV-2. However, it remains unclear whether peak plasma concentrations in humans can reach levels needed to inhibit viral infection following consumption of teas or Covid-Organics. Clinical studies are required to evaluate the utility of these drinks for COVID-19 prevention or treatment of patients.

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