Honeysuckle has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, mainly in the form of an infusion or tea..

Recently, scientists have identified a molecule in this plant that directly affects the type A influenza virus, a family of viruses that includes the famous Spanish flu and bird flu..

The study, the results of which were recently published in Cell Research, was conducted by employees of Peking University (PRC).

The scientists believe their findings could lay the foundation for an entirely new treatment strategy for influenza type A, which is characterized by its rapid spread..

Proponents of traditional Chinese medicine are already using fragrant honeysuckle to treat type A influenza, although there has been insufficient scientific evidence to support this method.. Researchers point out that "

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The molecule scientists are talking about has been named MIR2911. The researchers claim that this molecule is present in honeysuckle even after drying and boiling water, so the decoction of the plant retains pronounced antiviral properties.. Laboratory mice were given soup with a honeysuckle decoction, after which the MIR2911 substance was well distributed throughout the organs, in particular, the lungs..

The team proved that MIR2911 suppresses the influenza A virus by affecting two specific genes, PB2 and NS1, which play a very important role in the replication of the virus..

In addition, scientists have found that the synthetic molecule MIR2911 and its natural form found in honeysuckle effectively protect laboratory animals from infection with H1N1 influenza and other influenza A viruses..

They believe that MIR2911 can be used as a “penicillin for viruses,” just as Fleming began to use penicillin against bacterial infections, which have remained a real scourge of mankind for thousands of years..

So far, Chinese scientists have only tested the drug on mice.. To test a new substance in humans, clinical trials will have to be organized in the future, and only then will the health authorities make a decision on this medicine..

Broad Spectrum Antiviral.

This is the first time in modern medicine that a natural product has a direct antiviral effect.. The authors of the study draw attention to the fact that the influenza A virus often mutates, creating strains that may not respond to treatment with older drugs.. Therefore, the evolution of the virus supports the high interest of pharmacologists in the creation of universal antiviral drugs..

The substance MIR2911 has just such properties.. Its antiviral effect against influenza viruses H1N1, H5N1 and H7N9 has already been proven. Therefore, this tool can be considered as a lifeline in future influenza epidemics..

“With all this in mind, plant MIR2911 can be considered as an ideal agent to fight influenza type A.. We expect that pure MIR2911, as well as honeysuckle decoction, will be widely used for the treatment and prevention of influenza,” the scientists write..

Curiously, MIR2911 also " Today, everyone knows that the Ebola virus has caused a massive epidemic in West Africa and threatens to spread to other continents.. Under these conditions, the discovery of Chinese scientists may come in handy.

medbe. en.