Last updated on
07.09.2021, 1:21 p.m.
Indian researchers are studying whether garlic essential oil inhibits coronavirus infections
The Center for Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing in Mohali and the Regional Center for Biotechnology in Faridabad are jointly exploring the possibility of using natural essential garlic oils to inhibit the amino acids of the coronavirus and the ACE2 protein – a receptor that acts as the entry point for coronaviruses into the human Body.
Similar studies are ongoing in the UK and China.
Here is more.
Garlic is traditionally prescribed as a medicine for various diseases
Garlic is widely used as a spice in Indian cuisine.
Traditionally, garlic is also prescribed in various forms as a medicine for colds and flu. This is because its essential oil is known to have potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.
Garlic essential oil also works well as an antioxidant and has anti-cancer properties.
Research characterizes garlic essential oil and examines its qualitative composition
According to a senior official in the Department of Biotechnology under which the two aforementioned institutes operate, research is focused on “qualitative compositional analysis” and the biological activity of the oil in vitro (outside the organism, possibly in humans) and in vivo (in the organism ). ).
The official added that characterizing the essential oil of garlic involves studying its constituents, refractive index, viscosity and density.
Studies also examining the end uses of garlic essential oil for the treatment of COVID-19
In collaboration with the Regional Center for Biotechnology, studies are also being carried out on the end use, use in education and consumption of the oil for the treatment of COVID-19 disease.
A scientist from the Center for Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Sucheta Khubber, pointed out that the organosulfur and flavonoid compounds in garlic are primarily responsible for the spice’s immune-boosting nature.
Most of the organosulfur in garlic essential oil interact with coronavirus proteins
LiveMint reported that Khubber recommends taking garlic and its derivatives daily. This could serve as therapy alongside the primary treatment of disease and reduce the side effects and toxicity of the primary drugs.
The ring study also found that 17 organosulfur compounds, which make up 99.4% of garlic essential oil, interact strongly with the amino acids of the ACE2 protein.
The antiviral properties of garlic essential oil could be beneficial
Khubber reportedly said the above organosulfur compounds are also resistant to the main protease, PDB6LU7, of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for COVID-19 disease. In conclusion, the study suggests that the antiviral nature of garlic essential oil could help prevent coronaviruses from entering the human body.