In cell studies, seaweed extract outperforms remdesivir in blocking COVID-19 virus.

[2greys]

In a test of antiviral effectiveness against the virus that causes COVID-19, an extract from edible seaweeds substantially outperformed remdesivir, the current standard antiviral used to combat the disease. Heparin, a common blood thinner, and a heparin variant stripped of its anticoagulant properties, performed on par with remdesivir in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection in mammalian cells.

Published online today in Cell Discovery, the research is the latest example of a decoy strategy researchers from the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS) at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute are developing against viruses like the novel coronavirus that spawned the current global health crisis.

The spike protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 latches onto the ACE-2 receptor, a molecule on the surface of human cells. Once secured, the virus inserts its own genetic material into the cell, hijacking the cellular machinery to produce replica viruses. But the virus could just as easily be persuaded to lock onto a decoy molecule that offers a similar fit. The neutralized virus would be trapped and eventually degrade naturally.

news.rpi.edu/content/2020/0...

[HungryHufflepuff]

At first I thought maybe eating seaweed would be beneficial but I think the researchers actually do something with the seaweed extract. Oh well I’ll just keep eating my seaweed because it tastes good 😋

[SORRELHIPPO in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

My Welsh grandparents ate Laverbread on a regular basis, said good for you, has Vit C,A and E, had it fried with black pudding, and scrambled eggs. I used to add some tomato Ketchup, to slightly hide the flavour!!

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to SORRELHIPPO]

Seaweed has a whole range of health benefits, it contains various vitamins and minerals, including iodine which is important for the thyroid I think?

I have never had laverbread, I feel I’m missing out.

[SORRELHIPPO in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Always worth trying, this has made me go on a hunt, to see where I could buy it now.