Common Names: pestilence wort
This study investigated the antiviral effects of a CO-extract from Petasites hybridus (Ze 339). The search for herbal anti-viral drugs is important in preventing early stages of infection, especially in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the lack of available drugs for alleviating symptoms and preventing Long-COVID.
A Bulgarian butterbur root extract, rich in petasins, was tested for its anti-cancer properties on breast cancer cells and non-cancerous cells. The study investigated cell death, oxidative stress, and NF-κB signaling. This research is important as it highlights the anti-tumor potential of a traditional medicinal plant, providing insights into possible future treatments for breast cancer.
Researchers investigated the ability of the CO extract Ze 339, isopetasin, and neopetasin to inhibit the replication of the original Wuhan strain and the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. They found that pre-treatment with Ze 339 significantly inhibited virus replication in infected cells with IC values of 0.10 and 0.40 μg/mL, respectively. Isopetasin also showed antiviral activity with IC values ranging from 0.37 to 0.88 μM for both virus variants. In vitro results indicate the potential for Ze 339 and isopetasin as an effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infections, but further clinical studies are needed.
TL;DR: Asthma is an inflammatory respiratory disorder with various causes. Abnormal immune response plays a role, and a plant lipid preparation and certain nutrients can help alleviate symptoms. Other approaches like yoga and acupuncture can also be beneficial.