Nature’s Defenders: Evidence-Based Herbal Antivirals

Join us for an exciting episode that explores the incredible potential of plant-based compounds as antiviral agents against COVID-19! We’re diving into a treasure trove of research that highlights both traditional medicinal uses and modern scientific discoveries showcasing how various plants can help combat this virus.

Discover the fascinating mechanisms by which these natural compounds work! From turmeric and black cumin seeds to ginger and garlic, learn how they can inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into our cells or disrupt viral replication. We’ll delve into specific plants like Radix Bupleuri, kudzu root, and artemisia annua, each with unique properties that could turn the tide in our fight against COVID-19.

But that’s not all! We’ll also discuss the promising role of metformin, derived from goat’s rue, in reducing viral load and the risk of Long COVID. With recent studies showing a significant reduction in Long COVID risk, this is a topic you won’t want to miss!

As we celebrate these natural warriors, we’ll emphasize the urgent need for further rigorous research and clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety. Join the call for action to support funding from organizations like the FDA and NIH to explore these affordable antiviral options.

Sources:

Treating COVID-19 with Medicinal Plants: Is It Even Conceivable? A Comprehensive Review
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/3/320

You're Going to Need More than NyQuil This Winter
https://www.the-sentinel-int

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Transcript

0:24

Hey everyone and welcome back. You know I think a lot of us these days are thinking about ways to stay healthy. Yeah. Especially with you know all this news about antibiotic resistance. Right. And the possibility of new virus outbreaks you know kind of looming on the horizon. For sure. I mean the WHO even put out a warning about a potential pandemic that could be like 20 times worse than COVID. Wow. And plus there's still so much we don't know about long COVID. Yeah that's true. It's enough to make you want to explore every possible way to boost your defenses right? Definitely makes sense. So I'm really excited about our deep dive today because we're going to be talking about something that I think a lot of people have maybe overlooked. Okay interesting. We're going to be talking about the power of plants for fighting viruses. Plants? Yeah. Plants seriously. I thought that was just kind of like a hippie thing you know from a few years ago. Oh right. I know I kind of had that same thought. Yeah. It turns out that there's actually a growing body of scientific research that's backing up some of those traditional uses. Yeah. That's fascinating. For example a 2024 review in the journal Viruses took a look at 10 different plant compounds. Okay. That seem to have some pretty broad antiviral properties. 10 plants that can fight viruses? Yeah. I'm listening. Yeah. 10 plants that can actually you know really help us in this fight. Wow. So let's unpack this a little bit. Mmm. What's the secret weapon here? Well it turns out that molecules from these plants can actually interfere with the way viruses hijack our cells. Okay so they're not just masking symptoms. They're actually like getting in there and... Yeah they can block viruses from getting inside. Okay. They can block them from replicating. Wow. And basically from completing their life cycle. So they're stopping the virus from spreading. Exactly. And the cool part is that these actions often work across different variants. Oh that's so interesting. Yeah. Okay I'm sold. Let's dive into these plant powerhouses. Okay great. Where do we start? Let's start with something familiar. Something everybody knows. Okay. Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo. Ginkgo. Most people know it for memory enhancement. Right. That's the stuff my grandma takes for brain fog. But it's got some serious antiviral potential too. It's not just for memory anymore. Nope. It contains compounds like quercetin and rutin that can block two key enzymes that the COVID-19 virus needs to replicate. Okay hold on enzymes. Now are we getting super technical? Think of these enzymes like little machines that the virus uses to make copies of itself. Okay. Ginkgo basically throws a wrench into those machines. Oh. Preventing the virus from spreading. Got it. So it's sabotaging the virus's copy machine. Exactly. Okay I like that but wait there's more. Right. Yes. Didn't you say something about another compound in ginkgo? Yeah. It also contains camphorol which inhibits the virus's envelope protein E. Okay. Which further weakens its ability to infect cells. Interesting. And plus ginkgo's got anti-inflammatory properties that can help with recovery too. So ginkgo is like a multitasker. Yes. It's protecting our brains and potentially fighting viruses at the same time. I'm starting to see the appeal Ari. What else is on this plant-powered hit list? Let's talk about turmeric or more specifically its active compound curcumin. Ooh turmeric. I love turmeric. Yeah that good one. Golden milk, lattes, anyone? But what's the connection to fighting viruses? Well curcumin can actually bind directly to the spike protein of a virus or to the ACE2 receptors on our cells. Wait so the spike protein isn't that how the virus like latches onto our cells? Yes. So the curcumin is like the bouncer at a club saying not tonight virus. You got it. Okay. And there's a derivative of curcumin called beastimathoxy curcumin that actually showed an even stronger binding affinity to the spike protein. Interesting. And get this it even works on the original SARS virus. So this one plant compound could potentially block both COVID-19 and SARS. That's what the research suggests. Okay. I'm officially intrigued. What other surprises do we have in store? Well this one might be a bit unexpected Artemisia annua, the plant behind the anti-malarial drug Artemisinin. Whoa whoa whoa Artemisinin. That's for malaria right? You're right. What does that have to do with viruses? Researchers have been looking into its antiviral potential. Okay. And there was a clinical trial where patients with COVID-19 who were given Artemisinin and piperacquine actually cleared the virus faster than the control group. No way. Yeah. So Artemisia annua could be helping us recover from COVID faster. It's possible. That's amazing. But how does it actually work against the virus? Artemisinin in derivatives like artesanate work similarly to ginkgo. Okay. They can lash onto multiple parts of the spike protein essentially blocking it from attaching to our cells. Ah another spike protein blocker. I'm starting to see a pattern here. Yes. But didn't you say something about artesanate being effective against other viruses too? That's right. It's shown promising activity against hepatitis and even HIV. Wow. And researchers are actually working on a refined compound called artenamol that might be even more effective for treating patients. Okay. Artenamol. I'm adding that to my mental list of things to watch. Good one. This is incredible. We're only like a few plants in and I'm already feeling like we've stumbled upon like a whole secret arsenal of antiviral weapons. It's pretty amazing. What's next? Let's talk about a pantry staple. Nigella sativa better known as black cumin seeds. Black cumin seeds. I use those in my cooking all the time. Are you telling me they have antiviral properties too? Yet. Compounds from black cumin seeds can interfere with viral RNA transcription. Hold on RNA transcription. I'm not sure I follow. Think of it this way to make more copies of itself a virus needs to create instructions in the form of RNA. Okay. Black cumin seeds can disrupt that process. Yeah, essentially jamming the virus's ability to replicate. So it's like cutting off the virus's instructions at the source. Exactly. Genius and it gets even better. Yeah. Black cumin seeds also have compounds that can block those ACE2 receptors we talked about. That's right. Like with curcumin. Exactly. It just goes to show the incredible diversity of these plant compounds. I see what you mean. And how they can target different stages of a virus's life cycle. Yeah, we've got plants blocking viral entry. We've got plants disrupting replication and now we've got plants messing with the virus's instructions. Right. It's like a multi-level defense system all from nature. It really is. This is blowing my mind what else is on this incredible list. Let's not forget about another kitchen favorite ginger. Ginger as in ginger ale and gingerbread cookies. That's the one. What's so special about ginger? Ginger contains a group of compounds including 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol and 10-gingerol which can actually inhibit parts of the COVID-19 spike protein. Ah, so ginger is getting in on that spike protein blocking action too. It is. I knew there was a reason I loved that stuff. But what about those other ginger compounds like the ones that give it that signature spicy kick? Those also play a role. Terranial show gels, zingibarine and zingibrome are all involved in ginger's antiviral activity. Wow. So ginger really is a powerhouse fighting inflammation and potentially blocking viruses. Yep. This is getting good. What's next on our plant-powered tour? How about another classic remedy, garlic? Garlic? No way. Everyone knows garlic is good for you. Yeah. But I never realized it could actually fight viruses. Tell me more. Well, garlic has a long history of being used for its antiviral properties and recent research is starting to understand why compounds like allicin, thejoine and garlicin can target spike proteins, interfere with viral replication and even protect ourselves from viral entry. Wow. So garlic is like a triple threat against viruses. It really is. Blocking entry, disrupting replication and protecting ourselves. Is there anything garlic can't do? What's particularly interesting about garlic is that it's shown activity against a wide range of viruses, not just COVID-19. That's really encouraging. It seems like a lot of these plant compounds are multi-talented. Right. Which is great news considering how quickly viruses can evolve. Exactly. Okay, what other gems do we have on this list? Let's move on to something sweet, cinnamon. Cinnamon. I'm picturing cinnamon rolls and snickerdoodles, not virus fighters. What's the deal with cinnamon? Studies have found that cinnamon at a specific concentration can also block viral entry and replication, just like some of the other plants we've talked about. So cinnamon is joining the virus blocking party too. Yes. This is great. But hold on, you said specific concentration. Is there something I should know before I start adding cinnamon to everything? It's important to choose Ceylon cinnamon. The more common cassia cinnamon can actually be toxic in large amounts. Got it. Ceylon cinnamon for the win. What's next on our list? Let's talk about another herb that often finds its way into our kitchens, rosemary. Rosemary? You mean the stuff I use to season my chicken? Seriously? Seriously. Rosemary has shown effectiveness in blocking viral activity. In fact, one study even compared it to the antivirals remdesivir and fivipiravir. Whoa, rosemary going head to head with antiviral medications. Yeah, it's pretty impressive. That's impressive. What's the secret to rosemary's antiviral power? That's still being investigated, but these findings suggest there are definitely compounds in rosemary worth exploring further. Okay, I'm definitely adding rosemary to my research list. It's amazing how many of these everyday plants have these hidden talents. I know, right? What else do we have? How about a plant that's often considered a wee dandelion? Dandelion. Really? I've spent years trying to get rid of those things for my lawn. Well, maybe it's time to give dandelions a second chance. Okay. Dandelion extract has a history of medicinal use, and studies show it can be effective against viruses, including influenza. Wow, dandelion tackling the flu. That's pretty impressive. But what about COVID-19? Does it have any effect there? In higher concentrations, dandelion extract showed activity against different COVID-19 spike proteins, including some of the mutant variants. Okay. Suggesting it could work across different strains, and it also helped prevent what's known as a cytokine storm. Wait, a cytokine storm? What's that? It's basically an overreaction of the immune system where it starts attacking healthy cells along with the virus. Whoa. This can lead to serious complications, so anything that can help prevent that is a big deal. So not only does dandelion potentially work against different COVID variants, but it might also help prevent that dangerous overreaction of the immune system. Exactly. Okay, dandelion is officially moving from weed to wonder plant in my book. It's a good one. So dandelion is like a secret weapon against viruses hiding in plain sight all along. There really is. All right. I'm sold. What else is on our list of plant-based antiviral superstars? Well, we can't forget about oregano, the pizza topping with a secret identity. Oregano. Seriously, what's so special about it? Oregano extract has shown antiviral activity against a range of DNA and RNA viruses, including COVID-19 and even HIV. Whoa, HIV. That's amazing. Oregano is clearly more than just a delicious herb. How does it manage to do all of that? Studies show that oregano extract can significantly inhibit viral activity. And carvacrol, that compound we talked about with black cumin seeds, plays a key role in its antiviral effect. Carvacrol is popping up everywhere. I know, right? It's like the MVP of the antiviral plant world. It is. Okay, what other plant powerhouses are we exploring? There are a few more antiviral supplements worth mentioning. Have you heard of grape seed extract, grapefruit seed extract, or olive leaf extract? Yeah, I've seen those around. Anything particularly interesting about them in terms of fighting viruses? Olive leaf extract has been studied in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and showed promising results. When given 250 to 500 milligrams every 12 hours for five days, it helped patients recover. And previous research shows it's been effective against other viruses like HIV and influenza. Wow, olive leaf extract really stepping up. What about grape seed and grapefruit seed extracts? What's their claim to fame? They contain compounds that you guess have blocked those ACE2 receptors on our cells. Ah, so another way to keep those viruses from getting in is that brilliant. Anything else? Of course. Don't forget about the classic immune-boosting trio, Echinacea, St. John's Wort, and Elderberry. Oh, those are old favorites. I've used those before when I felt a cold coming on. Yeah. But what's the research say about their antiviral properties? Well, Elderberry has been shown to reduce flu symptoms by up to 50% in clinical trials. It also stimulates the production of immune cells, giving your body an extra boost. So Elderberry syrup is more than just a tasty treat. That's right. It's like a serious immune supporter. What about Echinacea and St. John's Wort? A study published in Nature found that a mixture of St. John's Wort and Echinacea has significant antiviral activity against COVID-19, with St. John's Wort being particularly effective at reducing the viral load. So teamwork makes the dream work. Exactly. Combining those two plants creates a really potent antiviral duo. Anything else we should know about them? Another study found that Echinacea alone, at a dosage of 4,000 milligrams for 10 days, reduced viral load and hospitalizations in COVID-19 patients. So both St. John's Wort and Echinacea are powerhouses in their own right. Yes. This is incredible. It really seems like there's like a whole pharmacy waiting to be discovered in the plant world. I know. It's fascinating. Anything else we should add to our list? There's one more plant-derived treatment worth discussing, Metformin. Metformin. Isn't that a medication for diabetes? What does that have to do with plants and viruses? You're right. Metformin is commonly prescribed for diabetes. But what's interesting is that it's actually derived from a plant called Goat's Roo. Wait, really? Metformin comes from a plant? I had no idea. How does that tie into our conversation about antivirals? A 2024 study at the University of Minnesota found that Metformin significantly reduces viral load in COVID-19 patients, lowers the risk of the virus bouncing back, and get this, it even reduces the risk of long COVID by a whopping 41%. Hold on. Metformin could help prevent long COVID. That's what the research is suggesting. And these findings are backed up by another study from 2023. That's huge. This is definitely something people need to know about. What kind of dosage were they using in the study? They gave patients 500 milligrams on the first day, then 500 milligrams twice a day on days 2 through 5, and then 500 milligrams in the morning and a thousand milligrams in the evening up to day 14. OK, that's good to know. So Metformin, a common diabetes drug derived from a plant, might also have these amazing antiviral benefits and could even help prevent long COVID. I'm sensing a theme here. Plants are way more powerful than we give them credit for. I agree. But hold on, you mentioned something about goat's rue earlier. What was that about? It's important to note that goat's rue itself can be toxic if you take too much of it. Whoa, really? That sounds a little scary. How come Metformin doesn't have that same toxicity? Metformin was specifically developed to replace earlier, more toxic compounds from goat's rue. In fact, studies show that goat's rue becomes toxic in animals at a certain dose, and the amount typically recommended in alternative medicine actually exceeds that potentially toxic dose. OK, I see why they needed to come up with Metformin. So for folks listening, it's probably best to stick with the prescribed Metformin and not experiment with goat's rue on their own. Definitely always err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to potentially toxic plants. Speaking of plants with a bit of a reputation, what about kudzu root? I've heard that one can be pretty invasive, but does it have any antiviral properties? You're right. Kudzu is known for its rapid growth, but it also contains a compound called purerin that's shown some really interesting antiviral potential. Even before the pandemic, a study in retrovirology found that kudzu root extract could fight HIV infection by inhibiting viral entry. Wow, kudzu taking on HIV. That's impressive. But what about its potential against COVID-19? A 2022 study in Frontiers in Immunology suggested that purerin shows promise for treating COVID-19 because of its antiviral properties and its ability to moderate the immune system's inflammatory response. So it's a two for one deal with kudzu, fighting the virus and calming down the inflammation that can cause so much damage. It seems that way. What's the typical dose for purerin? The standard dose is 200 to 400 milligrams per day, but one study on kudzu root for heart problems used 400 to 600 milligrams per day for up to 15 days. Interesting. It seems like kudzu root, despite its invasive tendencies, might have a lot to offer in terms of supporting our health. It definitely seems that way. And while we're on the topic of plants with a long history of medicinal use, have you heard of radix bupleuri? Radix bupleuri. That one's new to me. What's the story there? It's a traditional Chinese herb that actually contains purerin, quercetin and kemphrol, all compounds we've discussed that have shown antiviral effects. Hold on. So radix bupleuri is like a super powered combination of these other plants. You could say that. That's incredible. What's the usual dose for this one? Standard dose is three to 10 grams per day. Yeah. But it's important to note that going over this amount can be toxic. OK, good to know. Another reminder to be cautious with dosage, especially when we're dealing with powerful plant extracts. This is all so fascinating. It's like we've stumbled upon a whole secret world of natural antiviral remedies. It is pretty amazing, isn't it? I know. It really is remarkable how much potential there is, you know, in the plant world for supporting our health. I know. It's like we've been overlooking these incredible allies for way too long. Especially when it comes to viruses. Right. And it makes you wonder what else we might be missing. But it does. OK, I have to admit, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed here. Yeah. We've covered so many plants today. It is a lot to take in. Ginkgo, turmeric, artemisia, annua, black cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, dandelion, oregano. Right. Phew. I need like a minute to catch my breath. That's why we've put together a handy chart summarizing all the plants and dosages we've discussed. Oh, perfect. You can find it in the show notes. OK, great. So listeners, be sure to check out those show notes for a quick and easy guide to everything we've talked about today. Definitely. But what about those of us who want to dive even deeper? Yeah. Where can we go to learn more about these plants and their potential benefits? There are some great resources available online. OK. Mount Sinai's Health Library is a good place to start. OK. And you can also check out sites like Drugs.com, which can give you more information on possible side effects and potential interactions with other medications. That's a good point. Safety first, always. Absolutely. It's better to be informed than end up with unintended consequences, especially when we're talking about combining these plants with other medications or supplements. Exactly. And it's always a good idea to consult with a health care professional if you have any concerns or questions. Good advice. Of course, if you really want to get into the nitty gritty. Yeah. There's a fantastic book by Stephen Herod Bunner called Herbal Antivirals. OK. It's a comprehensive guide to using plants to combat viral infections. Sounds like a must read for anyone interested in this topic. Definitely. Herbal Antivirals, check. You know, it's pretty empowering to think that we can actually take a more proactive role in protecting ourselves from viruses. Yes. Using these natural remedies. It's about recognizing that we have options and that nature has provided us with some powerful tools to support our immune systems. I love that perspective. Of course, more research is always needed. Of course. But these studies give us a glimpse into the incredible potential of plants to help us navigate a world that's increasingly challenged by viruses. I agree. Yeah. OK, before we wrap things up, I have one more question. OK. What about dosage and duration? Is there a general rule of thumb for using these plant extracts? Well, the studies we mentioned provide the most detailed dosage information available. Right. But generally speaking, for an acute illness like a cold or the flu, you might take a higher dose for a shorter period of time, maybe a week or two. OK. For more chronic infections, you might use a lower dose for a longer period, potentially several months. But as always, it's best to consult with a health care professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Right. That makes sense. Everybody's different. Exactly. And what works for one person might not work for another. It's about finding what works best for you. Exactly. And it's also important to remember that even natural supplements can be hard on your liver and kidneys. Oh, that's a good point. Especially if you take them for long periods of time. Yeah. So moderation and making informed decisions are key. Great point. We definitely don't want to overdo it. Yeah. So we've got our cheat sheet. We've got our resources. We've got our general guidelines. But I have to admit, I still have one nagging question. What's that? Is it really realistic to think we can like take all of these supplements year round to warn off every virus that comes our way? That's a great question. And it's one that researchers are still exploring. Personally, I think relying solely on supplements isn't the most sustainable approach. Yeah. We need to think bigger picture. Right. We can't just pop a bunch of pills and expect to be invincible. There's a lot more to staying healthy than that. Exactly. We need clean air, effective masks when necessary. Better vaccines and more effective treatments for when we do get sick. Yes. We also need agencies like the FDA and NIH to invest more in research on these plant-based antivirals. Right. Which could be, you know, affordable and even life-saving. Couldn't agree more. It's time to shift our priorities and invest in a healthier future. We need to create a world where we have, you know, readily accessible and effective tools to combat viral threats, both natural and pharmaceutical. We can't just keep playing catch-up. We need to be proactive and innovative. I completely agree. And I think these plant-based remedies offer a glimmer of hope. Yeah. They remind us that nature holds powerful solutions and we need to invest in, you know, further research to unlock their full potential. You know, it's kind of like we're standing at the edge of a new frontier in medicine. It is. And it's incredibly exciting. It really is. And it's a frontier that has the potential to transform our approach to health and well-being in really profound ways. Speaking of transformation, this deep dive has definitely transformed my understanding of plants and their incredible abilities. I went from thinking of them as just pretty decorations to seeing them as, you know, potential allies in the fight against viruses. That's the power of knowledge, isn't it? So true. It can change our perspectives and empower us to make, you know, more informed decisions. Well, I think we've covered just about everything on our list. Yeah. Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our listeners before we sign off? I would just encourage everyone to stay curious, stay informed and stay engaged. The world of plant-based medicine is constantly evolving and there's always something new to discover. I love that. Stay curious, stay informed, stay engaged. Those are words to live by. Well, folks, that wraps up our deep dive into the fascinating world of antiviral herbs. It's been a great conversation. I know we've covered a lot of ground today. Yeah, we have. But this is just the beginning of the journey, right? Absolutely. There's a whole world of natural remedies out there waiting to be explored. It's mind-blowing, really. And it makes you realize that nature holds so many solutions. I agree. You know, if we're willing to look for them. Yeah. But I think it's important to remember that these plants, you know, they're not magic bullets. Right. They're tools. They're tools we can use to support our health. Yeah. Alongside, you know, other strategies like good hygiene, a healthy lifestyle and, you know, conventional medicine when needed. Absolutely. It's all about finding that balance and making, you know, informed decisions for our well-being. Well said. Before we go, I want to leave our listeners with one final thought. Okay. Imagine a world where we have readily available access to both natural remedies and effective conventional medicine. What if we could combine the best of both worlds? Right. To create like a truly holistic approach to health and well-being? That's a powerful vision. And while, you know, more research is always needed, the studies we discussed today. Right. Definitely offer a glimpse into the remarkable potential of plants to support our immune systems. Yeah. And help us navigate a world, you know, where viruses are becoming increasingly prevalent. Right. It's time to rediscover this ancient wisdom and explore how it can complement modern medicine for a healthier future. Beautifully said. Thanks for joining me on this incredible journey into the world of antiviral herbs. It's been my pleasure. Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and stay healthy.