“We hope that scientists won’t have to continuously develop new therapies every time a new SARS-CoV-2 variant emerges,” said Maria Nagel, MD, research professor in the department of neurology and ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine on the Colorada University’s Anschutz Medical Campus. . “Just like how we take penicillin for strep throat, we envision taking the Neem-based drug for COVID, allowing us to resume our normal lives without fear of hospitalization and death.”
THIS REPORT IS PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. NEEM TREE FARMS DOES NOT SELL PRODUCTS WHICH ARE INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, PREVENT OR CURE ANY DISEASE.
Six groups of researchers — in four U.S. universities, the Swedish Systems Virology Lab and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research — investigated how compounds in neem bark extract block the signature “spikes” on the coronavirus. With the spikes effectively blocked, it’s more difficult for the virus to attach to human cells and then replicate itself.
Previous clinical research had shown that neem reduces infection in humans but this report is important because it shows that neem bark protects against all strains of the coronavirus. The researchers used computer models (in silica) and mice (in vivo) as well as cultured human lung cells.
Interestingly enough, the researchers also found that the neem bark extract reduces meningitis, encephalitis and hepatitis, all viral diseases that are difficult to treat, The next step will be to identify the specific compounds in the neem bark extract then formulate an antiviral drug specifically to treat coronavirus infections.