An oral drug from basil (Tulsi) is effective against COVID-19 symptoms in lab study
Scientists at the Rush University Medical Center (Chicago), US have shown that one compound from tulsi leaf successfully controls lung inflammation, decreases fever, and recovers heart function in a mouse model of COVID-19.
Since spike S1 of SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for entering into the cells, the researchers have screened different components of tulsi leaf based on inhibition of such binding.
“Interestingly, eugenol, but not other major constituents (e.g. ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and β-caryophylline), of tulsi leaf inhibits the interaction between ACE2 and viral spike S1,” said the researchers. Eugenol also effectively prevents viral entry into human cells.
A good COVID-19 drug should not bind and inhibit ACE2 as it is a beneficial molecule. “It is nice to see that eugenol binds to spike S1, not ACE2,” the researchers pointed out.
Moreover, researchers have demonstrated that after oral treatment, eugenol reduces fever, decreases lung inflammation, normalizes heart function, and enhances locomotor activities in a mouse model of COVID-19.
In addition to tulsi, eugenol is naturally available in clove, ginger, celery, etc.