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Punicalagin from pomegranate inhibits SARS-CoV-2 virus infection

The punicalagin extracted from pomegranate interacts with the proteins responsible for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into our cells, preventing it from infecting us.

As the dramatic evolution of the pandemic COVID-19, thousands of scientists are searching for new drugs that can combat this virus, particularly those capable of inhibiting the virus entry into our cells. Pomegranate peel contains substantial levels of hydrolyzable tannins, including gallic acid, ellagic acid, punicalagin, and punicalin, and unique flavonoids and anthocyanins reported therapeutic properties.

Recently, a new study from the Department of Pharmacognosy at the University of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina has highlighted the potential of pomegranate peel extracts in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections.

The researchers in this work selected pure pomegranate and tannin extracts against four protein targets that facilitate the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cells. Of the compounds tested, punicalagin showed remarkable interactions with selected proteins, inhibiting the virus infection. The next step will be to test the efficacy in vivo.

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