The flu virus has been found

Some previous studies have confirmed that herbs, often consumed in tea form, can prevent the replication of influenza viruses. However, the anti-virus components that work and the mechanisms by which they prevent viral replication remain unclear.

Photos: Sci-News

Now, a research group led by Dr. Chen Yu Zhang of Nanjing University (China) has identified MIR2911 in honeysuckle flowers as a major attacker on various flu viruses, including swine flu. H1N1, highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu and H7N9. MIR2911 suppresses the influenza virus by targeting PB2 and NS1, two genes that are known to be necessary for the replication of influenza viruses.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a famous Chinese herb. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used very effectively to treat flu infection for centuries.

The researchers call the active ingredient MIR2911 "virological penicillin" . "It is worth noting that since Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin almost a century ago, antibiotics have been developed to prevent various infections and saved the lives of millions of people , " the scientists said. I wrote in a research paper published in the journal Cell. But, until now, the first active ingredient in nature has been discovered to be a medicine to fight the flu.

Page Sci-News said the immediate goal is to use MIR2911 to attack types of influenza A. Next will study other strains.