Chinese scientists have found that the roots of a plant have powerful natural substances that can kill the H1N1 virus.
Researchers Fang-Rong Chang and Yang-Chang Wu identified chemicals in the extracts of the "Dung of the Devil" plant, which were more effective against the H1N1 virus than the antiviral drug currently available for the flu.
Swine Flu | Swine Influenza | Hog Flu | Pig Flu
Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you're safe this season.
Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you're safe this season.
The plant biologically called ferula assa-foetida, is found in Iran, Afghanistan and mainland China.
The authors say: "Overall, the present study has determined that sesquiterpene coumarins from F. assa-foetida may serve as promising lead components for new drug development against influenza A (H1N1) viral infection."
The plant was also used as a remedy during the 1918 Spanish flu that took a toll of nearly 100 million lives.
However, the antiviral capacity of the plant was not fully confirmed until now.
Advertisement
US Enlists Sesame Street to Fight Swine Flu
As US kids go back to school facing a likely resurgence of (A)H1N1 flu, the US government Tuesday enlisted Sesame Street muppets Elmo and Gordon in a new health campaign.
As US kids go back to school facing a likely resurgence of (A)H1N1 flu, the US government Tuesday enlisted Sesame Street muppets Elmo and Gordon in a new health campaign.
LIN
Baba Ramdev Prescribes Yoga as Cure for Swine Flu
Amidst growing concern on the increasing spread of the H1N1 virus in India, renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev prescribed yoga as a cure for the disease.
Amidst growing concern on the increasing spread of the H1N1 virus in India, renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev prescribed yoga as a cure for the disease.
