Substance with COVID-19 Prevention Effects Discovered in Mulberry Tree

Korean Medicine Research Institute Begins Commercialization Through Technology Transfer

Mulberry tree

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Domestic researchers have discovered a compound in the mulberry tree that is effective in inhibiting COVID-19 infection. Since it has already entered commercialization, there is growing interest in its practical applicability.

The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine announced on the 29th that Dr. Choi Jang-gi's research team at the Center for Applied Oriental Medicine Technology identified an active compound from the herbal medicine "Sangji (桑枝)," which refers to young branches of the mulberry tree, that effectively suppresses infection by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The institute also signed a technology transfer contract worth 180 million KRW in upfront royalties last May.

Sangji refers to the young branches of the mulberry tree, which belongs to the Moraceae family of dicotyledonous plants in the order Urticales. Traditionally, the mulberry tree's fruit, leaves, roots, and branches have all been used as herbal medicines, highlighting its high pharmacological value.

The coronavirus entering the human body initiates cell invasion by the spike protein on the virus surface binding to the ACE2 receptor on human epithelial cells.

The research team confirmed that mulberrofuran G and kuwanon C, compounds derived from Sangji, block the early stage of coronavirus infection by preventing the virus from entering human host cells. Molecular binding affinity analysis showed that mulberrofuran G and kuwanon C strongly bind to both the spike protein and the ACE2 receptor, effectively inhibiting the interaction between these two proteins. Cell experiments demonstrated that mulberrofuran G and kuwanon C suppress infection by both pseudo and actual coronaviruses, acting as cell entry inhibitors that block the early stage of coronavirus infection.

Currently, COVID-19 treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include small-molecule viral RNA replication inhibitors (remdesivir, molnupiravir, Paxlovid) and large-molecule viral cell entry inhibitors such as antibodies. However, variant coronaviruses resistant to RNA replication inhibitors like remdesivir and Paxlovid have already emerged, and antibody therapies have the limitation of requiring intravenous administration in hospitals.

Dr. Choi Jang-gi, the lead researcher, stated, "Because coronaviruses use RNA as their genetic material, they have a high mutation rate, increasing the likelihood of drug-resistant viruses emerging. Through this study, we confirmed the potential of mulberrofuran G and kuwanon C as cell entry inhibitors. When used in combination with existing approved RNA replication inhibitor treatments, they are expected not only to improve COVID-19 treatment efficacy but also to suppress the emergence of resistant viruses."

The research findings were published in the October issues of the international academic journals Nutrients (IF 6.706) and International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IF 6.208), respectively.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.