Lotus Leaf Extract Inhibits Influenza Virus

Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine,

Lotus leaf. Stock photo.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Domestic researchers have confirmed that lotus leaf extract, known for its anticancer and antioxidant effects, is effective in inhibiting and treating influenza virus.

The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine announced on the 13th that Dr. Ma Jin-yeol's research team at the Oriental Medicine Technology Application Center confirmed strong inhibitory effects against the influenza virus, which causes the flu, from components derived from lotus leaves. The research results were published in the October issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IF 6.208).

The research team had previously confirmed in earlier studies that lotus leaf extract has antiviral effects by inhibiting neuraminidase and hemagglutinin, proteins essential for the infection and proliferation of the influenza virus.

In this study, the research team identified Isoquercitrin as the component in lotus leaf extract that plays a direct role in its antiviral efficacy. Isoquercitrin is a flavonoid found in lotus leaves and various other natural substances, and it has been reported to have antiviral effects against various viruses such as Zika, Ebola, and herpes.

Lotus leaves have long been known for various benefits including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, liver protection, and anti-obesity effects. However, this is the first study to report the influenza virus inhibitory effect of lotus leaves and that Isoquercitrin, a component of lotus leaf extract, plays a key role in antiviral efficacy.

Through cell experiments, the research team confirmed that Isoquercitrin inhibits the attachment and penetration stages of the influenza virus to cells at low concentrations during the early infection phase, directly kills the virus, and also suppresses the stage where the virus is released after replication inside the cells, demonstrating excellent antiviral therapeutic effects.

Dr. Ma stated, “Currently, Tamiflu is mainly used as an influenza treatment, but there are issues with resistant viruses and side effects,” adding, “We plan to verify the antiviral efficacy against Tamiflu-resistant influenza viruses and conduct efficacy validation using animal models in the future.”

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