COVID-19 News: Data From Research In Uzbekistan And China Shows That Rutan Made From The Phytochemicals Of Rhus Coriaria Is Able To Treat COVID-19!

COVID-19 News: The ongoing battle against the global COVID-19 pandemic has fueled an urgent search for effective treatments. Recent research from Uzbekistan and China has brought Rutan into the spotlight, derived from the tannic sumac plant Rhus Coriaria (Totum). This COVID-19 News report delves into Rutan's antiviral mechanisms, clinical trial results, and its potential implications for long COVID, presenting a comprehensive exploration of this promising candidate in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.


Rhus Coriaria (Totum)

Antiviral Mechanisms of Rutan
Understanding the antiviral mechanisms of Rutan is crucial in evaluating its potential as a therapeutic agent against COVID-19. Rutan has demonstrated remarkable inhibitory effects on two key viral components: the 3C-like proteinase (3CLpro) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
 
In clinical trials, Rutan's dual-action against 3CLpro and RdRp proved to be highly promising. The research investigated various doses (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), revealing both efficacy and safety in inhibiting these crucial components of the virus's replication machinery.
 
Rutan's Efficacy Against RdRp
Comparative studies between Rutan and established antiviral drugs, such as Remdesivir, highlighted Rutan's superior efficacy against RdRp. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Rutan was found to be 291 nM, making it 3.8 times more effective than Myricetin, another flavonoid under scrutiny for its antiviral properties. This potency in blocking RdRp is pivotal in preventing viral replication, a key aspect of controlling the spread of the virus within the host.
 
Inhibition of 3CLpro Protease
Laboratory experiments focused on Rutan's inhibitory activity against the 3CLpro protease, a critical drug target for COVID-19 treatment. The results were promising, with dose-dependent inhibition reaching up to 97.5% at a concentration of 50 μM. Comparative analysis with the flavonoid Baicalein emphasized Rutan's competitive edge, boasting an IC50 value of 2.9 μM.
 
Toxicity and Immunomodulatory Studies
Ensuring the safety of Rutan is paramount for its potential clinical application. Comprehensive toxicity studies were conducted, affirming Rutan's safety in animal models. Intragastrical administration demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no cumulative properties and no significant changes in various physiological parameters.
 
Beyond its antiviral properties, Rutan showcased immunomodulatory effects. This dual functionality suggests Rutan's potential not only in directly combating the virus but also in enhancing the host's immune response, a valuable trait in the complex landscape of viral infections.
 
Clinical Studies in Adults
The transition from preclinical studies to clinical trials is a critica l phase in assessing any drug's viability. Rutan underwent randomized clinical trials involving 121 adult patients, providing valuable insights into its therapeutic potential. Patients treated with Rutan showed a faster resolution of COVID-19 symptoms, including weakness, lethargy, and headache, compared to control groups.

PCR analysis further indicated a higher rate of negativity for COVID-19 in Rutan-treated patients, suggesting its efficacy in reducing viral load. Notably, Rutan also exhibited a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation, indicating its potential in minimizing the risk of severe outcomes associated with the cytokine storm observed in some COVID-19 cases.
 
Clinical Studies in Children
Extending the scope of clinical trials to include pediatric populations is vital, considering the diverse impact of COVID-19 across age groups. In a parallel arm of the study, 201 PCR-positive children aged 6–18 years participated. Rutan demonstrated both safety and efficacy in this cohort, with children experiencing a faster relief of hyperthermia and decreased severity of cough.
 
PCR analysis in this group indicated a significantly lower virus detection rate in Rutan-treated children compared to the control group, further supporting Rutan's potential in diverse demographics.

Long-term follow-up of the pediatric cohort revealed fewer and less severe post-COVID conditions in children treated with Rutan. This observation raises intriguing possibilities regarding Rutan's role not only in acute COVID-19 but also in preventing or ameliorating long-term complications, especially in younger populations.
 
Addressing Long COVID
The emergence of long COVID as a distinct and challenging aspect of the pandemic necessitates a multifaceted approach to treatment. Rutan's potential role in mitigating long COVID symptoms was explored in a subset analysis of the clinical trials, focusing on patients who experienced persistent symptoms after the acute phase.
 
Patients who received Rutan showed a decreased incidence and severity of persistent symptoms associated with long COVID. Common symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath were notably reduced in this group. While further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind these observations, these preliminary findings suggest that Rutan might not only be effective in acute COVID-19 but also in preventing or ameliorating long-term complications.
 
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rutan emerges as a promising and safe candidate in the fight against COVID-19. Its dual-action against crucial viral enzyme systems, coupled with immunomodulatory effects and a favorable safety profile, positions Rutan as a valuable contender for both monotherapy and combination therapy in the treatment of mild to moderate forms of the disease.
 
However, it's essential to acknowledge the need for rigorous, large-scale, multinational clinical trials to establish Rutan's place in the COVID-19 treatment arsenal definitively. International collaboration and sustained research efforts are imperative for the development of effective strategies against this evolving viral threat.
 
The study findings on Rutan as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19 were published in the peer reviewed journal: Frontiers in Medicine.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1310129/full
 
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