Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Apr 13, 2026 2 hours, 1 minute ago
Medical News: A new scientific study is drawing attention to an intriguing natural combination that could help fight some of the world’s most widespread respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. Researchers have discovered that extracts from European black elderberry and a seaweed-derived compound called iota-carrageenan can work together in a highly effective way, potentially opening the door to new, affordable antiviral strategies.
A natural blend of elderberry and seaweed compounds shows powerful combined action against major
respiratory viruses
Natural Compounds Gain Scientific Backing
The study was conducted by researchers from the Harald zur Hausen Institute of Virology, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany; Iprona Lana SpA, Italy; and Marinomed Biotech AG, Austria.
These scientists explored how elderberry extract, rich in anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, interacts with iota-carrageenan, a sulfated polymer commonly derived from red seaweed and widely used in food and pharmaceutical products. Both substances had previously shown antiviral potential, but their combined effect had not been fully understood until now.
How the Study Was Carried Out
Using advanced laboratory models, the researchers tested the effects of these compounds on SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron variant), influenza A virus, and RSV. Human lung cells and other established cell lines were exposed to these viruses under controlled conditions. The compounds were applied before infection, during infection, and after infection to assess how they influence viral replication. The results showed that both elderberry extract and iota-carrageenan were capable of neutralizing viruses outside of cells, effectively preventing them from infecting host cells in the first place.
Strong Antiviral Effects Observed
Elderberry extract demonstrated a powerful dose-dependent effect, with higher concentrations leading to significant reductions in viral replication and, in some cases, complete inhibition. Iota-carrageenan also showed consistent antiviral activity, reducing viral replication by approximately 50 percent when used alone. Importantly, these effects were observed across all three viruses tested, including RSV, which had not previously been strongly linked to these compounds.
Synergy Creates a Breakthrough Effect
This
Medical News report highlights the most important finding of the study, which is the strong synergistic effect observed when both compounds were combined. Even at lower concentrations where each compound alone had little to no effect, their combination dramatically reduced viral replication by as much as 70 to 85 percent. This synergy was confirmed using the Bliss independence model, with scores exceeding 25, indicating a highly cooperative interaction. This means the two substances enhance each other’s effectiveness rather than simply adding their individual effects.
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Broad Protection Against Major Viruses
One of the most compelling aspects of the study is its demonstration of broad-spectrum antiviral activity. The combination proved effective against SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and RSV, three major respiratory pathogens responsible for significant global illness and mortality. The ability to target multiple viruses with a single approach is particularly valuable in the context of pandemic preparedness and seasonal outbreaks.
Safe and Practical Applications
The researchers also evaluated safety and found no harmful effects on healthy cells, even at concentrations that effectively blocked viral replication. In addition, they developed lozenges containing the two compounds and found that these formulations retained their antiviral activity. This suggests that practical, over-the-counter products such as throat lozenges or sprays could be developed to deliver these benefits in real-world settings.
Conclusion
The study provides strong evidence that combining elderberry extract with iota-carrageenan offers a promising new approach to combating respiratory viruses. By directly neutralizing viruses before they enter cells and amplifying each other’s antiviral effects, these natural compounds could serve as an accessible and effective preventive tool. While further clinical research is needed to confirm these findings in humans, the results highlight a significant step forward in the search for safe, affordable, and broadly active antiviral solutions that could enhance global readiness for future outbreaks.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/8/1205
For the latest on new antivirals for respiratory viruses, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/influenza-or-flu
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