New Hope in Fighting Flu and COVID-19 with Phytochemical from Cruciferous Vegetables
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 11, 2025 8 hours, 16 minutes ago
Thailand Medical News: Natural Compound Shows Promising Results in Treating Viral Pneumonia
A new study led by Russian scientists has revealed that a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage could significantly improve recovery from severe pneumonia caused by influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The phytochemical, called 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), was tested in specialized animal models and showed promising results in reducing inflammation and improving survival rates.
New Hope in Fighting Flu and COVID-19 with Phytochemical from Cruciferous Vegetables
This
Thailand Medical News report comes from a team of researchers at the Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology; the Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera; the P.A. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute; and MiraxBioPharma—all based in Moscow, Russia.
They studied a special DIM-based formulation known as Cesarox Epi, which includes DIM combined with fish oil to increase absorption in the body. While DIM on its own has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve immune function, its natural form is poorly absorbed. The Cesarox Epi version overcomes this challenge and was used to treat mice infected with a lethal flu strain and hamsters infected with the Wuhan-like strain of SARS-CoV-2.
Strong Benefits Without Directly Killing the Virus
The researchers found that DIM Epi did not significantly reduce the amount of virus in the lungs. However, it provided other major benefits. In mice infected with influenza, DIM Epi reduced weight loss and improved survival rates, especially at higher doses. For example, 83% of mice survived when treated with 60 mg/kg of DIM Epi, compared to complete death in the untreated group.
Even better results were seen when DIM Epi was combined with the antiviral drug Oseltamivir. This combination greatly improved survival, reduced symptoms, and almost completely stopped lung damage. DIM worked by reducing lung inflammation and preventing the overreaction of the immune system—known as a “cytokine storm”—which often causes serious harm during viral infections.
In the case of SARS-CoV-2, hamsters treated with DIM Epi also showed fewer symptoms like sneezing and nasal inflammation. Their body temperature and weight remained closer to normal. Although the virus was not eliminated more quickly, the treated animals had much healthier lungs with far less inflammation and tissue damage.
No Added Benefit When Mixed with COVID Drug Molnupiravir
Interestingly, when DIM Epi was combined with the COVID-19 drug Molnupiravir, the benefits were not significantly better than using either drug alone. This suggests that while DIM Epi helps by calming harmful inflammation, it may not enhance the effects of all antivirals equally.
The scientists explained that DIM acts on the body rather than the virus. It modulates immune r
esponses, reduces dangerous inflammation, and helps protect lung tissue. These benefits make it a potential candidate for treating many respiratory infections—not just COVID-19 or influenza.
A Natural Solution with Big Potential
The research also points to DIM’s broader health effects. Beyond fighting inflammation, DIM may improve antioxidant defenses, reduce blood clotting risks, and even fight fibrosis. Its ability to influence epigenetics—how genes are turned on or off—could play a major role in controlling how the body reacts to viruses.
The findings offer a new strategy for treating viral pneumonia: combining traditional antiviral drugs with compounds like DIM that support the body’s natural defenses. By doing so, doctors might prevent severe lung damage and reduce death rates in serious infections.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Viruses
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/dna-methylation-changes-link-long-covid-to-chronic-fatigue-in-new-study-by-new-zealand-scientists
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