New Viral Blocking Compound Derived from the Phytochemical Coumarin Shows Promise Against Chikungunya Virus
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 23, 2026 1 hour, 55 minutes ago
Medical News: A team of scientists in Taiwan has identified a powerful experimental compound that can sharply block the replication of the Chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne infection known for causing high fever, intense joint pain, and long-lasting arthritis-like symptoms. The discovery is significant as there are still no approved antiviral drugs that directly target this virus, which continues to spread across tropical and subtropical regions.
A coumarin based compound dramatically blocks Chikungunya virus replication and may pave the way for
future antiviral therapies.
Chikungunya is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and poses serious risks to newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. While many patients survive the infection, some experience chronic joint pain that can persist for months or even years, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems.
A compound that targets viral replication
In this
Medical News report, researchers focused on a compound called BPR2-D2, which belongs to a chemical family known as coumarins. Earlier research had shown that BPR2-D2 could block viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The new study demonstrates that it is also highly effective against Chikungunya virus RNA replication.
To safely study the virus, the researchers used advanced replicon systems. These laboratory models mimic how the virus copies its genetic material inside human cells but do not produce infectious virus particles. This approach allows detailed antiviral testing without the high biosafety risks associated with live Chikungunya virus.
What are coumarins and why they matter
Coumarins are a large family of natural organic compounds known scientifically as benzopyrones. They are found widely in plants, fungi, and even some bacteria. Chemically, coumarins consist of a benzene ring fused to an alpha pyrone ring, a structure that gives them a sweet, vanilla-like aroma.
Naturally occurring coumarins are abundant in plants such as cinnamon, tonka beans, sweet clover, lavender, and green tea. Over time, scientists have discovered that coumarins have diverse biological activities. They can act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, anticoagulants, and antiviral compounds. While natural, coumarin itself has limited use in foods due to potential liver toxicity at high doses, its derivatives have been safely developed into important medicines. One well-known example is warfarin, a widely used blood-thinning drug. The antiviral potential of coumarin derivatives, such as BPR2-D2, has now become a growing area of scientific interest.
Very low doses show strong antiviral effects
The study found that BPR2-D2 reduced Chikungunya viral RNA production by 50 percent at extremely low concentrations measured in nanomoles. This means only tiny amounts of the compound were needed to block viral replication. At the same time, the compound showed very low toxicity to human cells, indicating a high safety margin.
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Further tests confirmed that BPR2-D2 did not interfere with normal cellular protein production. Instead, it specifically disrupted the virus’s ability to copy its genetic material, a crucial step in the viral life cycle.
Confirmed activity in live virus models
To strengthen their findings, the researchers tested BPR2-D2 against Sindbis virus, a close relative of Chikungunya that causes similar joint-related disease. In infected cells, BPR2-D2 significantly reduced virus-induced cell damage and lowered viral levels by more than 40-fold at higher tested doses.
Institutions behind the research
The study was conducted by researchers from Chang Gung University in Taoyuan, Taiwan, the National Defense Medical Center in Taipei, Taiwan, and Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan, involving experts in medical biotechnology, emerging viral infections, pediatrics, and biomedical sciences.
Conclusions
Overall, the findings strongly suggest that BPR2-D2 is a promising antiviral candidate against Chikungunya and potentially other related viruses. By targeting key viral proteins involved in RNA replication, the compound could form the basis for future treatments that reduce disease severity and long-term joint complications, pending further animal and clinical studies.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biomedical Journal
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2319417026000053
For the latest antivirals against Chikungunya virus, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/spirulina-algae-shows-powerful-effects-against-chikungunya-virus
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