The Phytochemical Puerarin May Help Fight Co-Infections Involving COVID-19 and Hantavirus
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 11, 2026 51 minutes ago
Medical News: A natural plant compound called puerarin is attracting attention after scientists found it may help reduce dangerous inflammation and immune damage caused by simultaneous COVID-19 and hantavirus infections. The new study suggests the compound could potentially target several harmful biological pathways linked to both diseases, offering hope for future treatments against severe viral co-infections.
Scientists discover that puerarin from kudzu root may help reduce inflammation and immune damage linked to
COVID-19 and hantavirus co-infections.
Researchers from The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University in China, Fujian Medical University in China, Shenzhen University General Hospital in China, Shenzhen University Health Science Center in China, Central South University in China, and the University of Calgary in Canada carried out the investigation.
Growing Concern Over Dual Viral Infections
Hantavirus infections, which can lead to epidemic hemorrhagic fever (EHF), remain a major health problem across parts of Asia and Europe. At the same time, COVID-19 continues to circulate globally. Scientists warn that patients infected with hantavirus may also contract SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, creating a potentially life-threatening combination.
Both illnesses can trigger severe immune reactions, inflammation, blood vessel damage, and organ complications. Early symptoms can also look very similar, making diagnosis difficult. Researchers therefore wanted to identify treatments capable of targeting both infections simultaneously.
The team focused on puerarin, a natural compound extracted from the traditional medicinal plant Pueraria lobata, commonly known as kudzu root. Puerarin has already been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects.
How Scientists Conducted the Study
Instead of human trials, the researchers used advanced bioinformatics and network pharmacology techniques to examine massive genetic and molecular databases. They analyzed thousands of genes associated with COVID-19, hantavirus-related EHF, and puerarin itself.
The study eventually identified 69 common genes connected to all three. Scientists then mapped how these genes interact inside the body during viral infections.
Several important inflammatory genes stood out, especially RELA, JUN, NF-kB1, NF-kB2, and FOS. These genes are heavily involved in immune system overactivation and inflammatory damage during severe infections.
According to the researchers, puerarin may influence these genes and help calm excessive immune responses.
Key Findings Show Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Potential
One of the most important findings was puerarin’s possible effect on the NF-kB signaling pathway. This pathway acts like a master switch for inflammation inside the body. During severe COVID-19 and hantavirus infections, NF-kB can become overactivated, leading to dangerous cytokine storms and tissue injury.
The study found that puerarin
may suppress this pathway and reduce the release of harmful inflammatory molecules.
Researchers also discovered that puerarin may influence TNF, IL-17, Toll-like receptor, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. These pathways are known to contribute to severe lung inflammation, immune dysfunction, kidney damage, and blood vessel problems in viral infections.
This
Medical News report notes that the compound also showed potential antioxidant effects. Excessive oxidative stress occurs when harmful unstable molecules called free radicals build up in the body, damaging tissues and organs. Severe COVID-19 cases have repeatedly been linked to oxidative stress and respiratory failure.
The researchers found that puerarin may help regulate oxygen metabolism and reduce oxidative damage. This could be especially important because hantavirus infections are also associated with oxidative stress and kidney complications.
Possible Broader Antiviral Benefits
The study also reviewed earlier research showing that puerarin may have antiviral activity against other pathogens. Previous experiments found it could interfere with HIV-1 attachment to immune cells and block influenza virus neuraminidase activity. Other studies suggested it may protect lung cells from bacterial toxins and reduce inflammatory injury in sepsis.
Scientists believe these broad biological effects make puerarin an interesting candidate for future antiviral drug development.
Important Limitations Remain
Despite the promising findings, the researchers stressed that the work was entirely based on computer modeling, gene analysis, and database research. No human clinical trials or laboratory animal studies were conducted to directly prove effectiveness against COVID-19 and hantavirus co-infection.
Still, the findings provide valuable clues about how natural compounds may help control severe inflammation and immune dysfunction caused by viral diseases.
Conclusion
The study suggests that puerarin could potentially become a future therapeutic option for patients facing both COVID-19 and hantavirus infections. By targeting multiple inflammatory and immune-related pathways at the same time, the compound may help reduce tissue damage, oxidative stress, and excessive immune activation that often worsen severe viral illness. Although much more research is needed before any medical use can be confirmed, the findings highlight the growing interest in plant-derived compounds as possible supportive therapies against emerging infectious diseases and dangerous viral co-infections.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Frontiers in Immunology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.892350/full
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/hantavirus-news
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
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