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Quercithin, a naturally occurring compound, acts as a specific inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
The substance has a destabilizing action on 3CLpro, one of the proteins that underlies the replication of the pathogen, according to a study recently published in a journal, writes the Italian publication Il Messagero.
The discovery is presented in a study launched by the Spanish Foundation hna, in collaboration with the Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Research Council, CNR-Nanotec in Cosenza, published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
“At this moment, this molecule is already at the same level as the best antivirals used to prevent coronavirus infection, but none of them are approved as a drug,” says Bruno Rizzuti.
Quercithin is abundant in common vegetables and fruits, such as capers, red onions, radishes, and apples.
The molecule is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties.
Quercithin can be easily modified to make an even stronger synthetic molecule, scientists say.
The results of the research are presented in a study initiated by a Spanish foundation in collaboration with the Nanotechnology Institute of the National Research Council, CNR-Nanotec in Cosenza, published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
