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Rachel V Thomas

Ebola: New Plant Molecules Show 25 Times Stronger Antiviral Activity, Study Finds

The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently facing its 17th outbreak of the <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ebola">Ebola</a> virus</span>. While scientists have identified the outbreak as being caused by the rare <span>Bundibugyo</span> strain, a major concern is that there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine specifically targeting it.

Although highly effective vaccines such as ERVEBO exist, they are designed specifically for the Zaire strain of <span>Ebola</span> and do not protect against other strains like Sudan or Bundibugyo.

Now, a team of scientists at the Université de Montréal (UdeM) in Canada has identified a new family of natural molecules with strong antiviral activity, particularly against the Ebola virus.

Previously, in 2016 and again in 2020, researchers at the university’s Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) demonstrated that a plant extract rich in isoquercitrin — a flavonoid found in many plants — showed strong antiviral activity in laboratory studies. 

However, the exact source of the effect remained unclear.

Researchers, including scientists from the University of Chicago, used advanced analytical methods and a rigorous bioassay-guided approach to determine that the antiviral activity did not originate from isoquercitrin itself, but rather from two previously unknown triterpenoid compounds.

Though present at only 0.4 per cent of the analyzed extract, these newly identified molecules — named dicitriosides — proved to be up to 25 times more active than the original extract against the Ebola virus under experimental conditions.

The compounds were also found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers noted that the molecules demonstrated antiviral efficacy at pharmacologically achievable concentrations.

“This discovery illustrates how compounds present in vanishingly small amounts in nature can have major therapeutic potential,” said Majambu Mbikay from the IRCM. “It also underscores the importance of carefully examining the true composition of natural products used in biomedical research.”

The scientists noted in the study that even though the findings are "still at the preclinical stage, it opens promising avenues for the discovery of new broad-spectrum antivirals derived from natural products”.

“No one knows when the next pandemic will occur, but one thing is certain: we must be prepared,” said Michel Chrétien, medical professor at UdeM. “These results demonstrate the importance of long-term fundamental research and international collaboration in anticipating the public-health challenges of the future.”

<h2>The <span rel="noindex">Ebola Outbreak</span></h2>

On May 17, the World Health Organization declared it a "public health emergency of international concern." The outbreak has also spread to Uganda.

According to the Africa CDC, the outbreak is caused by a rare strain of the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no vaccine available currently.

Bundibugyo virus disease is a rare and deadly illness that has caused outbreaks in several African countries in the past. It is different from other known ebolaviruses such as the Zaire ebolavirus and the Sudan ebolavirus.

As per the US CDC, as of May 17, there are reports of 10 confirmed cases and 336 suspected cases, including 88 deaths, in DRC.

Uganda has reported 2 confirmed cases, including 1 death, among people who travelled from DRC. No further spread has been reported. These numbers are likely to increase as the outbreak evolves.

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The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently facing its 17th outbreak of the Ebola virus. While scientists have identified the outbreak as being caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, a major concern is that there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine specifically targeting it.Although highly effective vaccines such as ERVEBO exist, they are designed specifically for the Zaire strain of Ebola and do not protect against other strains like Sudan or Bundibugyo.Now, a team of scientists at the Université de Montréal (UdeM) in Canada has identified a new family of natural molecules with strong antiviral activity, particularly against the Ebola virus.Previously, in 2016 and again in 2020, researchers at the university’s Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) demonstrated that a plant extract rich in isoquercitrin — a flavonoid found in many plants — showed strong antiviral activity in laboratory studies. However, the exact source of the effect remained unclear.What Were The Plant Molecules?Researchers, including scientists from the University of Chicago, used advanced analytical methods and a rigorous bioassay-guided approach to determine that the antiviral activity did not originate from isoquercitrin itself, but rather from two previously unknown triterpenoid compounds.Though present at only 0.4 per cent of the analyzed extract, these newly identified molecules — named dicitriosides — proved to be up to 25 times more active than the original extract against the Ebola virus under experimental conditions.The compounds were also found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers noted that the molecules demonstrated antiviral efficacy at pharmacologically achievable concentrations.“This discovery illustrates how compounds present in vanishingly small amounts in nature can have major therapeutic potential,” said Majambu Mbikay from the IRCM. “It also underscores the importance of carefully examining the true composition of natural products used in biomedical research.”The scientists noted in the study that even though the findings are "still at the preclinical stage, it opens promising avenues for the discovery of new broad-spectrum antivirals derived from natural products”.“No one knows when the next pandemic will occur, but one thing is certain: we must be prepared,” said Michel Chrétien, medical professor at UdeM. “These results demonstrate the importance of long-term fundamental research and international collaboration in anticipating the public-health challenges of the future.”The Ebola OutbreakOn May 17, the World Health Organization declared it a "public health emergency of international concern." The outbreak has also spread to Uganda.According to the Africa CDC, the outbreak is caused by a rare strain of the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no vaccine available currently.Bundibugyo virus disease is a rare and deadly illness that has caused outbreaks in several African countries in the past. It is different from other known ebolaviruses such as the Zaire ebolavirus and the Sudan ebolavirus.As per the US CDC, as of May 17, there are reports of 10 confirmed cases and 336 suspected cases, including 88 deaths, in DRC.Uganda has reported 2 confirmed cases, including 1 death, among people who travelled from DRC. No further spread has been reported. These numbers are likely to increase as the outbreak evolves.

ebola: these plant molecules show 25 times stronger activity against the deadly virus

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