The principle is simple but formidably effective: reducing the viral load in saliva, where viruses multiply before being transmitted to others. It is a completely new approach in viral prevention, which complements existing measures such as vaccination, wearing the mask or barriers.
How is an antiviral chewing gum?
A simple response to a complex problem: viral transmission
Many viruses are transmitted by oral or respiratory: postillons, sneezing, kisses, shared objects … The influenza virus, the Simplex herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) or the SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) use the mouth and the nose as a gateway to the body. It is also where they spread.
The idea of an antiviral chewing gum is therefore particularly relevant: by neutralizing viruses in saliva, their circulation is reduced. It is not a question of healing, but rather of slowing down the contamination at source. An complementary protection strategy, especially for people at risk, healthcare professionals or in very popular places such as transport, schools or hospitals.
The role of lablab beans in the neutralization of viruses
The key ingredient of this antiviral chewing gum is an antiviral protein called Fril, from the beans of Lablab (Lablab Purpureus), a plant widely cultivated in Asia and Africa. This protein belongs to the family of lectins, known for their ability to attach themselves to specific structures on the surface of viruses.
Concretely, Fril acts as a kind of “molecular glue”: it binds to the envelopes of the viruses, the agglutinates and prevents them from entering human cells. It is particularly effective against wrapped viruses, such as those of influenza A (H1N1, H3N2), Herpes Simplex or COVID-19. Once incorporated in a chewing eraser, this protein acts locally and immediately in the mouth, where the viruses in circulation are.
Antiviral chewing gum: myth or reality?
Impressive results validated in the laboratory
The performance of the anti virus chewing gum was tested in the laboratory. And the results are spectacular. According to the study published in Molecular Therapy in March 2024, the reduction in viral load exceeds 95 % for influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2), and reaches 94 % for Simplex type 2 herpes (HSV-2). For type 1 herpes (HSV-1), the drop is 75 %, which remains significant.
These figures are all the more promising as they confirm the first results obtained with an anti-Cavid chewing gum developed previously by the same team, already entered in clinical trials. This innovation could therefore be quickly available for different viruses, adapting to seasonal epidemics or emerging viruses.
Complement to barriers and vaccination gestures
The antiviral chewing gum does not replace vaccines or other protective measures such as hand washing or wearing the mask. It acts in addition, specifically targeting the reduction of the viral load in the mouth. This can make a big difference, especially for very contagious viruses such as herpes or flu, which can be transmitted even in the absence of visible symptoms.
In addition, some viruses like herpes Simplex still do not have an effective vaccine, despite decades of research. For people affected by frequent episodes of herpetic thrusts, this antiviral gum could represent a new simple, discreet and without side effects.
Confirmed stability and validated security
Researchers also ensured that the anti-infectious chewing gum was stable and safe. It retains its efficiency for at least two years at room temperature, which is an asset for its distribution and storage. The analyzes have shown that it contained neither bacteria, mold, nor toxins, and that he respected the quality standards required for health products intended for human use.
This is an important point: to be widely disseminated, especially in developing countries or in areas with high population density, this type of product must be reliable, accessible and easy to use.
A technology during trial, with extensive perspectives
The next steps include clinical trials on a larger scale to confirm effectiveness in real conditions. In addition, researchers are already studying the possibility of using this technology in the animal world, integrating it for example into the food of birds to prevent the transmission of avian flu viruses (H5N1, H7N9) to humans.
This opens the way to a comprehensive public health approach, at the crossroads of human, veterinary and environmental medicine, a concept called “One Health”, or “a single health”.
NAMELY
The antiviral chewing gum does not only target respiratory or oral viruses: researchers also consider its use in prevention of post-operative infections in dentistry. Indeed, during dental care, the mouth becomes a high risk environment of viral transmission, especially during invasive procedures where the wearing of the mask is not possible.
