Antiviral Chewing Gum: A Novel Way to Fight Flu and Herpes?

04/22/2025 Technology

Imagine a future where fighting the flu and herpes could be as simple as chewing gum. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine have developed an antiviral chewing gum made from bean powder that shows promising results in neutralizing influenza and herpes viruses in laboratory settings. This innovative approach could revolutionize how we prevent the spread of these common infections.

The Science Behind the Gum

The gum's secret ingredient is a protein called FRIL (Flt3 Receptor Interacting Lectin), found in the lablab bean, a plant native to sub-Saharan Africa. Previous studies have demonstrated FRIL's ability to bind to a wide range of viruses. In this research, scientists incubated influenza and herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) with FRIL and observed significant neutralization of the viruses.

How Effective Is It?

To test the gum's real-world effectiveness, the researchers used a mechanical mouth to simulate chewing. The results were impressive: a two-gram gum tablet containing 40 milligrams of bean powder reduced the viral load of influenza and herpes viruses by over 95%. This suggests that chewing the gum could significantly decrease the risk of transmission.

A Potential Game-Changer

While antiviral medications and flu vaccines exist, they have limitations. Flu vaccines aren't always effective at preventing transmission, and many people with herpes are unaware they have the virus. Antiviral gum could offer a convenient and accessible way to prevent the spread of these infections, especially since herpes can spread through saliva even without symptoms.

The researchers are optimistic about the potential of chewing gum as a novel delivery system for preventing the transmission of viruses that spread through saliva. They are also exploring the possibility of using FRIL-laced bird feed to prevent the spread of bird flu among poultry.

The gum has been created according to FDA specifications for drug products and has been tested to remain stable and safe to chew for at least two years.

Looking Ahead

The research is still in its early stages, but the results are encouraging. If human clinical trials are successful, this antiviral gum could become a valuable tool in our fight against influenza and herpes, offering a simple and effective way to protect ourselves and others. The ability to control the transmission of viruses with a natural food product could be a significant step forward in public health.