Animal efficacy study of a plant extract complex (BEN815) as a potential treatment for COVID-19

Abstract

In a short time, several types of injectable and oral therapeutics have been developed and used to effectively manage patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). BEN815 is an improved mixture of three extracts (Psidium guajava, Camellia sinensis, and Rosa hybrida) recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea as a health food ingredient that alleviates allergic rhinitis. The current animal efficacy study was performed to assess its probability of improving COVID-19 symptoms. BEN815 treatment significantly increased the survival of K18-hACE2 transgenic mice and reduced viral titers in the lungs at 5 days post infection (DPI). Furthermore, the lungs of the treated mice showed mild tissue damage at 5 DPI and nearly complete recovery from COVID-19 at 14 DPI. BEN815 appears to be an effective and minimally toxic anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent in mice and has potential for clinical applications.

Affectation of COVID-19 pandemic on the use and abundance of wild resources in Tabasco, Mexico: A qualitative assessment

“…For example, in the area called the Centla swamps, around 260 plant species have been identified, of which 76 are food or medicinal, and some can be used for construction, live tree fences and as fuel [ 26 ]. Recently [ 27 ], a mixture of three extracts of the plants Psidium guajava , Camellia sinensis , and Rosa hybrida was recognized as a health food ingredient that alleviates COVID-19 symptoms. The use of medicinal plants, particularly in this pandemic, has been present [ 28 ].…”