Persimmon has antiviral properties
Last reviewed: 01.03.2021
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Scientists have proven that the constituent components of persimmon fruits are able to prevent the spread of viral infections - and in particular, the COVID-19 virus .
A variety of remedies, including folk remedies, are used as remedies for viral diseases. At the same time, science does not stand still: scientists continue to search for more and more new ways to treat and prevent viral infection. In addition to treating an already existing disease, it is equally important to prevent the spread of infection from an infected and sick person to healthy people in advance.
Researchers from Japan, representing Nara Women's University, have discovered a way to inhibit the transmission of the viral pathogen between people using natural substances. Such substances are called tannins and are present, in particular, in all known fruits - persimmon . Scientists conducted an experiment for which they chose the most relevant virus to date - COVID-19.
Tannins are substances that cause a feeling of astringency in the mouth, which is very characteristic of persimmons.
The study of scientists was as follows. They isolated a number of astringent components from persimmon pulp, including tannins. The resulting substances were combined with the saliva of a patient with coronavirus. As a result, it was found that after 10 minutes the astringent components reduced the contagious ability of the virus, and the degree of risk of transmission of infection to another person decreased ten thousand times.
At the same time, researchers focus on the fact that eating persimmons and other foods with a high tannin content cannot guarantee one hundred percent protection against infection. Moreover, it is important to continue to conduct trials with more participants with different viral diseases.
Scientists are doing everything possible to quickly create a drug that would have the ability to inactivate coronavirus and other similar infections. It is quite possible that such a tool will be based precisely on the astringent components. It is very important to prevent the spread of diseases in the cold season - in autumn, winter and early spring, when the human body is especially susceptible to infection, and the immune defense is significantly weakened by external factors.
By the way, in addition to persimmons, tannins are present in sufficient quantities in eucalyptus and tea leaves, in pomegranate peels, in blueberries, blackberries and cranberries, as well as in rhubarb and pumpkin, red and white wine. In addition to the antiviral effect, tannins contribute to the elimination of toxins and salts of heavy metals from the circulatory system, strengthen the vascular walls and improve the absorption of ascorbic acid by the body.
More information about the news can be found on the mainichi website page