The venom of a dangerous South American snake is able to inhibit the reproduction of COVID-19

A group of Brazilian researchers have identified a substance present in the venom of snakes of the species yararacusú what is it capable of preventing reproduction of the virus that transmits COVID-19 in the bodyScientific sources reported on Tuesday.

The peptide (molecule) identified by researchers at Paulista State University (Unesp) 75% inhibited the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to multiply in monkey cell culture in the laboratory, reported this university center.

The preliminary research results were published on August 12 in the online edition of the international scientific journal Molecules and allow us to think about the possibility of developing drugs to treat COVID-19, according to Eduardo Maffud, professor at the Unesco Institute of Chemistry and coordinator of the study.

The specialist explained that Unesco researchers had already identified molecules of the yararacusú venom with antibacterial properties and that’s why they decided to test some of these peptides to see if they had any action on SARS-CoV-2.

“Fortunately, we got an interesting result with one of the substances. We have identified one that is non-toxic to cells and inhibits reproduction of the virus.“he claimed.

The yararacusú (Bothrops jararacussu) is a species of poisonous snake of the genus Bothrops that has its habitat in the jungle regions of western, southeastern and southern Brazil, as well as in Bolivia, Paraguay and the north from Argentina.

Poisoning of people caused by this variety is most common in Brazil among the various snakes.

According to Maffud, a possible drug developed from the identified substance could slow down the reproduction of COVID-19 in the body and give you time to create the antibodies needed to resist disease.

The researchers now intend to identify the possible correct dose of the molecule for the development of a substance having an action on COVID-19, to then initiate tests not only in the laboratory but also with animals to determine its effectiveness.

“If the results are positive, we can think about developing a treatment“he claimed.

Brazil, one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic in the world, is second in number of deaths, with just over 575,000 victims, and third in number of infections, with 20.6 million case.

The epidemic is starting to subside, however, and the daily average of deaths is currently at its lowest level since January and that of infections at its lowest level since November last year.

(With information from EFE)

KEEP READING: