Researchers discover antiviral properties of peanut extract against dengue.

Dengue, a viral disease with significant public health implications, has seen an alarming increase in cases in recent years, prompting the scientific community to seek innovative solutions. This disease, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, manifests in four different serotypes, further complicating the situation for those who have already suffered from the infection. Often, a second infection with a different serotype can trigger severe complications, such as hemorrhagic dengue. In this context, research into new treatments becomes crucial, as there are currently no effectively accessible antiviral medications for this disease. Recently, a group of scientists from the Institute of Health Sciences Research (INICSA, CONICET-UNC) and the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health (INBIAS, CONICET-UNRC) has focused its attention on an unexpected resource: the extract of the red skin of peanuts. This study, published in the journal "Plants," suggests that this part of the peanut might have promising antiviral properties against the dengue virus. The research has aimed not only at developing effective treatments but also at sustainability by revaluing a byproduct of the peanut industry. Researcher Carola Sabini, the leader of the study, explained that the choice of peanuts was not random. After a thorough literature review, the team determined that the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of this legume, along with its abundance in the province of Córdoba, made it an ideal candidate for research. "We seek to revalue that waste by obtaining an antiviral against the dengue virus, something that had not been tested before," Sabini stated. The research team not only extracted compounds from the skin and seeds of peanuts but also evaluated their toxicity in experimental models, both in vitro and in vivo. This phase allowed them to establish safe concentrations of the extracts and assess their antiviral effectiveness. The results showed that the peanut skin extract inhibits DENV-2 at various stages of its replication cycle, indicating significant potential in the treatment of this disease. One of the most interesting findings of the study is that the extract not only acts as a virus inhibitor but also has virucidal potential. The researchers found that applying the extract to cells before viral infection could prevent the virus from entering, opening new possibilities for its prophylactic use. "This is very important because it implies that it can have different uses, such as treatment for infected individuals and as a preventive or prophylactic measure," Sabini added. The extract's action in inhibiting viral RNA synthesis has been confirmed through collaboration with specialists in molecular biology. This advancement suggests that the extract has the potential to be used not only as an antiviral drug but also as an immunomodulator, which could help mitigate the body's inflammatory response during an infection. This approach could be crucial, especially for those who have already had initial contact with the virus and are at risk of complications. As researchers move forward, they also seek to establish links with the industrial sector to facilitate the production of treatments based on peanut extract. Elio Soria, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of working with natural products, as mixtures of compounds can be more effective than individual compounds. This strategy could provide a more economical and accessible solution in regions with limited resources. The research does not stop at using the extract as a treatment. Scientists are exploring potential applications in functional foods and dietary supplements, thereby expanding the scope of intervention that peanut extract could offer. The versatility of this resource becomes an ally in the fight against dengue, a public health issue that demands effective and sustainable solutions. The researchers' commitment goes beyond science; it is also reflected in their focus on sustainability. From implementing eco-friendly extraction methods to choosing accessible and local components for treatment formulation, each step has been taken with the intention of generating the least possible environmental impact. Finally, research on peanut skin extract represents renewed hope in the fight against dengue, a virus that affects millions of people worldwide. As scientists continue their efforts, the possibility of having a natural, economical, and sustainable treatment becomes increasingly tangible. Undoubtedly, the future of dengue management could be closer than we imagine, and peanuts could play a leading role in this important challenge.