Discovery in Argentina: Peanut skin extract promises to combat dengue.

Recent research conducted by specialists from the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) has revealed a promising finding in the fight against dengue, a viral disease of increasing global concern. A study published in the journal Plants demonstrates that an extract derived from peanut skins has the ability to inhibit the dengue virus at various stages of its replication cycle, an advancement that could lay the groundwork for future natural, cost-effective, and sustainable treatments. Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has seen a notable increase in reported cases in recent years, prompting the scientific and medical community to seek effective solutions. Currently, there are no accessible antiviral medications available to treat this disease, making the work of researchers from the Institute of Health Sciences Research (INICSA, CONICET-UNC) and the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health (INBIAS, CONICET-UNRC) even more relevant. The research group, led by Dr. Carola Sabini, decided to focus their study on the peanut plant due to its known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The choice of this legume is not only relevant for its intrinsic characteristics but also because its skin, a byproduct of the industry, could be repurposed to create an antiviral. “Our study aims to add value to this waste by obtaining an antiviral against the dengue virus, something that has not been tested before,” explains Sabini. Through in vitro assays in cell cultures, the researchers analyzed both the extract from the peanut skin and that from the seed. While the seed extract showed limited antiviral activity, the skin extract demonstrated a remarkable ability to inactivate the DENV-2 virus, even at low concentrations. This difference in efficacy appears to be related to the chemical composition of each extract, with the peanut skin containing polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, molecules known for their antioxidant and antiviral properties. The study also revealed that the skin extract not only inactivates the virus but does so at all stages of its replication cycle, including the adsorption and penetration of the virus into cells. This virucidal action suggests that the peanut extract could be potentially useful both as a treatment for existing infections and for preventing new infections. Dr. Sabini notes that the implications of this discovery are broad, suggesting that the extract could be used in various applications, from treatments for infected patients to general prophylaxis. The researchers are now working to establish collaborations with the industrial sector to advance the production of practical applications of this extract. Elio Soria, a co-author of the study, highlights the advantage of working with natural products in the context of phytomedicine. “Often, the combination of different molecules that make up the extract is more active than individual compounds. This strategy is also more economical, which is essential in low-resource countries,” he states. However, before the extract can be used in humans, scientists must conduct tests to optimize its absorption and bioavailability. In this regard, they are collaborating with experts in nanotechnology to develop delivery systems that ensure the active compounds reach the areas of interest within the body. This research not only pursues a therapeutic approach but also considers the environmental impact of its extraction and formulation methods. A significant aspect of the study is its focus on sustainability. The research aims to apply 'green' methods in extraction and ensure that all components are accessible and economical, thereby reducing dependency on imports. Dr. Sabini emphasizes that as they progress, they are also exploring how the peanut extract may act as an immunomodulator, which could mitigate the inflammatory response accompanying dengue infections, especially in cases of reinfection. This scientific work opens a door to the development of more accessible and sustainable treatments for dengue, a public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. As researchers continue their work, the peanut skin extract could become a key tool in the fight against this viral disease, offering not only a therapeutic solution but also a model of sustainable practices in health. The first author of the study, Florencia Menis Candela, also deserves recognition for her contribution to this research, which could mark a milestone in phytomedicine.