Scientists from the G. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology are studying biologically active substances from seaweed that may help fight viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19). This was reported by the press service of Rospotrebnadzor, which oversees the institute.
Researchers are exploring how sulfated polysaccharides—special carbohydrates extracted from the red seaweed Mazzaella parksii—might influence SARS-CoV-2. To investigate this, scientists examined eight different fractions of carrageenans, which are carbohydrates derived from the seaweed. The findings revealed that carrageenans effectively block the early stages of viral infection and are safe for cells even at high doses.
“The research demonstrates that natural substances from seaweed could serve as the basis for developing new treatments against COVID-19 and other viruses. This discovery has the potential to lead to effective methods for treatment and prevention of infectious diseases,” the message states.
In July, it was announced that Russia had developed an antibody capable of combating various SARS-CoV-2 variants, ranging from the original Wuhan strain to more recent lineages such as XBB.1, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9, XBB.1.16, JN.1, and KS.1. The key advantage of this new drug is its high effectiveness even at low doses, making it a promising treatment for severe cases of COVID-19.