Argentinian researchers discover peanut extract as a possible treatment for dengue.

Dengue, a viral infection that has become a significant public health problem worldwide, is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This virus has four serotypes, namely DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, and it has been shown that infections following a first contagion can become complicated if a different serotype is present. This phenomenon increases the risk of developing severe forms of the disease, such as hemorrhagic dengue, highlighting the urgency for new therapeutic strategies, especially considering that there are no effective and accessible antiviral medications on the market. In this context, a team of researchers from the Institute for Health Sciences Research (INICSA, CONICET-UNC) and the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health (INBIAS, CONICET-UNRC) has directed its efforts toward an innovative solution: an extract from the red skin of peanuts. This finding, recently published in the journal Plants, promises to open a door to natural and sustainable treatments that could be fundamental in the fight against dengue. Researcher Carola Sabini, who leads the study, explains that the choice of peanuts, known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, is strategic, given that the province of Córdoba produces large quantities of this legume and the skin is discarded as an industrial byproduct. By revaluing this waste, the scientists aim not only to innovate in dengue treatment but also to promote sustainability and a circular economy. The researchers previously conducted a toxicity assessment of the extracts from peanut shells and seeds in cellular models and in mice. These preliminary studies allowed them to identify safe concentrations that do not harm host cells, which were subsequently used to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of the extract against serotype 2 of the dengue virus in in vitro assays. The tests revealed that the peanut skin extract is capable of inhibiting DENV-2 at different stages of its replication cycle. This includes the adsorption phase, where the virus binds to the cell to enter, as well as actions within the host cell. Interestingly, it was observed that prior treatment with this extract can even prevent infection, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool. Collaborating with experts in molecular biology, the scientists confirmed that the antiviral action of the extract is based on the inhibition of viral RNA synthesis. These findings exceeded the team's expectations, as they open the possibility for the extract to be used not only as a treatment for infected individuals but also as a preventive measure to avoid infection in the first place. The research team is now seeking partnerships with the industrial sector to advance the production and commercialization of this extract. According to Elio Soria, co-author of the study, phytomedicine presents significant advantages, such as the combination of different molecules that may be more effective together than separately, along with its reduced cost, which is crucial for countries with limited resources. However, before a phytopharmaceutical can be administered to humans, additional testing is required to optimize its absorption and bioavailability. In this regard, the researchers are working with specialists in nanotechnology to develop particles that facilitate the efficient delivery of the active compounds from the extract into the body. Furthermore, the study's approach is not limited to antiviral action. Sabini mentions that they are exploring how the peanut extract can influence the body's immune response, which could allow its use as an immunomodulator. This is especially relevant for combating the inflammatory process that accompanies dengue infections, particularly in cases of reinfection. In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, the team's approach is exemplary. From the use of 'green' extraction methods to the conscious choice of materials for nanovesicles, their goal is to minimize environmental impact and ensure that all elements are accessible and produced locally in Argentina, thereby reducing dependence on imports. The work of Florencia Menis Candela, who served as a doctoral fellow at INIBAS, highlights the importance of collaborative research and the potential of natural resources in the search for effective and sustainable solutions. As the world faces a rise in dengue cases, research like this offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against this emerging disease.