CONICET researchers reveal the potential of peanut skin extract inhibiting the dengue virus
Specialists from CONICET have demonstrated, in in vitro models, that a compound derived from industrial waste of peanut skin has the potential to prevent and treat the infection that inhibits the dengue virus. This finding could be the basis for future therapeutic developments that are natural, economical, and sustainable against this disease.
Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is an emerging viral disease of great global and regional impact. There are four main serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Reinfection with a different serotype increases the risk of developing severe forms of the disease, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Despite the global increase in cases, effective and accessible antiviral medications to treat dengue are still not available.
In this context, scientists from the Institute of Health Sciences Research (INICSA, CONICET-UNC) and the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health (INBIAS, CONICET-UNRC) are investigating the potential of a red peanut skin extract to inhibit the dengue virus. The results, recently published in the journal Plants, could be the basis for the development of natural, economical, and sustainable treatments.
“After an exhaustive literature review, we chose to investigate the peanut plant due to its known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In addition, Cordoba exports large quantities of peanuts, and its skin remains as an industrial byproduct. Our study aims to revalue that waste to create an antiviral against dengue, something that had not been tried before,” explained Carola Sabini, a researcher at CONICET at INICSA and leader of the research.
Shows promising results against dengue
In a previous study, the team investigated extracts from peanut seed coat and seed, evaluating their toxicity in experimental models in both cells (in vitro) and mice (in vivo). With this data, the specialists determined the safe concentrations of both natural products, ensuring they do not harm the host cells. Subsequently, they used these concentrations to study the antiviral activity against dengue serotype 2 (DENV-2) in in vitro assays with cell cultures.
“The seed extract showed low activity, partially inhibiting the virus in the intracellular stages of replication; whereas the seed coat extract, even at low concentrations, completely inactivated the virus.” We believe that these effects are due to differences in the composition of each product. The seed contains more lipid components, while the peanut skin has polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, molecules known for their antioxidant and antiviral properties,” explained the microbiology specialist.
Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the seed coat extract inhibits DENV-2 in various stages of its replication cycle, from adsorption and penetration – when the virus attaches to the cell to enter it – to inside the host cell. The compound also showed virucidal action and even prevented infection by DENV-2 when applied as a preventive treatment in cells.
Thanks to collaboration with specialists in molecular biology from INBIAS, it was confirmed that the action of the extract is based on inhibiting viral RNA synthesis. According to Sabini, this broad antiviral activity exceeded expectations: “It is very important because it implies that it can have different uses, both as a treatment for infected individuals and as a preventive measure to avoid infection.”
Nanotechnological innovation and sustainability
The research team is exploring technological collaborations with industry to advance in the production of various applications of the peanut seed coat extract. This compound stands out for its versatility and antiviral potency, as well as the inherent advantages of natural products. Elio Soria, a CONICET researcher at INICSA and coauthor of the work, points out: “In phyto-medicine, it is not always necessary to obtain a pure compound. Many times, the mixture of molecules in the extract is more active than individual compounds. This strategy is also more economical, especially in low-resource countries.”
To use the phytomedicine in humans, scientists must test different formulations and make adjustments to optimize its absorption, biodisponibility, and bioaccessibility. “In collaboration with colleagues specializing in nanotechnology, we are developing small particles or vesicles that can stabilize and transport the extract compounds, ensuring they reach the sites of interest,” adds Soria.
Dengue not only causes complications due to the virus replication in cells but also due to the exacerbated and inflammatory immune response of the body, especially in reinfections with different serotypes. “We are investigating the effect of the peanut extract on the immune system. It could be used as an antiviral drug and immunomodulator, preventing dengue inflammation. We also explore its use as an ingredient in functional foods or dietary supplements,” comments Sabini.
“The keyword for the whole project is sustainability. From the ‘green’ extraction with ethanol to the selection of components for nanovesicles, we seek to minimize the environmental impact. We also strive for all materials to be economical and available in Argentina, avoiding dependence on imports,” concludes Soria.
Florencia Menis Candela, the first author of the study, conducted this work as a doctoral fellow at CONICET in INBIAS.
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