Sweet Relief: Chocolate Compound Offers New Hope in Flu Fight

Researchers have discovered an experimental flu-fighting drug combination that includes theobromine, a compound found in chocolate. This new combination, reported in PNAS, outperforms current treatments like Tamiflu, targeting ion pathways crucial for virus survival. This breakthrough may influence future antiviral strategies, especially against deadly flu strains.

An experimental drug combination that includes theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, has shown greater efficacy against flu viruses than commonly used treatments like Tamiflu, researchers report in PNAS.

In both test tubes and animal experiments, the blend of theobromine and arainosine proved more effective against even the most lethal flu strains, including bird and swine flu. Theobromine, a natural stimulant from cacao plants, works synergistically with synthetic arainosine to disrupt viral ion pathways, hindering virus survival.

Researchers suggest this innovative approach may pave the way for more resilient antiviral strategies, potentially aiding in future pandemic preparedness. The study highlights the potential of targeting static viral features over frequently mutating proteins.

(With inputs from agencies.)