Researchers based in Taiwan's Kaohsiung Medial University have discovered that the roots of an ancient herbal medicine used to counteract the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918 could work effectively against today's swine flu virus.
The plant Ferula asafetida, dubbed as "Dung of the Devil" that grows primarily in Iran, Afghanistan and mainland China is said to have produce natural antiviral compounds that kill the influenza virus.
Fang-Rong Chang and Yang-Chan Wu, the leaders of the research team conducted an experiment with the plant's extracts. The experiment later revealed that the plant is more effective in killing the H1N1 virus than a prescription antiviral drug.
According to medical experts, the "Dung of the Devil," a Chinese folk medicine, contains more than 230 natural healing compounds.
LiveScience.com reports.
Email this
Share on Facebook
30,000 drones in American skies, civil liberties in jeopardy
Listen
Print
Social Comments ()
Digital Journal Comments (1)
