Can Chewing Gum Stop the Spread of Flu, Covid, Herpes, Bird-Flu or Even... Ebola?



What about Bird Flu, Measles or even Ebola?! Imagine another pandemic where everyone refuses to wear a mask or agree to get injected with a fast-tracked vaccine for another novel virus? 

What if you have the flu and like a lot of people these days despite how miserable you are you still must go to work or you literally can't feed your family or pay your electric bill that week! Or consider this scenario, you have Covid and also have an infection in a tooth; the pain is disabling so a trip to the dentist to have that tooth pulled is non-negotiable. Or... like millions of people, you believe that wearing a mask will not reduce the spread of infection. What do you do? In the global battle against infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance, scientists may have stumbled upon a surprising solution: chewing gum. 

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine, in collaboration with Finnish scientists, have developed an antiviral chewing gum that significantly reduces the viral load in your mouth, potentially revolutionizing how we easily might fight the spread of infections.

Could chewing gum help stop the next pandemic? In this series of ground breaking studies these innovative scientists used a bean (the Lablab bean) that naturally contains and anti-viral antiviral trap protein (FRIL) to neutralize multiple strains of flu and herpes viruses. Further experiments found the bean extract was also effective against bird flu.

In today's connected world where viruses like Ebola could be a single plane ride away from another pandemic. And, with many people these days not trusting vaccines or believing that wearing a mask could stop the spread of infection, what if simply chewing some gum could quickly get everyone quickly back to work and the kids back in school?

From COVID-19 to Influenza and Herpes: A Broad-Spectrum Approach

The journey began with efforts to curb SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. In earlier studies, a chewing gum infused with the ACE2 protein was shown to neutralize over 95% of SARS-CoV-2 particles in saliva. Building on this success, the research team explored the gum's efficacy against other common viruses transmitted through the mouth, such as influenza and herpes simplex virus (HSV). 

The key ingredient in the follow up studies is a protein called Flt3 Receptor Interacting Lectin (FRIL), naturally found in lablab beans (Lablab purpureus). FRIL has a knack for binding to and neutralizing viral particles. In laboratory simulations, it was demonstrated that over half of the active FRIL was released within 15 minutes of chewing. Remarkably, just 40 milligrams of FRIL could reduce viral loads by more than 95%. 

Implications for Dentistry and Beyond

The applications of this antiviral gum extend beyond personal health. In dental settings, where close contact and exposure to saliva are routine, providing patients with such a gum could also serve as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of transmitting infections. This approach not only safeguards dental professionals but also minimizes the potential spread among patients.

Looking Ahead: A Chewy Defense Against Future Outbreaks

While the concept might seem unconventional, the simplicity and effectiveness of antiviral chewing gum present a promising addition to our arsenal against infectious diseases. Its ease of use, combined with the ability to target multiple pathogens, positions it as a potential game-changer in public health strategies particularly in the U.S. where many are against vaccines and infectious disease tracking and reporting have been greatly reduced by the current administration.​

As research progresses, this chewy innovation might soon find its way into our daily routines, offering a flavorful and functional defense against the microscopic invaders that challenge our well-being.

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