Norovirus prevention studies using oregano oil, citric acid show promise
By Devon Andre of belmarrahealth.com
Norovirus prevention may be possible with oregano oil and citric acid. Norovirus is highly contagious and often seen in school and cruise ship settings. It can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Although it often goes away on its own, effective preventative measures are yet to be put into place to ensure you don’t catch it.
Grant Hansman, head of CHS junior research group at the German Cancer Research Center and the University of Heidelberg, said, “It is therefore important to provide a safe and harmless disinfectant against human norovirus. However, it was only by chance that this discovery was made, like a lot of scientific research, but it turns out to be very interesting.”
Human norovirus does not grow in cell culture, so testing effective treatment and prevention methods can often be difficult in a lab setting. The researchers then tested the effects of increasing citric buffer on norovirus-like particles, which are quite similar to the real virus. The researchers found that the virus changes its shape after citric binding. The findings reveal that citrate can reduce the infectivity of norovirus. Dr. Hansman explained why citrate may be effective against norovirus, “Maybe a few drops of lemon juice on contaminated food or surfaces may prevent the transmission of these viruses.”
Further studies from Dr. Hansman will examine the effectiveness of citrate on reducing symptoms of norovirus.
