Researchers at University of Nottingham in the UK have identified a plant-based antiviral drug, thapsigargin, which is highly effective against the novel coronavirus, PTI reported.

The researchers found that the plant-derived antiviral triggers a highly effective ‘broad-spectrum host-centred’ antiviral immune response against three major types of human respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.

According to the study, published in the journal Viruses, an antiviral of this type could potentially help control active infection and its spread.

According to the researchers, what makes thapsigargin a promising antiviral is that it is effective against viral infection both when used before or during active infection. The drug can also prevent a virus from making new copies of itself in cells for at least 48 hours after a single 30-minute exposure.

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The researchers noted that thapsigargin is stable in acidic pH, as found in the stomach, and therefore can be taken orally.

Because of this, the drug could be administered without the need for injections or hospital admission.

“Whilst we are still at the early stages of research into this antiviral and its impact on how viruses such as COVID-19 can be treated, these findings are hugely significant,” said Professor Kin-Chow Chang from the University of Nottingham, as per PTI reports.

“Given that future pandemics are likely to be of animal origin, where animal to human (zoonotic) and reverse zoonotic (human to animal) spread take place, a new generation of antivirals, such as thapsigargin, could play a key role in the control and treatment of important viral infections in both humans and animals,” Chang added.