Edible bird's nest extract inhibits influenza virus infection

Antiviral Res. 2006 Jul;70(3):140-6. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2006.02.005. Epub 2006 Mar 3.

Abstract

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is the nest of the swift that is made from its saliva. Although EBN has been widely used for enhancing immunocompetence, its antiviral efficacy has not been studied in detail. We found that EBN extract could strongly inhibit infection with influenza viruses in a host range-independent manner when it was hydrolyzed with Pancreatin F. Western blotting assay showed that the EBN extract bound to influenza virus. Furthermore, EBN extract could neutralize the infection of MDCK cells with influenza viruses and inhibit hemagglutination of influenza viruses to erythrocytes, but it could not inhibit the activity of influenza virus sialidase. Fluorometric HPLC indicated that the major molecular species of sialic acid in EBN is N-acetylneuraminic acid. The results suggest that EBN is a safe and valid natural source for the prevention of influenza viruses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Birds*
  • Cell Line
  • Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / classification
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects*
  • Influenza A virus / metabolism
  • Influenza A virus / pathogenicity
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / chemistry
  • Neuraminidase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Saliva / chemistry*
  • Saliva / metabolism

Substances

  • Neuraminidase
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid