Ingredients of isla^®​ medic acting as physical barrier for the prevention and treatment of the rhinovirus infection

Introduction Common cold is the world’s most common respiratory disease, caused mainly by rhinoviruses. To date, there are hardly any treatment options or prophylaxis for rhinovirus infections.

Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of a hydrogel complex, based on polymers and an aqueous extract of Icelandic moss in isla^®​ medic lozenges for the prevention and treatment of rhinovirus infections.

Method Rheological measurements were performed to investigate the viscosity of artificial saliva. Cell culture inserts were used to evaluate the permeability of RV-14 viruses across the hydrogel complex. Plaque assays for testing protective and curative effects were performed using H1-HeLa cells and RV-14 viruses.

Results The polymeric components of isla^®​ medic (Icelandic moss extract, sodium hyaluronate, xanthan gum, and carbomer) cause an increase in viscosity and thus a thickening of the artificial saliva. Thickened saliva forms a physical barrier that almost completely prevents penetration of RV-14 across this hydrogel complex. Artificial saliva thickened with isla^®​ medic significantly prevented the formation of infection-related virus plaques in H1-HeLa cells. H1-HeLa cells infected with RV-14 and subsequently covered with isla^®​ medic incorporated in the overlay medium of the plaque assay showed a significantly reduced viral plaque formation [1].

Conclusion The physical effects of isla^®​ medic as a polymer based hydrogel described in this study could contribute to the prevention and treatment of rhinovirus infections.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 June 2022

• References

• 1 Sittek LM. et al. Appl Sci 2020; 10: 6511