Article at a Glance
- A study published in Scientific Reports found that extracts made from the leaves of the Copaifera lucens tree possess significant antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome.
- The active compound in copaifera leaves is known as galloylquinic acid, which has also been studied for cancer, fungal infections, and HIV.
- Galloylquinic acid works on multiple levels to disrupt the virus, unlike other antiviral compounds, by blocking the virus from entering cells, impeding the replication process, and curbing the production of viral proteins.
- Nicole's Apothecary Winter Defense Bundle is a readily available antiviral alternative that contains powerful herbal medicines to address severe acute respiratory syndrome and other contagious illnesses, available at NicolesApothecary.com
Researchers Have Discovered a New Natural Antiviral for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
With the contagious illness season in full swing for autumn, variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome can present with a painful (stabbing) sore throat, significant fatigue, congestion, and mild cough. Gastrointestinal symptoms are also seeing an uptick, although these tend to be less common. The risk of long-haul syndrome remains high. But a discovery in Brazil's Atlantic Forest has researchers hopeful. A little-known tree by the name of Copaifera lucens, also called Copaíba-vermelha, may hold the key to stopping the virus in its tracks. Here's why.
How Galloylquinic Acid Defeats SARS Infections
High in compounds known as galloylquinic acids, extracts made from the leaves of Copaifera lucens disrupt the virus in multiple ways, providing a promisingly effective antiviral where other pharmaceuticals have fallen short. The research was led by Jairo Kenupp Bastos from the Ribeirão Preto School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), with the findings published in the journal Scientific Reports.[ 1 ][ 2 ]
While these compounds are not unknown in scientific circles, this is the first time researchers have documented their specific action against the SARS virus. Previously, science has found galloylquinic acids to be effective as against fungus, cancer, and HIV-1 in laboratory tests. These acids also tend to have lower toxicity compared to other substances.
For the experiment against the severe acute respiratory virus, the team prepared an extract from copaifera leaves due to their high levels of galloylquinic acids. Next, they evaluated the safety of these compounds on cells by utilizing cytotoxicity tests. Then, a plaque reduction assay was employed to establish how effectively galloylquinic acids neutralized the virus particles. The results showed significant activity against the SARS virus.
What's so promising about galloylquinic acid is that it works on multiple levels to disrupt the virus, unlike other antiviral compounds, by blocking the virus from entering cells, impeding the replication process, and curbing the production of viral proteins. The compounds also have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties — two key areas that help to prevent the development and damage of severe disease.
"An important aspect revealed by this information is the multi-target mechanism of the compound, which reduces the likelihood of resistance developing. This is because many current antivirals act on only one viral protein, which promotes this effect," says Bastos.[ 2 ]
Needless to say, the findings are promising. But the team is quick to point out that additional research is needed before the compound is available as a treatment. This includes animal studies and human clinical trials.
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The Takeaway
Galloylquinic acid is a promising natural antiviral for severe acute respiratory syndrome that does not pose the toxic side effects compared to other antivirals. Moreover, these compounds have been shown to exhibit immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory properties — an important consideration in helping to prevent the dangerous progression of disease. Galloylquinic acid also shows potential for addressing the symptoms of long-haul syndrome, cancer, fungal infections, and HIV. While a commercially available galloylquinic acid extract may be years away, there are plenty of effective, time-tested herbal antivirals available today. See Nicole's Apothecary Winter Defense Bundle, available at NicolesApothecary.com.
Nicole Apelian
Actions Steps & FAQs
Action Steps
- Become familiar with the current SARS variant symptoms: painful (stabbing) sore throat, significant fatigue, congestion, and mild cough.
- If unsure whether you are dealing with a standard cold/flu or a SARS infection, testing is recommended.
- Make sure to get plenty of rest and fluids, while staying home to avoid spreading the illness.
- Utilize antiviral and symptom-reducing herbal remedies such as usnea, elderberry, yarrow, yerba santa, mullein, and lungwort lichen, which are found in Nicole’s Apothecary Winter Defense Bundle, available at NicolesApothecary.com.
- Know when to see a doctor. If persistent high fever or symptoms become worse after several days or you develop trouble breathing, consult with your healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.
FAQ
How does galloylquinic acid impact the SARS virus?
It works on multiple levels to disrupt the virus by blocking the virus from entering cells, impeding the replication process, and curbing the production of viral proteins.
Is elderberry helpful for severe acute respiratory syndrome?
A study published in the medical journal Autoimmunity Reviews notes that “the use of elderberry supplements should be considered at an early course of the [severe respiratory] disease”.
What herbal remedies are helpful for seasonal illness?
Usnea, elderberry, yarrow, yerba santa, mullein, and lungwort lichen possess antiviral, antibacterial, fever-reducing, and congestion- clearing properties, which may help ease symptoms and shorten illness duration. See Nicole’s Apothecary Winter Defense Bundle.
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References
- El-Morsi, R.M., Al-Madboly, L.A., Bastos, J.K. et al. Bioactive galloylquinic acids from Copaifera lucens as dual inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Spike and RdRp proteins. Sci Rep 16, 4521 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-25217-8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-25217-8
- Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo. "Scientists find natural compounds that hit COVID-19 from every angle." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 May 2026. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260506225217.htm
