Could a Compound in Chocolate Stop Influenza in its Tracks? Researchers Say Yes.

This Unexpected Duo Could Transform Antiviral Medicine

As we enter into the flu season, a new study has found a surprising new ally in the fight against viral illness: theobromine — a compound found in chocolate. The researchers discovered that when it is combined with arainosine, the duo dramatically outperformed Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) — even against drug-resistant strains. The team believes this combination can also be applied to other viruses and may help us to prepare for future pandemics by targeting a key viral weakness.¹ It’s an exciting area of study that holds promise in revolutionizing how we approach viral illness.

Global Impact

Every year, we see the flu sweep across the world with often unpredictable mutations that make it challenging to develop effective preventative strategies and treatments. In the United States alone, seasonal influenza costs are estimated at $87 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity. Globally, influenza pandemics — such as the 2009 swine flu — had even greater costs, with future pandemics estimated to incur $4.4 trillion. Severe infections are seen in 3 to 5 million worldwide, which leads to 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually.^3,4

It is important to note that current treatments (like Tamiflu) are becoming less effective as viruses adapt. This is an ongoing issue as most drugs target the viral protein, which mutates and changes, rendering these treatments less effective over time. But the combination of theobromine and arainosine uses a different approach altogether, sidestepping the issue of an ever-changing viral landscape.

A New Strategy on the Horizon

Published in the journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences), researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a novel therapy that targets the M2 ion channel of the influenza virus — a microscopic gate the virus uses to replicate and spread.^1,2 Once the gate is blocked, the virus isn’t able to survive. The team put a combination of theobromine and arainosine to the test against a wide range of influenza viruses — including drug-resistant, hard-to-treat strains.

Previous efforts to block the M2 channel have failed due to drug resistance, but the theobromine and arainosine duo avoided this issue and was effective against all flu strains in both cell cultures and animal trials. The next step includes human clinical trials. The compound shows potential in not only producing a better flu treatment, but also a highly effective method to fight the full spectrum of viral disease altogether — such as coronaviruses and others that also rely on ion channels to replicate and survive.

“We’re not just offering a better flu drug, we’re introducing a new way to target viruses — one that may help us prepare for future pandemics,” said study co-author Isaiah Arkin.⁵

All-Natural Influenza Defense

While the research into theobromine and arainosine is promising, it will take at least several years before a drug is developed for widespread use — and only if the human clinical trials demonstrate the same positive results. Thankfully, time-tested, evidence-based herbal remedies are available now.

Our Travel Pack is designed to help you stay healthy and protected — especially during the cold and influenza season. It includes three of my favorite herbal essentials: All-Purpose Salve, Elderberry, and Usnea.

The All-Purpose Salve contains herbs known for their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties — I apply it to the inside of the nose to help prevent contagious illness. Next is our concentrated, no sugar-added Elderberry extract. It supports immunity and respiratory health, while also calming inflammation — making it an outstanding remedy that can be used by those with an autoimmune condition. Rounding out the trio, Usnea is my number one, go-to herb for staying healthy while traveling or in crowds. Known for its potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities, it can be sprayed on the back of the throat to help prevent illness. Together, these powerful herbal medicines offer natural protection and healing support when it matters the most.

THESE PRODUCTS HAVE KEPT ME HEALTHY
“I am a Registered Nurse and have been using a wide variety of products from Nicole’s Survive and Thrive Apothecary for over 5 years and am a firm believer in the quality and efficacy of the products she makes available. I utilize her Travel Pack in my daily life and supplement those with additional products including the Lemon Balm, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane tinctures, as well as her Joint Salve as needed. For years now, I believe her products have been directly responsible for me staying healthy.” -Rocky H.

Don’t wait for symptoms to strike — stop by my apothecary and stock up on this trusted herbal trio today!

Nicole Apelian

Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post

References

1. “New Drug Combo Outperforms Tamiflu in Fighting Flu”, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, August 4, 2025.  https://international.huji.ac.il/news/new-drug-combo-outperforms-tamiflu-fighting-flu
2. Lahiri, Hiya et al. “A bacteria-based search for drugs against avian and swine flu yields a potent and resistance-resilient channel blocker.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America vol. 122,31 (2025): e2502240122. doi:10.1073/pnas.2502240122
3. Maurel, Marine et al. “Interim 2023/24 influenza A vaccine effectiveness: VEBIS European primary care and hospital multicentre studies, September 2023 to January 2024.” Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin vol. 29,8 (2024): 2400089. doi:10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.8.2400089
4. Iuliano, A Danielle et al. “Estimates of global seasonal influenza-associated respiratory mortality: a modelling study.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 391,10127 (2018): 1285-1300. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)33293-2
5. “Common chocolate ingredient could be potent flu treatment, scientists find” by Vishwam Sankaran, Independent | Science, August 8, 2025. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/chocolate-ingredient-flu-treatment-theobromine-b2804289.html