An Overview of Conventional and Black Cumin Seeds (Nigella sativa) Therapy in the Management of Nipah Viral Infection.

The recent outbreaks of Nipah viral infection were associated with severe respiratory illness, lethal encephalitis, and an extremely high mortality rate. As there are no approved antiviral medications, patients with NiV infections are currently treated with repurposed or investigational antivirals and supportive care. This review examines the potential health benefits of N. sativa in the treatment of NiV infection. To identify relevant studies, the literature was searched in online databases like Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and reference lists. Through its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, immunomodulatory, bronchodilatory, and other properties, a number of studies have demonstrated that N. sativa is effective against a variety of viral infections, inflammatory conditions, neurological and respiratory illnesses, and other conditions. As a result, in the treatment of NiV-infected patients, N. sativa could be added as an adjuvant treatment alongside repurposed or investigational antivirals and supportive care. The efficacy of N. sativa in the treatment of NiV infection will be determined by the results of upcoming randomized controlled clinical trials.

Griffithsin Inhibits Nipah Virus Entry and Fusion and Can Protect Syrian Golden Hamsters From Lethal Nipah Virus Challenge.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus that causes fatal encephalitis and respiratory disease in humans. There is currently no approved therapeutic for human use against NiV infection. Griffithsin (GRFT) is high-mannose oligosaccharide binding lectin that has shown in vivo broad-spectrum activity against viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, human immunodeficiency virus 1, hepatitis C virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antiviral activities of GRFT and its synthetic trimeric tandemer (3mG) against NiV and other viruses from 4 virus families. The 3mG had comparatively greater potency than GRFT against NiV due to its enhanced ability to block NiV glycoprotein-induced syncytia formation. Our initial in vivo prophylactic evaluation of an oxidation-resistant GRFT (Q-GRFT) showed significant protection against lethal NiV challenge in Syrian golden hamsters. Our results warrant further development of Q-GRFT and 3mG as potential NiV therapeutics.