S. Korean scientists identify traditional remedy for H1N1 flu

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists have identified a substance
commonly used in traditional Oriental medicine that can destroy the Type-A H1N1
flu virus responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide last year, a local
research institute said Monday.

The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM) said the team led by Ma Jin-yeul,
head of KIOM's Oriental medicine convergence research center, extracted the
material from "common" natural substances widely used in traditional remedies.
The drug, known by its scientific name KIOM-C, was given to mice infected with
the Type-A flu virus, all traces of which vanished from the lungs of the test
animals after nine days of treatment. Animals that received other drugs during
the tests died.
"Laboratory tests conducted at the local company BioLeaders Corp. showed the
potent anti-viral qualities of the drug made from a substance found in Oriental
medicine," Ma said without going into details on the materials used in the drug.
Ma claimed the latest development could open new horizons for applying
traditional medicine to combat viruses like H1N1.
BioLeaders operates a hightech, internationally recognized Bio Safety Level-3
laboratory.
KIOM, meanwhile, said because the drug is made from "all natural" substances it
did not carry the negative side effects, including rapid weight loss and nausea,
usually associated with such antiviral drugs as Tamiflu. The drug can also be
administered orally making it easier for patients to take the medication.
It said a local patent has been secured in November with protection being
requested under the international Patent Cooperation Treaty.
The institute said because the new substance has shown it can kill off viruses,
it will conduct more research to find other medicinal uses in the future.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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