Bean-Based Gum Offers New Approach to Combat Influenza and Herpes

In an era where infectious diseases can rapidly escalate into global crises, a promising breakthrough from the University of Pennsylvania offers new hope. A bean-based gum made from Lablab purpureus (lablab beans) has demonstrated powerful antiviral effects against influenza and herpes simplex viruses—potentially changing how we prevent and control these widespread diseases.

Bean-Based Gum Targets Influenza and Herpes at Point of Transmission

Seasonal influenza alone causes annual economic losses exceeding $11.2 billion in the U.S., while herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infects over two-thirds of the global population and remains the leading cause of infectious blindness in the Western world. Despite these staggering statistics, vaccination efforts remain suboptimal for flu, and no approved vaccine exists for herpes.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, in collaboration with Finnish scientists, have developed a novel strategy: using bean-based gum containing the FRIL protein—a naturally occurring antiviral compound—to reduce viral loads in the oral cavity, the key site of transmission for both viruses.

Bean-Based Gum- Lab Studies Show Over 95% Reduction in Viral Load

Led by Henry Daniell, W.D. Miller Professor, the team found that just 40 mg of the FRIL-containing gum could reduce HSV-1, HSV-2, H1N1, and H3N2 viral loads by more than 95%. This mirrors prior results seen in SARS-CoV-2 studies and suggests wide-ranging antiviral potential. Notably, the gum was developed as a clinical-grade drug product and met FDA specifications, confirming its safety for human use.

Implications Beyond Human Use: Tackling Bird Flu with Bean Powder

With over 54 million birds affected by H5N1 in recent months across North America and human infections rising, the researchers are also investigating the use of bean powder in bird feed to mitigate outbreaks in avian populations. Previous studies have shown this same bean-based formulation effectively neutralizes both H5N1 and H7N9, strains known to cross species barriers and pose risks to public health.

A New Era in Antiviral Innovation

“Controlling transmission of viruses continues to be a major global challenge,” says Daniell. “A broad-spectrum antiviral protein like FRIL, derived from a natural food product, offers a timely and innovative approach to neutralize both human and avian flu viruses and prevent their transmission.”

As the team advances toward human clinical trials, the potential of this bean-based gum to reduce oral viral load could mark a significant leap forward in infectious disease prevention—offering an accessible, natural, and cost-effective solution to some of the world’s most persistent viral threats.

For more information: Daniell, H., et al. (2024). Debulking influenza and herpes simplex virus strains by a wide-spectrum anti-viral protein formulated in clinical grade chewing gum. Molecular Therapy. doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.12.008.