Is Pepto-Bismol the next COVID 'cure'?
Procter & Gamble thinks so
Good Morning!
Pepto-Bismol may be the cure for COVID. The University of Louisville and Procter & Gamble (P&G) are currently recruiting for a clinical trial using Pepto-Bismol (oral bismuth subsalicylate, or BSS) as a potential antiviral to SARS-CoV-2.
Here’s What We Know
Pepto-Bismol was first sold in the United States as a remedy for infant diarrhea around 1900. Today it’s sold to treat symptoms of nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach and diarrhea.
Bismuth subsalicylate is a derivative of salicylic acid which gives it its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. (Salicylic acid is responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of aspirin.)
Although there isn’t much documented on the mechanism of action of BSS it has been shown to breakdown in the stomach into bismuth oxychloride and salicylic acid. This is then absorbed into the body to produce antibacterial effects. Concentrations of salicylic acid can be found in the blood after taking BSS.
From the Clinical Trial
Studies of COVID-19 Patients Treated With Oral Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) (SABER-C)
Researchers hope Pepto-Bismol, an easy-to-find over-the-counter medication, can help shorten the duration and reinfection of enteric bacterial and viral infections, which they say includes COVID-19.
Readily available over-the-counter (OTC) medication for symptomatic relief and appropriate oral hydration can be health saving measures of great convenience for those affected by enteric bacterial and viral infections.
The study description claims the breakdown of BSS into bismuth oxychloride, as discussed above, is effective at reducing NoV RNA levels in the body. In vitro, BSS inhibited replication of 4 strains of rotavirus in tissue cells and a reduction in several enteric viruses.
BSS has also exhibited significant inhibition on viral invasion of host cells and viral efficacy. Both BSS and bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl, which is formed in the stomach after ingestion of BSS) at low concentration (0.004-0.13mg/mL) significantly reduced NoV RNA levels, suggesting an in vivo antiviral mechanism.
BSS has also been shown to have antiviral activity since it inhibited replication of 4 strains of rotavirus in tissue culture cells and caused a dose-dependent reduction in the growth of several enteric viruses.
Very interesting. They are suggesting that Pepto-Bismol has some antiviral properties.
The study also explains there are unpublished internal industry data about BSS that points to its efficacy.
Although the safety and efficacy of BSS is well known, some of the research done with BSS resides within the industry and have not been published.
Before You Go and Buy Pepto-Bismol
This study is not independent — It’s being sponsored by the manufacturer, P&G.
It is still in the recruiting phase with an estimated completion date of August 31, 2023.
You’ll know it works when the media tells you it’s for horses. If anything it should be better than Remdesivir. Do you think Pepto-Bismol has a chance?
Thanks for reading everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment