Authorised medicinal product Aspecton® Oral Drops containing thyme extract KMTv24497 shows antiviral activity against viruses which cause respiratory infections

Abstract

The common cold is a respiratory disease often caused by viral pathogens, including a major group of human rhinoviruses (HRV). Currently, there is no specific antiviral approach available against these viruses. Another viral pathogen that causes respiratory diseases is the influenza virus (IV). Even though a few approved drugs are available for antiviral treatment against IV, these are prone to lose their effectiveness due to the rapid emergence of resistant virus variants. Therefore, new effective approaches characterised by a broad antiviral activity and wide availability would be very advantageous. In this study the authors aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of an authorised medicinal product (Aspecton® Oral Drops) containing a specific thyme extract (KMTv24497) against human rhinovirus serotype 1a (HRV1a), as well as against an influenza A virus isolate of the 2009 pandemic (H1N1pdm09) at non-toxic concentrations. To the best of the authors knowledge, they were able to demonstrate, for the first time, the in vitro antiviral activity of a thyme extract containing an authorised medicinal product in non-toxic concentrations against an HRV, as well as against an influenza A virus strain in cell culture. This study represents a first approach to prove a causal therapeutic effect in addition to the already described symptomatic effects for a thyme preparation. Patients with common cold infections may profit from the additional causal therapeutic effects of an expectorant.