As the entire planet tries to contain the further spread of the COVID-19 virus and its numerous variants, a recent study revealed that over-the-counter throat lozenges may actually be effective against the disease. We know that an over-the-counter throat lozenge can relieve a sore throat and can help manage a pesky cold or cough. But can they take the wind out of the sails of the dreaded COVID-19 virus?
Researchers at the Microbiology and Immunology Institute of the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia found that throat lozenges containing a combination of Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BH) and Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) may have a virucidal effect against Covid-19 and help reduce the risk of viral transmission.
Virus-killing Action Against SARS-CoV-2
The preliminary findings, based on testing in a defined and controlled laboratory environment designed to mimic the conditions of the oral cavity, found that all three test settings showed strong virucidal (virus killing) activity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 infection.
In fact, the throat lozenge test products in a high concentration were the fastest at destroying the virus, reducing the viral concentration by 99.99% in as fast as one (01) minute. This also suggests the possibility of reducing the amount of virus in the oral cavity as well as reducing the risk of viral transmission.
Encouraging Step in Fight Against COVID-19
Please do take note that the study mentioned above is yet to be peer-reviewed, with economic activities opening up and the country on Alert Level 1, these results are extremely encouraging and a positive step in finding ways to manage the spread of COVID-19; especially through a simple and effective method such as using widely available medicated sore throat lozenges.
Getting Vaccinated with a Booster shot, and the observance of standard health protocols such as proper handwashing, physical distancing and mask-wearing are the current mainstays for the reduction of virus spread. However, Benzydamine HCl and Cetylpyridinium Cl containing throat lozenges could prove to be another valuable tool.
“The throat is the major site of replication in the early stages (of COVID-19), the use of these topical agents (lozenges) would damage and destroy the lipid envelope of the virus and has a potential to reduce the viral load,” according to Dr. Anthony Leachon, MD an independent health reform advocate and former National Task Force (NTF) Adviser to COVID-19 during a media roundtable last 16 March 2022 entitled “Throat Health Conversations Under Alert Level 1.”