Several Bulgarian scientific organizations have joined forces to prove the efficacy of the stone lotus plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) in the treatment of influenza viruses and coronaviruses.
The research started in 2017, after Bulgarian Academy of Sciences researchers found out that the plant had a healing effect on conjunctivitis and herpes. They then decided to go further and study the healing properties of stone lotus against influenza viruses.
After the outbreak of the pandemic they focused specifically on researching the plant’s effect on human coronavirus, which is in the same family of RNA viruses as Covid-19. The effect was not as strong as for herpes and influenza viruses, but it was good enough - the activity suppressing viral replication was over 63%.
Currently, the project involves scientists from the Institutes of Organic Chemistry, Microbiology and General and Inorganic Chemistry of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and researchers from the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and the Agrobiological Institute of the Agricultural Academy.
More about the plant and the direction in which scientists are working - see the publication:
Compiled by: Gergana Mancheva
English: Elizabeth Radkova
Conservationists from Bulgaria Bird Walks are organising a birdwatching walk in Varna today to observe water fowl and forest birds. Two walks are planned in the Sea Garden at 9.00 and 13.00. There will be similar outings every month in the city, said..
The greater flamingo was considered an exotic species for Bulgaria, but for several years, entire colonies have chosen the lakes around Burgas as their residence. Currently, more than 450 flamingos inhabit the Burgas wetlands ...
Ruse now has the longest wooden pedestrian bridge in Bulgaria. The facility was opened at the end of 2024 in the Lipnik Forest Park. The bridge with a total length of 28 m is equipped with a glass railing and 7 glass windows, which..
From the first attempts to fly with homemade wings back in the 19th century, to the world's first combat flights with reconnaissance and bombing..
Dear friends, we are happy to announce that the Bulgarian National Radio’s QSL cards for 2025 are now available. The two series – one with 6 postcards..
Babinden, or Midwives' Day, was once again this year celebrated across the country with songs, dances and ritual re-enactments. The day of midwifery was..
Mostly Cloudy
Overcast, rain
Cloudy