Influenza and Herpes are two diseases that cause global health challenges and impact the economy. Finding ways of minimizing their impact has been challenging for scientists. However, new research has led to the development of a type of chewing gum that could help to reduce the transmission of these diseases.

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Viral diseases continue to contribute towards global health challenges. These diseases tend to cause significant work absences and consequences for the economy.

Conditions like Influenza and Herpes are two such viral diseases, with both highly contagious. However, new research has led to the development of a new chewing gum that could help to reduce the transmission of these diseases [1].

This is an exciting development and could result in less cases of these diseases. Therefore, this would have a positive effect on the global economy and lessen the harmful effects of these conditions.

Background

The research involved looking at influenza and herpes. These are two contagious diseases that impact many people around the world.

Influenza is an infection caused by influenza viruses [2]. The disease spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and aches [2].

A vaccination for influenza is available. However, vaccines aren’t always easily accessible and they generally need to be taken every year.

Herpes Simplex virus is an infection that results in painful blisters or ulcers [3]. There are two types of Herpes Simplex virus. One is spread through oral or skin-to-skin contact, and the other is spread through sexual contact [3].

The condition is the leading cause of infectious blindness in western countries [4]. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for herpes. While the condition can be treated through medication, it is not curable.

As mentioned, these conditions are easily transmissible and impact many people. Therefore, scientists have been trying to develop new approaches towards treating these diseases.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of researchers from Penn Dental Medicine. Their findings have been published in the Molecular Therapy journal [1].

As mentioned, scientists have been looking for a new approach to tackle these conditions. The research team were aiming to reduce viral loads at the areas where transmission occurs [1].

The researchers were able to develop a gum that could tackle this issue. The gum took a while to develop, but appears to have excellent potential.

The researchers used lablab beans – which are high-protein beans found in sub-Saharan Africa. These beans naturally contain an antiviral trap protein named Flt3 Receptor Interacting Lectin (FRIL) [1].

The researchers prepared clinical grade chewing gum to comply with FDA specifications. Therefore, they were able to demonstrate the safety of the gum [1].

A bioburden test was carried out to determine the efficacy of the gum. This produced positive results, with no aerobic bacteria, yeast or mold discovered [1].

Then, the researchers carried out an experiment using a mechanical mouth. The mouth chewed the gum for 15 minutes. In this time, more than 50% of the FRIL proteins it contained were released [1].

The researchers then collected the simulated saliva, and subsequently tested how well the liquid was able to neutralize the viruses [1].

The results were very impressive. Overall, the gum was able to neutralize influenza and herpes simplex viruses [1].

The gum was able to reduce viral loads by more than 95% [1]! Moreover, antiviral efficacy was maintained up to a total of 823 days when the gum was stored at room temperature [1].

These results were very strong. Reducing these viral loads can reduce transmission rates. Additionally, the gum has strong longevity, as evidenced by its antiviral efficacy [1].

Summary

Overall, the results were very positive. Reducing transmission rates could have a very positive long-term impact, both on healthcare and the wider economy.

The researchers pointed out that seasonal influenza epidemics cause a significant disease burden and economic losses that exceed $12 billion annually in the United States alone [1].

Therefore, the gum can lessen this burden and economic loss. It can also reduce the impact of these conditions on hospitals whilst promoting economic growth.

In terms of future research directions, the research team have looked into using a similar gum to try and treat Bird Flu, which is impacting the US significantly.

Researcher Henry Daniell commented on this. He said that an “antiviral protein (FRIL) present in a natural food product (bean powder) to neutralize not only human flu viruses but also avian (bird) flu is a timely innovation to prevent their infection and transmission” [4].

Overall, this is a very positive development. Something as simple as a piece of gum can have a big impact, with the researchers hoping that their work could help the world in multiple ways.

Thinking points…

[1] This special gum is very impressive! Did you know that chewing sugar-free gum can actually help your oral health? It helps to neutralize plaque acids whilst stimulating salivary flow. Something that is even better for your oral health is attending regular dental check-ups, as these allow a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health and provide advice. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!

[2] Sometimes it is impossible to avoid catching diseases. However, something that we can all do is to practice excellent oral hygiene. By doing so, you automatically lessen the chances of catching a disease. Remember to brush your teeth frequently, keep foreign objects out of your mouth, and remain fit and healthy. It will not only boost your chances of avoiding these diseases, but also aid your overall health.

What we offer at Taradale Dental

Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.

We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!

References

[1] Daniell, H., Guo, Y., Singh, R., et al. (2025). Debulking influenza and herpes simplex virus strains by a wide-spectrum anti-viral protein formulated in clinical grade chewing gum. Molecular Therapy. 33 (1): p184-200. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.12.008.

[2] World Health Organization. (2025). Influenza (seasonal). Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal). Last accessed: 11th April 2025.

[3] World Health Organization. (2025). Herpes simplex virus. Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus. Last accessed: 11th April 2025.

[4] Penn Dental Medicine. (2025). Penn Dental Medicine Study Shows Gum Containing Antiviral Protein Reduces Flu, Herpes Transmission. Available: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/penn-dental-medicine-study-shows-gum-containing-antiviral-protein-reduces-flu-herpes-transmission-302418747.html. Last accessed: 11th April 2025.