Inhalation of natural products against lung infections

Most lung infections are viral (such as COVID-19) or bacterial in nature. Currently there are few treatment options for viral infections. Bacterial infections can be treated with available antibiotics but the development of resistance to these treatments is always a concern. Natural products, such as plants and fungi, contain a wealth of antiviral or antibacterial compounds just waiting to be discovered. However, not all of these active compounds retain their efficacy when administered as a tablet or capsule. In these cases, the inhalation of anti-infective drugs offers a promising alternative. Inhalers, like the ones used for asthma treatments, can deliver the drugs directly to the site of infection in the lung, sometimes at much higher concentrations. This can greatly improve the treatment success rate. In our project, we are testing whether newly discovered compounds from natural products, will benefit from an inhalation therapy option. The results of our study will contribute to expanding the treatment options for patients suffering from acute lung infections.

Lung infections can be caused by either viruses (such as COVID-19) or bacteria. Currently, there is only a limited selection of effective medications for viral lung infections. Natural products such as plants and fungi are often sources of multipotent active ingredients, although not all of these substances are effective when administered orally. Inhalation offers a promising approach for treating lung infections. Inhalers used in the treatment of asthma can also be used for infectious diseases. Ideally, inhaling anti-infectives leads to higher drug concentrations in the lungs, allowing for targeted treatment of the infection. In our project, we investigated novel active ingredients from nature and demonstrated that inhalation administration of these substances could offer therapeutic advantages. The results of this study contribute to expanding the therapeutic options for acute lung infections through the use of natural products.