Posted 9:44 AM by Blah blah

Licorice Root: Possible SARS Drug. Is SARS Dying Down? (Health)

Drug hope for Sars victims (BBC):

"Researchers in Germany have identified an existing anti-viral drug which might be used to treat Sars - the respiratory disease that has killed nearly 800 people worldwide....scientists from the Frankfurt Medical School say tests show a drug called Glycyrrhizin is effective against the virus suspected of causing Sars.

There are indications that the Sars epidemic, which has infected more than 8,000 people around the world, could be over without the need for drugs.

The World Health Organization says the Sars epidemic may be nearing its end, with a decline in the number of new cases appearing each day.

China - the country hardest hit by the virus - reported no new cases or deaths from Sars on Friday, the 19th consecutive day that the nation has recorded fewer than 10 new cases.

On Thursday, David Heymann, the WHO's chief infectious disease expert, said China's anti-Sars measures were now 'excellent.' "

Sars epidemic 'tailing off' (BBC):

"The Sars epidemic which has infected more than 8,000 people around the world may be nearing its end, according to the head of the World Health Organization."
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Fascinating: "Glycyrrhizin is extracted from licorice root. It is used to sweeten and flavor many foods and pharmaceutical preparations....The plant has been used for thousands of years for sweetening, flavoring, and for treatment of a variety of health problems." Also: It "is reported to have benefits in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Some studies suggest that glycyrrhizin may have anti-HIV properties and may enhance the production of natural killer cells and interferon."