Ginseng berry, green tea effective against respiratory virus: AmorePacific

AmorePacific researchers find Ginseng berry extract is effective for strengthening the immune system. / Courtesy of AmorePacific

By Baek Byung-yeul

As the infectious COVID-19 is sweeping through the world with the World Health Organization declaring the coronavirus a pandemic, extracts from ginseng berry and green tea have been gaining attention as the ingredients help people improve their immunity level, according to AmorePacific, Thursday.

In joint research the cosmetics company's conducted with Jeonbuk National University, they found the extract of ginseng berry to be effective for preventing or inhibiting an influenza infection.

Green tea farm / Courtesy of AmorePacific

The ginseng berry polysaccharides exhibit an inhibitory effect on influenza virus activity or infection.

The company also conducted another research project with a Kyonggi University research team and found that the ginseng berry extract has efficacy in preventing lung cancer. The extract also helps improve overall immunity levels.

“With the series of research projects, experts recommend ginseng berry extract because ingredients in the extract help boost the immune system, which is useful to prepare for the changing seasons,” the company said.

AmorePacific said green tea is also considered a super food that strengthens people's immune system because green tea extract contains catechin ― a type of phenolic compound and natural antioxidant ― that contains antiviral components.

“Green tea catechins are reported to prevent influenza infection as they provide various health benefits against different diseases,” the company said.

Experts said strengthening the immune system is important for people to protect themselves from the spread of the coronavirus. They added that people with a healthy immune system are far less at risk of virus infection.