Abalone, seaweed in Wando proven effective against COVID-19: research

Abalone, according to Korean researchers, has been confirmed effective in preventing COVID-19. Gettyimagesbank

By Ko Dong-hwan

A research paper found that abalone and certain seaweeds from South Jeolla Province are effective in preventing COVID-19 infection.

In the international academic journal, titled "Marine Drugs," the research paper, "Evaluation of Antiviral Effect against SARS-CoV-2 Propagation by Crude Polysaccharides from Seaweed and Abalone Viscera in Vitro" was published on April 23. It was jointly penned by researchers from Korea Zoonosis Research Institute under Jeonbuk National University in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, and Marine Biotechnology Research Center under Jeonnam Bioindustry Foundation in Wando County, South Jeolla Province.

The researchers evaluated crude polysaccharides extracted from two seaweed species and abalone viscera, all from Wando, for their inhibitory effect against the propagation of SARS-CoV-2, a strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19. According to the paper, they found that crude poly saccharides of "hizikia fusiforme," one of the two seaweed types, showed the strongest antiviral effect, followed by "sargassum horneri," the other seaweed and abalone viscera.

"These results show that these crude marine polysaccharides effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 propagation by interference with viral entry," the paper said.

Marine Drugs previously published a research paper by Korean researchers with a similar outcome in April 2021. Jointly submitted by Jeonnam Bioindustry Foundation, pharmaceutical firm Medical & Bio Decision, and Marine Bio Team from Wando County Government, the study examined sulfated fucoidan and crude polysaccharides extracted from six seaweed species and abalone viscera for their inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 virus entry.

Jeonnam Bioindustry Foundation said on May 2 their latest discovery will provide "critical leverage" to utilizing extracts from the marine species for ingredients in medicine to treat the disease that has claimed about 6.2 million lives and infected over 510 million people reported across almost 200 countries.

An official from the foundation said the foundation will carry out a non-clinical study using their latest research outcomes to develop a cure for the disease or a preventive medicine in the form of a nasal spray.

"The research has proven again the superiority of abalone and seaweed from Wando," said Kang Seong-woon, who represented the county governor Shin U-chul. "We will continue supporting research to contribute to developing the much-anticipated pharmaceutical products as well as increasing consumption of our abalone and seaweed to boost our local economy."

Feeding on seaweed and kelp under the sea, abalone has long been known in the country for its nutritious ingredients, including vitamins, iron, calcium and protein. Wando is well-known in the country for producing farmed abalone.

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