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Antiviral potential: Can BHT really resist viruses? What secrets does the scientific research report reveal?
Recently, research on a compound called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) has sparked widespread discussion. This substance is mainly used as an antioxidant in food and industry, but in recent years some scientists have suggested that it may have antiviral properties. However, to date, the use of BHT as a medicine is not supported by the scientific literature and is not approved by any drug regulatory agency.
BHT is believed to be useful in reducing the risk of viral infection, however there is still controversy in the scientific community.
What is BHT?
Butylated hydroxytoluene is a fat-soluble organic compound, chemically a derivative of phenol. Its main purpose is to prevent free radical-mediated oxidation reactions and it is widely used in fluids such as fuels, oils and other materials. According to the US FDA, small amounts of BHT can be added to food, and it is officially recognized as a "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) additive.
Natural sources and industrial production of BHT
BHT is not completely artificial, it can also be obtained from nature. For example, BHT can be detected in certain phytoplankton and the outer peel of lychee. Industrially, BHT is mainly produced by the chemical reaction of p-methylphenol and isobutylene, a process that requires sulfuric acid as a catalyst.
Antioxidant Effects of BHT
BHT's mechanism of action is primarily as a synthetic analog of vitamin E. It terminates the auto-oxidation reaction by donating hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals. This means that BHT can effectively inhibit the reaction of those unsaturated organic compounds with oxygen.
BHT consumes two peroxyl radicals and converts them into more stable hydroperoxides.
BHT Use and Health Effects
BHT is used in a variety of products, including metalworking fluids, cosmetics, medicines, rubber, etc. In the food industry, it is mainly used as a preservative. In 1986, the World Health Organization explored the relationship between BHT and cancer risk, and different research reports presented conflicting views. Although some studies suggest that BHT may have antiviral potential, these reports have not led to a generally accepted view.
Potential antiviral activity of BHT Although some studies have reported that BHT has an inhibitory effect on a variety of viruses, current scientific literature does not provide comprehensive support for BHT as an antiviral drug. Some studies have shown that BHT may inactivate viruses by disrupting the viral membrane. Most of these studies have focused on specific virus types, such as pseudorabies and Newcastle disease. BHT has also been used to fight certain viral infections in animal experiments, but its effectiveness in humans remains uncertain.While preliminary research suggests BHT may have antiviral benefits, there is no scientific consensus.
Future Research Directions
The current findings suggest that BHT should not be considered a generally effective antiviral drug. Most experts recommend further in-depth research to understand its mechanism and possible therapeutic effects. In this current field, the scientific community is still exploring more effective and safe antiviral therapies. Whether BHT can occupy a place in the future remains to be confirmed by further research.
In the face of ever-changing diseases and epidemics, how should we evaluate and select potential antiviral therapies?
