Iota-carrageenan

Iota-carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from red seaweeds of the Rhodophyceae family. It is primarily used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in foods but has also been developed as an antiviral agent for medical use. Iota-carrageenan exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against several respiratory viruses, including human rhinoviruses and influenza viruses, as well as herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), dengue virus, papilloma virus, and HIV[1][6]. Its mechanism of action is physical rather than biochemical; it binds directly to viral particles through electrostatic interactions due to its highly negative charge. This binding prevents the attachment and entry of viruses into host cells by forming a physical barrier on mucosal surfaces[1][5][6]. Clinical studies have shown that intranasal administration of iota-carrageenan can reduce symptoms and viral load in patients with early symptoms of the common cold[3][4]. The drug is considered safe with no significant adverse effects attributed to its use[5].

Brand names

CarrageloseColdamarisBisolviralBetadine AntiviralAlgovirBoot's Dual Defence

Other names

carrageenanE407E-407E 407iota carrageenan