Wild Healing

NATURAL REMEDY?

Extracts from two common wild plants inhibit the virus that causes COVID-19, found an Emory study. In laboratory tests, extracts from the flowers of tall goldenrod and the rhizomes of the eagle fern blocked SARS-CoV-2 from entering human cells. Researchers warn it would be ineffective and potentially dangerous for people to try to treat themselves with the plants. “We’re working to identify, isolate, and scale up the molecules from the extracts,” says Cassandra Quave, senior author and associate professor in Emory’s Department of Dermatology and Center for the Study of Human Health.