In Vitro Antiviral Evaluations of Coldmix(R): An Essential Oil Blend against SARS-CoV-2

Coldmix(R) is a commercially available Eucalyptus aetheroleum and, Abies aetheroleum blend for medicinal applications. In this present study, the in vitro antiviral potential of Coldmix(R), and its major constituents 1,8-cineole and alpha-pinene were evaluated by using the in vitro ACE2 enzyme inhibition assay as well as the direct contact test against SARS-CoV-2. The observed ACE2 enzyme inhibitory activity of Coldmix(R), 1,8-cineole, and alpha-pinene were 72%, 88%, and 80%, respectively; whereas in the direct contact test in the vapor phase, the destruction of the virus was 79.9% within 5 min and 93.2% in the 30th min, respectively. In a similar Coldmix(R) vapor phase setup using the in vitro cytotoxicity cell assay, E6 VERO healthy cells were experimentally not affected by toxicity. According to the promising initial antiviral results of Coldmix(R) and the individually tested constituents, detailed further in vivo evaluation using different virus classes is suggested.

Automated summary

The antiviral potential of Coldmix(R) and its major constituents 1,8-cineole and alpha-pinene was evaluated in vitro. Coldmix(R), 1,8-cineole, and alpha-pinene showed ACE2 enzyme inhibitory activity of 72%, 88%, and 80% respectively. In the direct contact test, the virus was destroyed by 79.9% within 5 minutes and 93.2% in the 30th minute. The in vitro cytotoxicity cell assay showed that E6 VERO healthy cells were not affected by toxicity. Further in vivo evaluation using different virus classes is suggested based on the promising initial antiviral results.