copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2023-01-27): The TikTok video was correct in saying that sweetgum seeds contain shikimic acid[1]. However, this is at even lower levels than star anise and is not a commercial source for Tamiflu manufacturing. The video claimed that cutting the gum balls and soaking them in vodka would release "nature’s cure". Given that a critical industrial purification process struggles to extract enough shikimic acid from these sources, it seems unlikely that this method would be effective. The video also makes reference to using sweetgum balls to treat COVID-19. However, as mentioned previously, Tamiflu works by targeting a specific protein in the flu virus. There is no equivalent of the neuraminidase protein in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so the drug cannot act in the same way that it does with flu[4]. To claim that shikimic acid can help treat COVID-19 would need evidence from research. In summary, shikimic acid is not the active ingredient in Tamiflu. Shikimic acid is chemically altered to produce Tamiflu and will not have the same effect. The amount of shikimic acid in sweetgum balls is very low and it is difficult to extract.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2013-04-05): Shikimic acid is an industrially important chiral compound used as a key ingredient in formulation of drug Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu) for the treatment of swine/avian flu. The high cost and limited availability of shikimic acid isolated from plants has detained the use of this valuable building block of the drug. It is a versatile compound having many characteristic properties for many synthetic reactions particularly in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries. By virtue of being a natural product, the relevant biochemical pathway in microorganisms can be harnessed into fermentation processes to produce shikimic acid. This is an excellent alternative for the sustainable and efficient production of shikimic acid over the tedious and cumbersome process of plant based extraction methods. Various strategies of shikimic acid production are reviewed and an account of comparison of their challenges, promises and restraint is presented. Furthermore, present review attempts to focus on the market trend of shikimic acid due to its high demand with particular emphasis laid on the pandemics of swine flu. This review not only covers the recent advances in shikimic acid production but also highlights the versatile applications and its market scenario. [...] Martin E, Duke J, Pelkki M, Clausen EC, Carrier DJ (2010) Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.): extraction of shikimic acid coupled to dilute acid pretreatment. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 162:1660–1668
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2024-01-08): Proud sweetgum tree owners know the plant’s glossy, green summer glow and rainbow fall leaves can’t be beaten. But captivating colors just don’t make up for those prickly brown balls that get everywhere. [...] When Sweetgum Ball Trees Fall – And How to Stop It [...] Are sweetgum tree balls edible?
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2014-11-01): Immunomodulatory activity of shikimic acid and quercitin in comparison with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in an in vitro model - PMID: 18297698 - DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21072 [...] The risk of an avian influenza pandemic has put oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in the spotlight and has given rise to rumors that shikimic acid (SK), which is used for the synthesis of Tamiflu, possesses therapeutic activity. This study was undertaken to determine whether SK, either alone or in combination with quercitin (QT) is able to modulate the release of IL-6 and IL-8 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The experiments were conducted comparing the properties of SK, both alone and in combination, with those of Tamiflu. The incubation of PBMCs with 100 nM Tamiflu or SK at two concentrations (10 nM; 100 nM) did not produce any change in IL-6 and IL-8 baseline levels (data expressed as incremental change vs. baseline). On the contrary, incubation with SK and QT at both concentrations (10 and 100 nM) produced a significant increase in the release of IL-8 as compared to other groups (4.19 +/- 0.82, SK-QT 10 nM; 3.83 +/- 1.17 SK-QT 100 nM, P < 0.05 vs. baseline 1.00 +/- 0.10, Tamiflu 100 nM 1.35 +/- 0.16, SK 10 nM 1.68 +/- 0.15 and SK 100 nM 1.80 +/- 0.48). [...] A short and practical synthesis of oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu) from (-)-shikimic acid.J Org Chem. 2009 May 15;74(10):3970-3. doi: 10.1021/jo900218k. J Org Chem. 2009. PMID: 19366236 -
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2024-10-09): American sweetgum tree ball (spiny seed pod) [...] Shikimic acid [edit]L. styraciflua seeds may be a renewable source of shikimic acid.[32] [...] - ^ "Sweetgum", McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, New York: McGraw-Hill - ^ Kormanik, Paul P. "Liquidambar styraciflua L. – Sweetgum" Archived 11 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine from Silvics of North America: Volume 2:Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington, D.C. 1965 - ^ Philip Graitcer (17 July 2011). "Chopsticks Carry 'Made in America' Label". Voanews.com. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2024-10-09): - Chemists have found that the seeds of the sweetgum fruit -- also called "gumballs" -- contain significant amounts of shikimic acid, the starting material used to produce the main antiviral agent in a much-heralded drug for fighting bird flu. The finding could help increase the global supply of the drug, which is now in short supply, they say. Their study will be presented March 29th in Atlanta at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. [...] Chemists have found that the seeds of the sweetgum fruit contain significant amounts of shikimic acid, the starting material used to produce the main antiviral agent in a much-heralded drug for fighting bird flu. Their findings, which could help increase the global supply of the drug, were described today at the 231st national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. Shikimic acid is used to make a generic drug called oseltamivir — best known commercially as Tamiflu® — which is used to fight many types of flu viruses. Some health experts believe that this and similar antiviral drugs could help save lives by slowing the spread of the virus in the absence of a bird flu vaccine, which is still in development.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2014-11-01): Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.): extraction of shikimic acid coupled to dilute acid pretreatment - PMID: 20506045 - DOI: 10.1007/s12010-010-8947-7 Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.): extraction of shikimic acid coupled to dilute acid pretreatment Liquidambar styraciflua L., also known as sweetgum, is an understory hardwood species that has widespread distribution in the southeast USA, especially in pine plantations. In addition to being a possible biorefinery feedstock, sweetgum contains shikimic acid, which is a precursor for the drug Tamiflu. Sweetgum bark was extracted with 65 degrees C water and yielded 1.7 mg/g of shikimic acid, while sweetgum de-barked wood yielded 0.2 mg/g of shikimic acid. Because shikimic acid can be extracted with water, the coupling of the phytochemical hot water extraction with dilute acid pretreatment was examined. The addition of a 65 degrees C shikimic acid extraction step coupled to pretreatment with 0.98% H(2)SO(4) at 130 degrees C for 50 min resulted in 21% and 17% increases in xylose percent recovery from bark and de-barked wood, respectively. These results indicate that, in addition to recovering a high value product, the 65 degrees C wash step also increases xylose recovery.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2020-04-01): I like sweetgum trees, but most people run from them, versus wanting to plant them. The spiny fruit does contain seeds, in fact, quite a few. Each sweetgum ball has about 40 to 60 capsules, with each containing one or two seeds. Fertile seeds are black with wings on either side; infertile seeds are yellow and wingless. Harvest the sweetgum balls when they are fully brown, but before they dry out. Once they dry, they open and scatter the seeds. Harvest the sweetgum balls and let them dry out on sheet of paper. Then when the seeds start to fall out, collect them and put the fertile seeds inside a plastic bag filled with moist sterile potting soil. Put that in your refrigerator for three months and then plant the seeds in a pot outside. This cool, moist storage period in the refrigerator is known as stratification and is needed to break the seed dormancy. As an aside, researchers have discovered that the unripe fruit of the sweetgum tree contains a key ingredient used in Tamiflu called Shikimic acid.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2010-05-27): Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.): Extraction of Shikimic Acid Coupled to Dilute Acid Pretreatment [...] Liquidambar styraciflua L., also known as sweetgum, is an understory hardwood species that has widespread distribution in the southeast USA, especially in pine plantations. In addition to being a possible biorefinery feedstock, sweetgum contains shikimic acid, which is a precursor for the drug Tamiflu®. Sweetgum bark was extracted with 65 °C water and yielded 1.7 mg/g of shikimic acid, while sweetgum de-barked wood yielded 0.2 mg/g of shikimic acid. Because shikimic acid can be extracted with water, the coupling of the phytochemical hot water extraction with dilute acid pretreatment was examined. The addition of a 65 °C shikimic acid extraction step coupled to pretreatment with 0.98% H2SO4 at 130 °C for 50 min resulted in 21% and 17% increases in xylose percent recovery from bark and de-barked wood, respectively. These results indicate that, in addition to recovering a high value product, the 65 °C wash step also increases xylose recovery. [...] Martin, E., Duke, J., Pelkki, M. et al. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.): Extraction of Shikimic Acid Coupled to Dilute Acid Pretreatment.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2023-11-27): MD: The Active Ingredient in Star Anise Is the Same One That Powers Tamiflu — Here’s How to Reap the Immune-Boosting Benefits [...] Many of us who come down with a cold or flu simply ride it out by getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and treating symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers or decongestants. Sometimes, though, you need the help of antiviral medication such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir). This is where the benefits of star anise come into play. Tamiflu contains shikimic acid — the same compound found in star anise! "Shikimic acid is a primary component used in the synthesis of the antiviral drug oseltamivir, which is a neuraminidase inhibitor that is used to treat and prevent influenza A and B," explains Dr. Bhanote. Neuraminidase inhibitors block the release of newly formed viruses from the surface of host cells. This prevents their spread to other cells, according to research in EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2020-03-01): Sweetgum: An ancient source of beneficial compounds with modern benefits - PMID: 26009686 - PMCID: PMC4441155 - DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.156307 [...] Sweetgum trees are large, deciduous trees found in Asia and North America. Sweetgum trees are important resources for medicinal and other beneficial compounds. Many of the medicinal properties of sweetgum are derived from the resinous sap that exudes when the outer bark of the tree has been damaged. The sap, known as storax, has been used for centuries to treat common ailments such as skin problems, coughs, and ulcers. More recently, storax has proven to be a strong antimicrobial agent even against multidrug resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In addition to the sap, the leaves, bark, and seeds of sweetgum also possess beneficial compounds such as shikimic acid, a precursor to the production of oseltamivir phosphate, the active ingredient in Tamiflu®-an antiviral drug effective against several influenza viruses. Other extracts derived from sweetgum trees have shown potential as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and chemopreventive agents. The compounds found in the extracts derived from sweetgum sap suppress hypertension in mice. Extracts from sweetgum seeds have anticonvulsant effects, which may make them suitable in the treatment of epilepsy. [...] Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.): extraction of shikimic acid coupled to dilute acid pretreatment.Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2010 Nov;162(6):1660-8. doi: 10.1007/s12010-010-8947-7. Epub 2010 May 27. Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2010. PMID: 20506045 -
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2020-01-01): Medicinal herbs are one of the imperative sources of drugs all over the world. Star anise (Illicium verum), an evergreen, medium-sized tree with star-shaped fruit, is an important herb with wide distribution throughout southwestern parts of the Asian continent. Besides its use as spice in culinary, star anise is one of the vital ingredients of the Chinese medicinal herbs and is widely known for its antiviral effects. It is also the source of the precursor molecule, shikimic acid, which is used in the manufacture of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), an antiviral medication for influenza A and influenza B. Besides, several other molecules with numerous biological benefits including the antiviral effects have been reported from the same plant. Except the antiviral potential, star anise possesses a number of other potentials such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, insecticidal, secretolytic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, sedative properties, expectorant and spasmolytic, and estrogenic effects. This review aimed to integrate the information on the customary attributes of the plant star anise with a specific prominence on its antiviral properties and the phytochemical constituents along with its clinical aptness. Keywords: Illicium verum; Tamiflu; antiviral; oseltamivir; shikimic acid; star anise.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2023-01-27): Sweetgum contains small amounts of shikimic acid, which is the starting point in the industrial manufacture of Tamiflu, a drug for treating influenza. However, there is no evidence that shikimic acid has the same effect. Tamiflu targets a specific protein found in flu viruses, so it doesn’t work against the virus that causes COVID-19, and neither does shikimic acid. [...] The video also makes reference to using sweetgum balls to treat COVID-19. However, as mentioned previously, Tamiflu works by targeting a specific protein in the flu virus. There is no equivalent of the neuraminidase protein in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so the drug cannot act in the same way that it does with flu[4]. To claim that shikimic acid can help treat COVID-19 would need evidence from research. In summary, shikimic acid is not the active ingredient in Tamiflu. Shikimic acid is chemically altered to produce Tamiflu and will not have the same effect. The amount of shikimic acid in sweetgum balls is very low and it is difficult to extract.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2017-10-02): Here in the southern US there is a tree called the Sweet Gum Tree. Liquidambar styraciflua is a large tree that is valued for its pretty leaves and hard spiky fruits. Its the fruits that I am interested in because they are a source of shikimic acid which is the active ingredient in medicines like Tamiflu®. That’s right, green sweet gum balls can be made into a tincture that can help kill viruses in your body. Its right up there with Elderberry Tincture and Oregano Tincture . [...] Pick enough green sweet gum balls to fill at least a clean, sterilized glass jar that has a tight fitting lid.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2024-04-29): - Shikimic acid (and, by extension, an extract of Sweetgum seeds) acts like Tamiflu® in the human body - Or, shikimic acid is the active ingredient in Tamiflu®, not the starting material [...] - The shikimic acid in the infertile seeds of Sweetgum does not work like Tamiflu® - There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that shikimic acid functions as an antiviral (although there is evidence that it has antimicrobial properties!) [...] American Sweetgum balls might (a big MIGHT) contain a neuraminidase inhibitor that acts similarly to Tamiflu®–but that chemical is definitely not shikimic acid, and it’s probably not coming from the infertile seeds.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2022-01-23): But anyway, all that to tell you where our Oink Tincture got its name! Sweetgum fruit (oinks) is chock full of shikimic acid… which has been proven to halt viral replication. (Whattttt?!) This basically means that a virus, when introduced to shikimic acid, is stopped from replicating itself into other cells… in essence, halting the spread of the illness throughout the body. [...] Good amounts of shikimic acid is found in 3 widely available plants, but today I am talking about another plant source, the Sweetgum fruit (gumball… or in our case, oink). Chemists found that the seeds in the sweetgum fruit contain significant amounts of shikimic acid, the starting material used to produce the main antiviral agent in Tamiflu that blocks the replication of the flu virus. This is one reason why plants and herbs with naturally-occurring shikimic acid are part of what’s called "Nature’s Tamiflu". B!gPharma has tried to replicate shikimic acid using GMO e. coli… but this lab-created GMO-laden shikimic acid causes bizarre reactions and neuropsychiatric disturbances.
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2024-08-29): Chemists found that the seeds in the sweetgum fruit contain significant amounts of shikimic acid, the starting material used to produce the main antiviral agent in Tamiflu that blocks the replication of the flu virus. Thomas Poon, Ph.D., revealed, "Sweetgum balls have lots of potential, but a new process uses genetically modified e. coli (intestinal bacteria), which can be efficiently grown in labs to produce shikimic acid." [...] In the mature Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar Styraciflua), the fruit emerges as a green seedpod that later dries into a brown mace-like ball. The seeds that are rich in shikimic acid. And to get the seeds before they disperse, you have to get the sweetgum balls while they’re green and still hanging on the tree. [...] Shikimic Acid Rich Sweetgum Ball Tincture Recipe
Claim: Sweetgum balls contain the same active ingredient that Tamiflu contains, which is shikimic acid; It kills viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (Social media users, 2023-01-27)
Evidence (2007-01-12): By Nick Polizzi, December 4, 2022 - The Art of Anti-Aging: The Incredible Superfood You’ve Never Heard Of: Pine Pollen By Brian Vaszily, 12/10/2023 - Joybilee® Farm: Harvesting Medicinals from Pine Trees - Living Awareness Institute: How to Make Healing Herbal Remedies with Your Christmas Tree - Floranella: How to Make Pine Pitch Salve and Pine Needle Serum By Erin, Nov 21, 2017 - Learning and Yearning: How to Harvest Pine Resin and Use it to Make a Salve by Susan Vinskofski, July 16, 2017 - Learning and Yearning: Pine Bath Salts for Natural Stress Relief by Susan Vinskofski, November 12, 2017 - Garden Collage Magazine: Using Fresh Pine To Make An Easy, Restorative Bath Soak By Molly Beauchemin, December 22, 2015 - Mother Earth Living: Pine Bath Salts Recipe, Published on Dec 1, 1998 - Sweetgum: An ancient source of beneficial compounds with modern benefits By Lingbeck JM, O’Bryan CA, Martin EM, Adams JP, Crandall PG, Pharmacogn Rev. 2015 Jan-Jun;9(17):1-11 - Deep Roots at Home - Enriching the Soil of Your Life: Sweetgum: A Medicine Tree w/ Shikimic Acid to Halt Viral Replication By Jacqueline, Modified: Nov 23, 2021 - Henriette’s Herbal Homepage: Syrupus Liquidambar.—Syrup of Sweet-Gum.
Claim: Switzerland stops COVID-19 vaccines due to safety concerns (Anthony Hinton, 2023-04-19)
Evidence (2023-04-19): COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at protecting against severe illness and death. Vaccine recommendations change in response to the changes in the need for vaccination, which depends on factors like the level of immunity in the population, the level of threat posed by an infectious agent, and the benefit-risk tradeoff of a vaccine.
Claim: Switzerland stops COVID-19 vaccines due to safety concerns (Anthony Hinton, 2023-04-19)
Evidence (2023-04-10): SWITZERLAND (TND) — Switzerland will not recommend a COVID-19 vaccine for its citizens during the spring and summer seasons, even for those at high risk of experiencing severe illness from contracting the virus. The country's latest recommendation regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots came directly from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), which declared most people in the country had either already been vaccinated "and/or contracted and recovered from COVID-19" at this point. [...] Switzerland's decision to rescind its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations follows other European countries that have severely loosened their recommendations since the COVID-19 vaccine was released.