Zinc & Hinokitiol Synergism

Hinokitiol is one of the Zinc Ionophores, which means they can attach themselves to Zinc molecules and transport them across the cell membranes hence increasing the intracellular zinc concentrations; therefore many studies revealed this capability has the potential to inhibit viral replication. The advantage of Zinc’s antiviral properties can be accelerated by using it in combination with Hinokitiol.[1]

Zinc Inhibits Viral Replication

According to a recent article on Nutritional Immunology, Zinc ionophore such as hinokitiol hindered the RNA synthesis by inhibiting the RNA dependent polymerase in picornavirus, poliovirus, and influenza. [2] Furthermore, another study revealed that Hinokitiol also exhibits antiviral activity against rhinovirus, coxsackievirus, and megnovirus replication. When hinokitiol is combined with zinc it increases the intracellular Zinc ions which in return causes puncture to the cell as well as mitochondria.[3]

Antiviral Activities of Zinc + Hinoktiol

The antiviral properties of Zinc are virus-specific; however, the presence of zinc ions play an important role in causing zinc antiviral efficacy. In vitro, doses of Zinc of above 2 μM impede the multiplication of SARS-CoV through the inhibition of RNA-reliant RNA polymerase of the virus. Besides, Zinc has direct antiviral actions, which include the stimulation of various antiviral signaling activities. For instance, Zinc levels are linked with the impeding of IFN-l3 signaling, events that can moderate cytokine storm, which is linked to a worse condition in persons that are affected by SARS-CoV.

Role of Zinc + Hinokitiol

Hinokitiol (HK) is an example of a Zinc ionophore, and it is known for its capacity to bind on Zinc ions and transfer them into the cell. The transport of Zn2+ ions in the cells causes an increase in the intracellular Zinc concentration, which is effective for the protection of the body against viral infection. Thus, the continuous need for Zinc ionophores like hinokitiol is essential for Zn2+ ions to retain antiviral activities. At a dose of 200μM, hinokitiol has major cytotoxic and antimicrobial actions against oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines and oral pathogens, respectively. Also, 200μM HK has lower cytotoxic impacts for the usual human being oral keratinocytes, showing that hinokitiol exhibits a high possibility for effective and safe use within oral health care. Additionally, a >0.2 μg/ml dose of hinokitiol directly impedes bacterial activities, and a coronavirus sanitizer patent stated that an amount of 0.02 to 0.2% by mass HK was effective for antiviral purposes. Therefore, it is evident that an amalgamation of Hinokitiol and Zinc is synergistic in hindering the replication of viruses such as SARS-COV.