RAS: piperine in black pepper changes the envelope of the virus and blocks the spread of COVID-19 
Scientists from the Institute of Cytology RAS and St. Petersburg Research Institute Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Pasteur a product that helps slow the spread of coronavirus. Experts have proven that black pepper contributes to this process, Vedomosti writes.
Olga Ostroumova, one of the authors of the scientific work, chief researcher of the Institute of Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained that drugs that block proteins on the surface of a human cell to which the infectious agent is attached. For the study, experts selected 20 different alkaloids, which were tested on models of viral and cell membranes in the presence of a particle of the coronavirus protein.
“For this, plant alkaloids were used. For example, the most effective compound – piperine – is contained in black pepper, has been known for a long time and is used as part of bioactive additives for various medical purposes, ”Ostroumova emphasized. According to her, this substance changes the lipid envelope of the virus.
As a result of exposure to piperine, the envelope of the virus loses its ability to fuse with the membranes of human cells, as a result of which the infection does not penetrate into them. Through this process, the spread of COVID-19 is halted. In this case, the coronavirus will not become resistant to piperine, since its mutations have almost no effect on the lipid membrane. It is noted that the studied alkaloids can form the basis of effective dietary supplements for the prevention and therapy of COVID-19.
Earlier, Canadian scientists found a protective mechanism against COVID-19 in the elderly. People over 50 produce more antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.