Experts in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region announced they found substances in rhubarb, a traditional Chinese herb, that can effectively fight SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Ayndrome).

The announcement was made by a team led by Dr. Luo Weisheng, vice-president of Guilin Municipal Medical College, after two years of research over a variety of traditional Chinese herbs.

"The substances can restrain reproduction of the coronavirus of the disease by inactivating a protease, 3CL, which is indispensable in the coronavirus' life circle," Luo said.

Researchers also found the extracted substances could deactivate influenza viruses and a kind of respiratory virus responsible for most lower-respiratory-tract infections among children and old people.

Researchers have been applying for a state patent for the research and the application has passed preliminary procedures from the State Intellectual Property Office of China, Luo said.

Rhubarb, a cheap traditional herb, has been widely used in extracting "toxic substances" from human bodies, according to Chinese medical doctrines.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2005)