Anti-influenza virus effect and mechanism of edible bird's nest: a review

Yin, J. L. and Yuan, M. and Zhang, X. K. and Lin, X. X. and Wang, D. L. (2024) Anti-influenza virus effect and mechanism of edible bird's nest: a review. International Food Research Journal (Malaysia), 31. pp. 811-821. ISSN 2231 7546

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is made from the saliva of swiftlets, and has been consumed in China for more than 600 years. In recent years, as influenza virus has continued to cause serious damage to human health, the anti-influenza virus effect of EBN has become a research hotspot. In this paper, the antiviral effect of EBN is comprehensively reviewed. The types and components of influenza viruses are first introduced, and the main process of influenza virus infection is briefly summarised. The active components and related mechanisms of EBN are then described, and its anti-influenza virus activity is discussed. The components of EBN mainly responsible for its antiviral activity are sialic acid and protein; these exert antiviral effects by inhibiting virus adsorption and binding to host cells, blocking the release of virus on the surfaces of cell membranes, and reducing virus replication and transport in host cells. This paper provides theoretical and scientific evidence for the development and application of EBN products.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.ifrj.upm.edu.my/31%20(04)%202024/01%20-...

Abstract

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is made from the saliva of swiftlets, and has been consumed in China for more than 600 years. In recent years, as influenza virus has continued to cause serious damage to human health, the anti-influenza virus effect of EBN has become a research hotspot. In this paper, the antiviral effect of EBN is comprehensively reviewed. The types and components of influenza viruses are first introduced, and the main process of influenza virus infection is briefly summarised. The active components and related mechanisms of EBN are then described, and its anti-influenza virus activity is discussed. The components of EBN mainly responsible for its antiviral activity are sialic acid and protein; these exert antiviral effects by inhibiting virus adsorption and binding to host cells, blocking the release of virus on the surfaces of cell membranes, and reducing virus replication and transport in host cells. This paper provides theoretical and scientific evidence for the development and application of EBN products.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	bird nests
AGROVOC Term:	swifts
AGROVOC Term:	saliva
AGROVOC Term:	parainfluenza virus
AGROVOC Term:	proteins
AGROVOC Term:	cell membranes
AGROVOC Term:	antiviral agents
Geographical Term:	China
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	18 Mar 2026 02:04
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2026 02:04
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3069

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