These studies discuss the use of xylitol-based products, such as Xlear, in treating viral and bacterial infections in the airways.
Improved Nasal Volume Utilizing Hyperosmotic Saline Xylitol Mixture (Effective Alternative or Adjunct to Decongestants and Antihistamines) – 2019
In this article Drs. Olmos and Baba discuss their findings which showed that 3 minutes after spraying participants’ noses with a saline and xylitol spray, they experienced a 20% improvement in airway volume.
Olmos, S., Baba, J., (2019.). Improved Nasal Volume Utilizing Hyperosmotic Saline Xylitol Mixture (Effective Alternative or Adjunct to Decongestants and Antihistamines). EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine 8.5, 444-452.
High Viral Load in the Nose – Mar. 2020
In this correspondence, researchers shared their research which showed that the nose has the highest viral load of SARS-CoV-2 than elsewhere in the body when infected with the virus.
Zou, L., et al., (2020). SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load in Upper Respiratory Specimens of Infected Patients. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(12), 1177–1179.
Mapping How SARS-CoV-2 Infects the Body – May 2020
In this study done at UNC Chapel Hill, researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus first infects the body through the nose, establishes itself there, and then progresses into the airway and lungs.
Hou, Y. J., et al., (2020). SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Genetics Reveals a Variable Infection Gradient in the Respiratory Tract. Cell, 182(2), 429-446.e14.
The Three Stages of SARS-CoV-2 Infection – Jul. 2020
The paper’s authors show that like other illnesses which affect the lungs, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has three stages of infection, and if left unchecked, it could cause irreversible damage to lungs. They argue medical professionals must give greater attention and treatment in the earlier stages of infection.
Sanchez-Gonzalez, M. A., et al., (2020). A Pathophysiological Perspective on COVID-19’s Lethal Complication: From Viremia to Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis-like Immune Dysregulation. Infection & Chemotherapy, 52(3), 335–344.
Benefits and Safety of Nasal Saline Irrigations in a Pandemic—Washing SARS-CoV-2 Away – Jul. 2020
In this paper, researchers discuss how cleaning the sinuses with a simple saline could be useful during the pandemic. They conclude saying that adding an anti-viral or virucidal agents to the saline could be beneficial against SARS-CoV-2.
Farrell NF, et al. (2020). Benefits and Safety of Nasal Saline Irrigations in a Pandemic—Washing COVID-19 Away. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg., 146(9):787–788.
Anti-Adherence of SARS-CoV-2 Virus – Aug. 2020
In a study looking at Iota-carrageenan’s effect on SARS-CoV-2, researchers found that xylitol also had an anti-adherence effect on the virus.
Vega, J. C., et al., (2020). Iota carrageenan and xylitol inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cell culture. BioRxiv.
Using Nasal Sprays to Combat SARS-CoV-2 – Sept. 2020
Researchers concluded that using a nasal spray that deactivates the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the nose, “may not only prevent person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2, but may also diminish the severity of disease in patients by limiting spread and decreasing viral load delivered to the lungs.”
Frank, S., et al., (2020). In Vitro Efficacy of a Povidone-Iodine Nasal Antiseptic for Rapid Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2. JAMA Otolaryngology– Head & Neck Surgery.
Nasal Irrigation Reduces Symptoms Related to SARS-CoV-2 – Sept. 2020
In this interim analysis, researchers evaluated the effect irrigating the nose and sinuses had on reducing symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2. They found, “The effect of nasal irrigation on symptom resolution was substantial, with nasal congestion and headache resolving a median of 7 to 9 days earlier in the intervention groups. Our analysis suggests that nasal irrigations may shorten symptom duration and may have potential as a widely available and inexpensive intervention to reduce disease burden among those affected.”
Kimura, K. S., et al., (2020). Interim analysis of an open-label randomized controlled trial evaluating nasal irrigations in non-hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, 10(12), 1325–1328.
Potential Role of Xylitol Plus Grapefruit Seed Extract Nasal Spray Solution with SARS-CoV-2: Case Series – Nov. 2020
In this case study, participants experienced a reduction of symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and received a negative test 50% faster than the average time of negativization.
Go, C. C., et al., (2020). Potential Role of Xylitol Plus Grapefruit Seed Extract Nasal Spray Solution in COVID-19: Case Series. Cureus, 12(11), e11315.
Xylitol’s Method of Action against SARS-CoV-2 – Nov. 2020
Antony Cheudjeu found that xylitol blocks receptor cites of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which inhibits it from attaching to the cell wall of its host.
Cheudjeu, A. (2020). Correlation of D-xylose with severity and morbidity-related factors of COVID-19 and possible therapeutic use of D-xylose and antibiotics for COVID-19. Life Sciences, 260, 118335.
Deactivation of SARS-CoV-2 with Xlear Nasal Spray – Nov. 2020
In this paper, researchers look at two studies performed at Utah State University (2020) and University of Geneva (2020) which showed that Xlear Nasal Spray destroyed 99.99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Ferrer, G., et al., (2020). A Nasal Spray Solution of Grapefruit Seed Extract plus Xylitol Displays Virucidal Activity Against SARS-Cov-2 In Vitro. BioRxiv.
Further Evidence of Xylitol’s Effectiveness Against SARS-CoV-2, H1N1, and Other Viruses – Jan. 2021
In this study researchers used an electron microscope to take pictures of xylitol’s and grapefruit seed extract’s (GSE) interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They concluded, “Combination therapy with GSE and xylitol may prevent spread of viral respiratory infections not just for SAR-CoV-2 but also for future H1N1 or other viral epidemics. GSE significantly reduces the viral load while xylitol prevents the virus attachment to the core protein on the cell wall.”
Cannon, M. L., et alk., (2020). In Vitro Analysis of the Anti-viral Potential of nasal spray constituents against SARS-CoV-2. BioRxiv.
Comprehensive Literature Review of Intranasal Therapy Against SARS-CoV-2 – Jan. 2021
In this review, researchers looked at all the studies talking about intranasal therapy in fighting against SARS-CoV-2. They concluded, “Based on the literature review, it is encouraging to note that studies reviewed note that using nasal spray with antiviral properties has promising efficiency and safety in the treatment and prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2…We propose that intranasal administration of antiviral and virucidal therapies decrease the viral activity in the nasal pathway, thus preventing disease transmission, expedite recovery of patients, decrease severity of symptoms, reduce hospitalization, and mortality.”
Go, Camille Celeste, et al., (2021). Intranasal therapy and COVID-19: A comprehensive literature review. Journal of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 2(1):9-16
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Inhibition of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 replication by hypertonic saline solution in lung and kidney epithelial cells – Sept. 2021
In a study performed at the University of São Paulo, researchers found that a hypertonic saline solution inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2. They found that, “[The] data show that 1.2% NaCl inhibited virus replication by 90%, achieving 100% of inhibition at 1.5%.” Researchers are excited by the results because they show that a saline can be an effective, cheap option to reduce the severity and longevity of the virus. Researchers found that saline has this effect by inducing cellular processes that reduce energy stores, which hamper replication.
Machado, R. R. G., Glaser, T., Araujo, D. B., Petiz, L. L., Oliveira, D. B. L., Durigon, G. S., Leal, A. L., Pinho, J. R. R., Ferreira, L. C. S., Ulrich, H., Durigon, E. L., & Guzzo, C. R. (2021). Inhibition of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 replication by hypertonic saline solution in lung and kidney epithelial cells. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science.
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Rapid initiation of nasal saline irrigation to reduce severity in high-risk COVID+ outpatients: a randomized clinical trial compared to a national dataset observational arm – 2021
Researchers wanted to better understand if nasal irrigation would result in fewer hospitalizations after a positive COVID-19 test result. After conducting a study with 79 participants, researchers found that, “Patients who initiated isotonic saline nasal irrigation after a positive COVID-19 PCR test were 19 times less likely to be hospitalized than the national rate.”
Baxter, A. L., Schwartz, K. R., Johnson, R. W., Giller, T., Swartout, K. M., Rao, A., Kuchinski, A. M., Gibson, R. W., Boomer, H., Cherian, E., Lyon, M., & Schwartz, R. B. (2021). Rapid initiation of nasal saline irrigation to reduce morbidity and mortality in COVID+ outpatients: a randomized clinical trial compared to a national dataset. MedRxiv.
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Xylitol Blocks Viral Adhesion: Study on Human Airway Tissue – 2021
Researchers at Utah State University performed research to show that xylitol blocked viral adhesion on human airway tissue. Though a similar study was performed previously using industry standards (performed on vero kidney tissue), the FTC required a higher-standard study to show efficacy. This study using that higher standard, shows that xylitol and other sugar alcohols block adhesion of different viruses to different degrees.
Jung, Kie Hung. (2021). Antiviral Efficacy Against Virus Infections in Human-Derived Tracheal/Bronchial Epithelial Cells. Utah State University.
Can the Nasal Cavity Help Tackle COVID-19? – 2021
In this review, the authors set out to organize and summarize all the information now available for COVID-19 therapies, specifically those therapies which are administered through the nose. The article has an entire section (5.1) which goes over research supporting Xlear. The authors conclude, “The nasal route has been proposed as a promising strategy to deliver vaccines and agents known to have antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. Tremendous efforts are put into developing safe, efficacious, and stable formulations. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of crucial importance to have powerful strategies to rely on.”
Pilicheva, B., & Boyuklieva, R. (2021). Can the Nasal Cavity Help Tackle COVID-19? Pharmaceutics, 13(10).
Role of Natural Grapefruit Seed Extract Against SARS-CoV-2 – 2021
Researchers wanted to study the effect grapefruit seed extract had on SARS-CoV-2 to see if it was a potential inhibitor of molecular docking. Using in silico method they found that, “antiviral activity of grapefruit extract, both fractional and combined suggest it could be used as a highly biologically potent adjuvant treatment for COVID-19.” An adjuvant is a substance used to increase the efficacy or potency of a drug or treatment. The study also made an important conclusion that natural extracts “have proven to be more effective as treatment (antibacterial or cytotoxic) than synthetically obtained pure derivatives.”
Saric, B., Tomic, N., Kalajdzic, A., Pojskic, N., & Pojskic, L. (2021). In silico analysis of selected components of grapefruit seed extract against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The EuroBiotech Journal, 5(s1), 5–12.
Medical Disclaimer per FTC Guidelines
While there may be information on the Xlear website relating to certain conditions, including COVID, cold, flu and similar condition, should a medical condition exist, promptly see your own physician or health provider. Xlear does not offer medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Xlear makes no claims that it can cure, treat or prevent any conditions, including any conditions referenced on its website or in print materials, including COVID, cold, flu and similar condition. The information, including any scientific or clinical research, is made available for educational purposes only. This information helps people make informed decisions about potential treatment options for the various conditions referenced in the information. Xlear therefore makes every effort to ensure that any information it shares complies with national and international standards for clinical trial information and is committed to the timely disclosure of the design and results of all interventional clinical studies for innovative treatments available or that may be made available. However, research is not considered conclusive. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
If you take prescription medications for any of these conditions or other conditions, including sinus and related conditions such as congestion, you should consult with your physician before discontinuing use of such medications as Xlear is not intended to replace or supplement any prescription medications.
Statements with regards to Xlear products are the opinions of the individuals making them and are not necessarily the same as those of Xlear Inc.
Xlear Inc. Statement on FTC Guidelines
Recently Xlear has removed a number of scientific studies and posted disclaimers on our website and social media. We have done this at the insistence of the Federal Trade Commission. We believe the FTC has no authority to stop us from giving you accurate scientific information. Moreover, the FTC lacks the scientific/medical expertise to evaluate such data. However, we are trying to work with the FTC to fix this.
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