SiCORE-MSB Researchers Publish New Insights on Bile Acid–Derived Antiviral and Antibacterial Agents in RSC Advances
Congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakda Khoomrung and Collaborators on Their Latest Publication in RSC Advances
We extend our warmest congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakda Khoomrung of the Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Metabolomics and Systems Biology (SiCORE-MSB), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, together with collaborators from Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, BIOTEC, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, for their newly accepted publication in RSC Advances (Accepted November 20, 2025):
“Antiviral and virucidal activities against SARS-CoV-2 and antibacterial properties of bile acids and their salts with naturally occurring organic cations L-carnitine, creatinine, and choline.”
Study Highlights
This study explored the antiviral, virucidal, and antibacterial properties of bile acids and their naturally derived salts. Four bile acids: lithocholic acid (LCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) — were combined with L-carnitine, creatinine, and choline to create salt forms for comparative analysis.
Key findings include:
- LCA demonstrated direct virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2; however, converting LCA into salts did not enhance this antiviral effect.
- DCA, UDCA, and CDCA showed broad antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Their cholinium salts exhibited significantly increased antibacterial potency, with the DCA–choline salt performing over 40% better than DCA alone.
Overall, the results reveal that while certain bile acid salts can enhance antibacterial activity, they do not improve antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, offering valuable insights for future therapeutic and formulation research.
