Shikimic Acid aka Shikimate

Have you heard of shikimic acid? Also known in its anionic form as shikimate, this is a biochemical metabolite found in microorganisms and plants. A common source of this acid is the Chinese star anise; a very expensive herb. These compound is only created naturally in plants and some microorganisms; it is not something the human body can produce on its own.

Great, but what does it do?

The most common use of shikimic acid in pharmaceuticals is for the production of Tamiflu. During the last flu pandemic, the production of Tamiflu by way of shikimic acid was stressed as its primary source was the fickle star anise. Scientists explored microbiologic production through engineering e. coli bacteria to assist in fermentation that would lead to the production of shikimic acid.

More recently, shikimic acid was sought out by alternative and complimentary healers as a means to reduce the harm caused by the spike protein common in CoViD-19 sufferers.

I attempted a quick literature review to try and determine the potential pathophysiology for this alleged protective effect, but was unable to find scientific papers or literature that described the function of shikimic acid or shikimate in the context of spike proteins. My best guess is it inhibits the initiation of inflammation once the spike protein adheres to the ACE-2 receptors rather than prevent the protein adhering altogether.

Shikimic acid is known to have anti-viral as well as anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, there is research looking into the benefits of this acid in the context of Parkinson’s disease!