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The Casablanca Valley in Chile is best known for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, but now the native Quillay trees are causing a stir: they form an important substance for the development of effective vaccines against the Corona virus. The rare evergreen trees, also called soapbox trees, contain saponin in their bark. This has been used by the indigenous Mapuche for generations to make soap and medicines. In pharmacy, saponin is considered a natural source for one of the most effective adjuvants for vaccines, QS-21. Adjuvants are substances that boost the immune response to a vaccine. Thus, Quillay trees, which are actually called Quillaja saponaria, may be the key to the next effective vaccine against coronavirus. However, the natural stock cannot meet the demand. Nurseries in the Casablanca Valley are therefore stepping up their efforts to breed them.

(al / Source: drinksbusiness; Photo: wikimedia, Pato Novoa)

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