The COVID-19 disease can appear asymptomatic or with mild symptoms of fever and cough similar to the flu. However, the patients who cause concern in the health system are those with the severe symptoms of respiratory problems, heart problems and complications in the digestive and excretory systems. The goal of physicians is to alleviate the suffering of patients with severe symptoms and allow them to recover quickly. Meanwhile, the scientists studying the virus are trying to track down the mechanism of action of the virus.
Curcumin’s effect on the virus- recent studies
Researchers have recently been looking for herbs that have antiviral properties, and in this context a comprehensive review has been published of studies discussing the possibility of treating the COVID-19 disease using curcumin / turmeric (1).
The studies deal with different activities of turmeric: its antiviral activity, its anti-inflammatory activity, strengthening the immune system, and studies at the cellular and molecular level that indicate the mechanism by which turmeric acts to prevent the coronavirus from entering our body cells.
In addition, there are also reports from hospitals in Asia of curcumin used as a treatments for COVID-19 patients. Medical Doctors in Southeast Asia report that curcumin treatment has a positive effect in the recovery of COVID-19 patients.
Curcumin’s antiviral properties
Today there are many studies on the antiviral activity of curcumin. A comprehensive publication on the antiviral properties of curcumin was published in 2019 (2).
Among the studies, there is a study on the activity of curcumin against feline coronavirus. The study research showed that curcumin reduced the viral multiplication and lowered the inflammatory response. The research concluded that curcumin had an inhibitory effect on the feline coronavirus (3).
Curcumin strengthens the immune system
These days with the fear of contracting the coronavirus, our immune system is weakened by anxiety and uncertainty. To strengthen the body’s ability to deal with viruses we must strengthen our immune system. An effective immune system helps the body deal with viruses.
Studies have shown that curcumin may help strengthen the immune system. Curcumall® , which is a liquid concentrate of turmeric and curcumin, may help strengthen the immune system.
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties
Many researchers around the world are working diligently to find possible medicines for the coronavirus. There have been reports of some successes with anti-inflammatory drugs. Curcumin is known to have significant anti-inflammatory properties (4). The anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin is expressed by blocking several inflammation biomarkers (such as TNF and IL-6).
Curcumin prevents the virus from entering the cells
A recent study by virus researchers examined herbs that demonstrate activity against the coronavirus. The study found that curcumin prevents the penetration of coronavirus into the body’s cells (5). The mechanism of action of curcumin, which prevents the penetration of coronavirus into cells, is based on the inhibition of the ACE2 receptor. This receptor enables the process of the virus entering the body’s cells. The virus could only replicate within a living cell, forcing the cell DNA to replicate the genetic material of the virus. When the virus is unable to penetrate the body’s cells, its replication is prevented. As a result, the damage that the virus can cause to our body is reduced.
Curcumin works to relieve cytokine storm
One of the issues with the COVID-19 disease is that at a certain stage of it our immune system may have an extreme reaction that causes a cytokine storm to occur, which is very harmful to the patient. Studies have found that curcumin is able to moderate the overreaction of the “cytokine storm” (6). Therefore, curcumin acts as an aid in curing the related pneumonia and moderating the damage to the lungs caused by the coronavirus.
Curcumin inhibits the viruses’s Protease enzyme
Currently scientists are developing a few drugs to fight the coronavirus. Those drugs are based on the inhibitors of the coronavirus’ Protease enzyme. In recent years, inhibitors have been developed for the Proteases of various viruses. A preliminary study examined a number of herbs that can block the Protease enzyme, including curcumin and desemotoxin-curcumin, and their effectiveness in blocking Proteases was examined (7).
Other recommended nutritional supplements
In order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, it is important that we wear a mask, wash our hands and maintain social distance.
It is also important that we take care of our immune system. To support that, we can regularly take vitamins and minerals that have antiviral properties and strengthen the immune system like vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, and turmeric.
Curcumall®
Curcumall® is a concentrated liquid extract of curcumin and curcumin C3 that is well absorbed and active in promoting our health. To strengthen the immune system we recommend taking 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric in a glass of water every day. It is advisable to drink Curcumall® in the morning on an empty stomach and wait about half an hour until drinking or eating to ensure maximal absorption of the curcumin.
What is unique about Curcumall®
One challenge with curcumin supplements is proper absorption, this is why the bioavailability is an issue. It is difficult for our body to absorb enough of the nutrient to make a difference, particularly in capsule form.
Curcumall® is a specialized liquid extract of Turmeric and Curcumin C3 that offers more free curcumin at the cellular level. Curcumall® is easier to ingest than any pill, is highly concentrated and readily absorbed.
Moreover, each serving contains 500mg of active patented curcuminoids and turmeric root extract.
References:
- Zahedipour, F. et al. (2020), Potential effects of curcumin in the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Phytotherapy Research, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ptr.6738
- Praditya, D. et al. (2019), Front. Microbiol. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00912/full
- Narayanan, A. et al. (2015) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230588706_Curcumin_Inhibits_Rift_Valley_Fever_Virus_Replication_in_Human_Cells
- Aggarwal BB et al. (2013). Curcumin: an orally bioavailable blocker of TNF and other pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Br. J Pharmacol 169:1672-1692 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753829/
- Zhang H, et al. (2020). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a SARS CoV2 receptor: molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic target. Intensive Care Med. 46(4):586–90. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32125455/
- Titto M. et al. (2020). Curcumin prophylaxis refurbishes alveolar epithelial barrier integrity and alveolar fluid clearance under hypoxia, Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, v. 274, 103336 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1569904819302873
- Khaerunnisa,S. et al.(2020). Potential Inhibitor of COVID-19 Main Protease (Mpro) From Several Medicinal Plant Compounds by Molecular Docking Study. Preprints 202003.0226 https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202003.0226/v1
