Potential Nutraceuticals for COVID-19

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection has caused, and is continuing to cause, considerable human suffering. Studies on the viral pathogenesis has resulted in convergent findings from several lines of evidence on the entry and spread of the virus in the host. These studies have also revealed a strong association between innocuous inflammation, ageing and metabolic disorders, with SARS-CoV-2 infection and its prognosis. Diet helps modulate inflammation, and nutraceuticals can inhibit viral entry. Hence, we have collated literature on antiviral nutraceuticals effective against other similar coronaviruses. The objective of this study is to comprehensively review available information on the antiviral activity of nutraceuticals and to discuss the implications of these findings in designing a diet that would boost the innate immunity and act as preventive care against COVID-19. This review highlights the fundamental impact of nutraceuticals and diet on inhibition of viral entry and provides a new perspective on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Keywords:

• SARS-CoV-2
• diet
• plant protease inhibitors
• polyphenols
• bioactive peptides

Abbreviations

WHO, World Health Organization; SARS-CoV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus; MERS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; ACE2, angiotensin converting enzyme 2; TMPRSS2, transmembrane serine protease 2; 3CLPro, chymotrypsin like cysteine protease; MPro, main protease; nsps, nonstructural proteins; DMVs, double membrane vesicles; RdRp, RNA dependent RNA polymerase; PLPro, papain-like protease; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; GRAS, generally regarded as safe; EGCG, epigallocatechin gallate; GCG, gallocatechin gallate; URTIs, upper respiratory tract infections; UPR, unfolded protein response; ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome; PAMPs, pathogen-associated molecular pattern; PRRs, pattern recognition receptors; TLRs, toll-like receptors; IFNs, interferons; APCs, antigen presenting cells; MAPKs, mitogen-activated protein kinases; JNK, c-Janus kinase; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; SPMs, specialized proresolving mediators; SCFA, short chain fatty acids; RAS, renin-angiotensin system; ADAM17, ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; RBD, receptor binding domain; CTD, C-terminal domain; NTD, N-terminal domain.

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to AIPL Director Mr Cyrus P Mistry for his unstinting support and motivation.

Disclosure

The authors are employees of Arna Immuno Ingredients Private Limited and report no other potential conflicts of interest in this work. This article/research received no external funding.