Potential Nutraceuticals for COVID-19
Sayali Savant, Shraddha Srinivasan, Anil Kumar Kruthiventi
Abstract
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