Curcumin could benefit in COVID-19 treatment: Researchers

In these uncertain days of the highly contagious coronavirus, the absence of pharmaceutical intervention in the form of drugs or vaccines has pushed scientists to look for clues among safe herbal extract ingredients. A recent peer- reviewed scientific article co-authored by the Founder and Chairman of Sami-Sabinsa Group, Dr Muhammed Majeed, along with a galaxy of other scientists, reviewed the possible role of curcumin in COVID-19 scenarios with supporting evidence from existing literature. The compendious review by eight multi-site authors summarizes the results from in-silico and animal studies of curcumin on viral infections. The coronavirus enters human cells through the ACE2 receptor by attaching its spike protein (S).

Curcumin could at least partially prevent that entry as inferred from in-silico docking studies. A potential inhibitory effect on the main protease of the coronavirus is also reported in an in-silico study in the literature. The multi- mechanistic modes of action are the forte of curcumin in various types of virus infections. The paper cites several studies wherein curcumin is effective in pulmonary -inflammation, – fibrosis, and -edema. The positive role of curcumin played out under the cytokine storm conditions during viral infections is also discussed. The review touches on the recuperative actions of curcumin on cardiac and kidney functional damage caused by viral infections.

Curcumin’s role in mitigating the morbid acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during viral infections, as demonstrated in animal models, is also reviewed. The outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin are the basis of their activity. “We are pleased to see this meaningful assemblage of the relevant work on curcumin published at a time when prevention and strong immunity is on the minds of people around the world,” said Dr Majeed. “While the world anxiously awaits a permanent solution to this pandemic, it’s helpful to understand how safe herbal compounds like curcumin can support healthy immune function.”