Coronavirus – Nita Naturale

Black seed and honey a novel natural remedy for Coronavirus infection

Nita — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 06:36:54 +0000

Physically we unlocked ourselves from the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic by accepting the social distancing and isolation for controlling the disease transmission. But these generalized measures unable to control the addition of new cases. WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard displayed the current global situation of confirmed cases (55,326,907) and death rate (1,333,742) on 18th November 2020. [1] I do not want to generate fear among readers by presenting this data, but surely want to alert them about the necessity of boosting immunity. Many of us may use different natural remedies during this pandemic to improve our immune system functioning. But you may not know that the zed black colored tiny triangular shaped black seeds in combination with honey are an excellent natural remedy to fight against Coronavirus infection.

Evidential background for the recommendation

A mixture of Black seed and honey has the potential benefits to prevent as well as reduce the severity of Coronavirus infection. The Hindu ePaper published an article on their BusinessLine Page On 9th November 2020. The report mentioned that a multicentre randomized, controlled clinical trial showed a combination of 1 gm/kg/day of honey and 80 mg/kg/day of Black seed (scientifically known as Nigella sativa) treatment for 13 days was effective to clear viral load and alleviated symptoms of Coronavirus infection. This study result found that anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, cardio-protective, and broncho-dilatory properties of honey and the Black seed mixture could reduce the mortality rate among high-risk patients who had diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disorders, or asthma. [2] Based on this promising study result, Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited has recently launched its new patented tablet formulation, Thymotas. Thymoquinone and honey are the two primary ingredients present in Thymotas formulation.[3] Your Black seed is a rich source of Thymoquinone.

Why we have to depend on black seed and honey mixture or such natural remedies to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic?

Research and development departments of different Pharma companies are working hard to speed up to launch of vaccines as well as specialized treatment for COVID-19 infection as early as possible. But no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for coronavirus infection till now available in the market. In such conditions, nature offers a new remedy. A mixture of Black seed and honey to strengthen our immune system to fight against Coronavirus infection.

How a combination of black seed and honey is effective against Coronavirus infection?

Both Black seed and honey are common traditional remedies used in different airway disorders such as throat infections, bronchitis, flu, and pneumonia. [4,5] Moreover, Black seed oil is a useful treatment for chronic pain symptoms such as headache and back pain, etc. Therefore, these traditional applications indicate these two natural ingredients have the potential to use in COVID-19 infection. The scientific explanation is a little detailed. But this detailed explanation helps readers to understand why this combination they should include in their regular regimen during this pandemic.

The combination of bioactive phytochemicals presents in black seeds and the unique nutritional composition of honey not only an effective remedy to boost immunity for preventing Coronavirus infection but also has the potential to reduce the risk of severity of the symptoms of Coronavirus infected patients. Research experts recommended black seed containing Thymoquinone in combination with honey can be used as an adjuvant therapy with conventional standard prescribed treatment to obtain better therapeutic outcomes against Coronavirus infection. [3]

Thymoquinone is the chief bioactive phytochemicals present in Black seeds. Along with Thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, thymol, dithymoquinone, carvacrol, and β-Pinene present in the Black seed are worked together and exert antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, and reno-protective effects. All these therapeutic benefits are essential treatment approaches for Coronavirus infected patients. [5] Whereas, the flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds present in honey may impart antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. [6]

Medicinal Property	Mechanism of Action	Research Evidence
Boosts immunity and reduces viral load	Black seed increases CD4 count and production of interferon- (INF-) gamma with and also activates T cell functioning. [5] Honey has attributed antiviral effect due to its osmotic effect, naturally low pH, and presence of bioactive natural compounds. [4] Flavonoids and its other derivatives present in honey exert a broad-spectrum antiviral effect. [4] Honey targets the 3‐chymotrypsin‐like cysteine protease enzyme of SARS‐CoV, which is one of the most promising targets for drug discovery against coronaviruses. [4]	The clinical trial result reported Black seed is effective against hepatitis C virus. Treatment with Black cumin seed oil exerts symptomatic relief and improves laboratory parameters. [5] The antiviral effect of Black seed is effective against multiple viral infections, such as murine cytomegalo virus infection, avian influenza (H9N2), Chistosoma Mansoni Infection, PPR virus, Broad bean mosaic virus, HIV, Hepatitis C Virus, Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus, and Papaya Ring Spot Virus. [7] Honey inhibits the viral replication of the influenza virus due to its virucidal effects. It synergistically interacted with the other antiviral medicines. [4] Apart from the influenza virus, honey is also effective against human respiratory syncytial, human rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and betacoronavirus. [4] Although the antiviral effect of honey against the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has not been confirmed yet, [4] but a combination of honey and Black seed is effective to prevent and reduce the severity of coronavirus. [2] The combination of Black seed and honey is also offered protection against HIV transmission from pregnant women to the fetus. [5] Recently, a trial result confirmed that a combination of Black seed and honey is also offering protection and reduce the severity of COVID-19. [2]
Bronchodilator	Thymoquinone‚ the main component of Black seed reduces tracheal contraction, and anti-inflammatory effect reduces bronchial inflammation. The antispasmodic effect relaxes the smooth muscles present in the airways. [5] Honey is a natural demulcent that soothes cough symptoms. It increases cytokine release and provides apparent benefit in the common cold. [9]	A preclinical research result supported that Black Seed has a preventive effect against pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. [8] A clinical trial result concluded that honey is a cost-effective cough treatment. [9]
Antioxidant property	Black seed consumption increases antioxidant enzymes like erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and also reduces free radicals (plasma malondialdehyde). [5] Phenolic and flavonoid components of honey responsible for the antioxidant property. [6]	A human trial result reported that consumption of Black seed oil for eight weeks significantly diminishes the superoxide dismutase free radical (SOD) level. [5] The strong antioxidant property of honey improves the nutrition quality and provides positive benefits for human health. [6]
Antidiabetic property	Black seed intake improves the pancreatic β-cells degeneration, reduces pancreatic inflammation, and congestion. [5] Honey containing oligosaccharides as well as Palatinose-based balanced formula improve glycaemic response in diabetic patients. [10]	A human trial result reported that administration of black seed oil with a dose of 3ml per day for 20 days showed a marked reduction of random blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels. [5] Multiple clinical studies showed positive antidiabetic outcomes with honey supplementation. [10]
Antihypertensive	Black seed and its active component, thymoquinone can act as a calcium channel blocker and increase urine output due to its potent antioxidant property. [5] The antioxidant property of Honey regulates oxidative stress and effective to control blood pressure. [11]	A human trial result showed that Black Seed oil significantly lowers systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure along with heart rate, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. [5] Honey supplementation reduces elevated systolic blood pressure levels. [11]
Reno-protective	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitoxic properties of Black seed and its phytochemical thymoquinone help to maintain kidney function. [12] Better management of oxidative stress by supplementation with honey gives kidney protection. [11]	The pre-clinical trial result showed a positive benefit of Black seed on kidney tissue. [12] Pre-clinical research showed the positive benefits of honey supplementation. [11]

I hope you can understand now why NitaNaturale recommends you to add a combination of black seeds and honey. The antiviral, broncho-dilatory property, broad-spectrum antioxidant property, and regulating or boosting immune functioning. Along with improving the possible comorbid conditions like regulating blood sugar, pressure, and kidney functioning of the combination of black seeds and honey indicate that we can use this combination as a self-care treatment against SARS-CoV-2. [3]

Tips to use Black seed and honey

I hope you use the whole Black seed in your kitchen. Whole Black seed is a common flavoring spice often used for seasoning purposes. Whole Black seed is completely safe and does not have any side effects. According to the different research studies, I have found that Black seed oil has optimal therapeutic benefits in comparison with Black seed powder. Therefore, it is better to intake Black seed oil than the whole black seed to gain therapeutic benefits. But NitaNaturale will give additional tips for those who use the whole Black seed as a kitchen ingredient and do not want to spend extra to buy Black seed oil.
Take a teaspoon of Black seed and ground them freshly. Add the powder into a small cup of boiling water. Close the lid and wait for a minute. Then put off the flame. After 7 to 10 minutes, add one teaspoon of honey and enjoy the warm drink every morning. This small lifestyle change may give you protection not only from Covid-19 but helps to prevent other microbial infections, normalize blood glucose, cholesterol, and can also regulate blood pressure.
I have committed to explaining all the science behind the tips given in the NitaNaturale. Therefore, I just wanted to add that instead of using Black seed oil, fresh Black seed powder has enough efficacy to fight against Covid-19. I found during my research that a human trial result confirmed that boiled extract of Black seed had a potent bronchodilatory effect. [13] Another research also confirmed that ground black seed has an antimicrobial effect. [14] Even Black seed powder provides better plasma lipid control. [15]
Select Arabian origin-based organic Black seed, which is better compared to other origins in respect of therapeutic value. [16] Another important tip is to use Manuka honey, which has better therapeutic benefits than other varieties. [17]

What precautionary measures essential to know about Black seed and honey?

If any individual has an allergic tendency towards Bee products, then honey may not be a suitable option for them. During pregnancy, Black seed intake is not recommended as it can delay uterine contraction. Individuals who are under blood clotting medications should not take Black seed without consulting with the doctor. [18]

References

Don’t ignore sleep problem during COVID-19 lockdown

Nita — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 15:09:01 +0000

Recently I have noticed that I am not feeling fresh enough during the daytime and often get irritated at the small deviation of regular work. This mood alteration is new to me. Initially, I thought, might be I become boredom from the current lockdown situation, which is the new normal of COVID-19. But I become worried when this incidence has repeated frequently. I have started researching the reason behind this, and I found may my sleep cycle is not completed.

It is true COVID-19 itself is a fatal infection. But the precautionary measures which we follow currently to save ourselves from this infectious disease can bring many abnormal physical or psychological conditions. Therefore, we should not ignore any physiological changes during this lockdown. These might be an indication of an early stage of the disease that can impact our present and future days also.

How we fall asleep?

When we sleep our internal clock is ticking continuously and regulates a definite pattern of brain wave. Normally, the sleep cycle pattern alters with age. But non-REM and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phases are two general phases of sleep. The duration of each phase usually lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Further, the non-REM phase is divided into four stages.

During stage one and stage two are the phases when our body is prepared to fall asleep by reducing eye movement. Gradually brain waves start to slow down.
During stages three and four, the brain has started generating delta waves to induce deeper and restorative sleep to relieve and repair our body tissues.

All our dreams come at the REM phase when our brain becomes active and cardiovascular activity is also recharged. This phase plays a role in mood swings as well as cognitive and emotional performances.

What factors negatively affect our sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Most of us have experience of struggling for sleep during visiting an outstation. Even drinking alcohol consumption, noisy environment, shifting of duty and certain medication intake often hampers our sleep. Even too much stress, anxiety also negatively impact our sleep. Several researchers have already identified that the current COVID-19 epidemic has an association with anxiety, distress, depression, sleep disorders, and suicidality along with a significant reduction of positive emotions and life satisfaction. Leo Sher, an author of a recently published article in Elsevier Public Health Emergency Collection journal reported that a combination of anxiety and stress could reduce sleep quality. [1]

Before this lockdown, people do not have any idea how difficult to perform work from home job. In a lockdown, many of us used to go to bedpost midnight. We have the realization that this hampers the sleep schedule. But COVID-19 brings fear of job insecurity, financial crunch, and worry about family/friends security. All these thoughts bring sleepless nights. [2] Not only the general population but even healthcare staffs also unable to manage their psychological stress in this COVID-19 pandemic condition.

Evidential support

Chinese research was conducted on 1250 healthcare professionals to check their mental status. The result showed that the 34.0% of the study participants had insomnia. [1] Therefore, treatment of sleep disorder is a vital requirement to avoid psychiatric disorders symptoms like depression and other serious mental illnesses that aggravate suicidality. [1]

The Times of India also reported a study result conducted by Wakefit.co on 14th April 2020. According to this report, 67% of Indians who had participated in this research used to go to the bed before 11 pm were started to sleep after 11 pm during this lockdown. [2]

Not only Asian countries but the sleep disorder due to stay-at-home orders is markedly noticed in Europe and America also. The journal Current Biology reported that lockdown might increase the duration of sleep time, but the quality of sleep had declined. [3]

One of my friends called up me a few days back and she compliant that she felt whole day sleepy, but her duration of sleep increased as compared with prior COVID insufficient sleeping hours or poor quality of sleep not only negatively affect our mental health, but increase the risk of unexplained weight gain, cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. [3]

What are the recommended lifestyle measures that can improve the sleep cycle?

List down thoughts

During our bedtime, lots of thoughts pop up in our minds. Instead of thinking this to-do list in your mind, right those in a small writing pad. We often repeatedly think the same things for remembering them. But if we write it down, then the chance of forgetfulness will be minimized. This will help you to reduce start thinking and rethinking positive and negative aspects of those thoughts at bedtime. [4]

Pleasant Room temperature

Usually, pleasant room temperature lies between 180C to 240C. Therefore, set proper cooling technique in your bedroom, because favorable room temperature helps us to fall asleep. [4]

Avoid digital device at bedtime

Currently, work home habit gives us relaxation to wake up late in the morning.

We often spent our night hours surfing the net, chat with friends, or watching movies on Netflix or other sites. Our most common excuse to spend late-night screen time is – do not feel sleepy, then why should we go to bed early?

But we do not realize that nocturnal screen time causes unnecessary light exposure stimulates psychological activity that delays the time to fall asleep. [5] Therefore, start to say strict ‘no’ to watch television, mobile phone, or working on a laptop before bedtime.

Revive bedtime book reading habit

Go back to your childhood and start reading books at bedtime. Reading books at bedtime may old fashion, but ideal to feel sleepy. The added advantage of this step is to inspire other family members, especially your kids to develop the same habit also.

Breath in fresh air

After dinner, got to the terrace, or balcony for at least 10 minutes of brisk walking. This will help you to inhale fresh air which is essential for proper blood circulation in your brain and supply oxygen. This will help to reduce sleep disturbance. [4]

Join online yoga session

Gym and other fitness clubs do not get permission to open full-fledge till now. In such a situation, people can join an online yoga session to maintain the regularity of physical activity. Most of us know the benefits of yoga to alleviate different disorders, including sleep disturbance.

In 2013, the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative medicine published a research result to provide evidence of long term yoga practice that could impart good quality sleep in elderly individuals. Both Asana, pranayama improve sleep quality. [6] More than 15 years back, a preliminary study result also stated that simple regular yoga practice could treat chronic insomnia by correcting the delayed onset of sleep and sustaining phases of sleep. [7] The Harvard Medical School recommended some yoga postures for better sleep include Balasana, Uttanasana, Ardha Uttanasana, Supta Baddha Konasana, Viparita Karani, and Savasana. If you know these postures, then you can try these at your home. [8]

Herbal remedies to treat mild insomnia

GABAergic herbs like Kava root (Piper methysticum), jujube seed (Zizyphus jujube), Pine leaves (Pinus massoniana), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and whole plant of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) increases GABA level in the brain to induce sleep. [9]
Griffonia seed (Griffonia Simplicifolia) is a natural supplement of 5 -Hydroxytryptophan and is used to increase the synthesis of serotonin in the brain. This herbal ingredient has many health benefits like effective treatment of uncomplicated insomnia. [10]

Incorporation of herbs and Superfood improve the sleep cycle

Some available kitchen herbs and Superfoods like black pepper leaf, bulb of white radish, fenugreek seeds, almond, fennel seed, poppy seeds, sweet cherries, Grapevine fruit, Strawberry, Pomegranate are a source of melatonin. Eat rice, corn, oats meal to increase the melatonin supply in your body. [11] A Review report supported that melatonin could improve the sleep cycle by reducing the time to fall asleep. [12]
During this lockdown, include broad bean, chestnut, hyacinth bean in your recipes to reduce sleep problems naturally. These plant-based food are natural sources of ornithine. [13] A human trial result reported that ornithine supplement is an effective treatment to relieve stress and improve sleep quality. [14]
It is not new that green tea is a healthy substitute for milk tea, which we usually prefer to drink. But Green tea is a rich source of L-Theanine. Usually, tea is not a suitable beverage for those who have sleep deprivation issues. [15] L-Theanine acts as a stress reliever. Supplementation of this phytochemical for four weeks could improve the sleep quality index and reduced sleep medication intake rate. [16]
I recommend readers who have disturbed sleep, drink lemon balm green tea. A combination of GABA and l-theanine act synergistically to improve sleep quality by reducing sleep latency and increase sleep duration. [17]
To prepare this recipe, mix chopped lemon balm and green tea in a 5:1 ratio and add into boiling water. [17] Turn off the flame and cover the vessel for 10 minutes. Then enjoy your hot herbal tea. You can add one teaspoon of honey to improve its taste. But if you are a hypothyroid patient and administer any thyroid medication, then talk with your doctor before incorporating lemon balm in your diet. Lemon balm can interact with certain thyroid medications.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7195057/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/work/work-from-home-is-making-67-indian-suffer-from-sleep-deprivation-says-study/articleshow/75126242.cms
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200610112107.htm
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1270239/sleep-lockdown-how-to-fix-sleep-cycle-tips
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839336/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3667430/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10484-004-0387-0
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/8753-201512048753
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4023459/
http://www.ijplsjournal.com/issues%20PDF%20files/july2010/8..pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678868/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4273450/
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-Ornithine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055948/
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/2/2/13/htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6366437/

Turmeric: A preventive remedy for Coronavirus infection

Nita — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 14:36:44 +0000

The Coronavirus pandemic brings a new normal. Along with several changes, turmeric shifts its place from the kitchen cabinet to the medicine shelf in many houses, because not only Asian countries, but turmeric is globally accepted as an effective treatment against Coronavirus.

Recently two journals published articles reviewed the efficacy of turmeric against Coronavirus and the optimistic reports insist me to start my blogging carrier to highlighting the facts with my readers. However, the authors of these research reports concluded that detailed clinical investigation further needed to establish its efficacy statistically.

Before I emphasize the benefits of turmeric against Coronavirus infections, I want to share some general information about Coronavirus infections. Severe acute respiratory diseases are the main worry about the coronavirus. Apart from the lung problem, many medical professionals explain coronavirus targets other vital organs including the heart and kidney functioning also. [1] The COVID-19 follows fast mutation and that’s the reason to develop resistance against pre‐existing antiviral medications. This makes the difficulty to treat Coronavirus infections and multiple failures occur in a conventional treatment process. [1]

Turmeric is one of the most researched herbal ingredients and much research evidence has proven the therapeutic benefits of curcumin. Curcuma longa is the scientific name of the turmeric. According to the review report published in Phytotherapy Research Journal on 19th May 2020, it has mentioned that turmeric containing curcumin has the potency to acts against Coronavirus due to its multiple anti-viral mechanisms of actions. [1] This review report also mentioned that the promising benefits of turmeric against damage to the vital organs. [1] Similar scientific-based evidence you will also found in an article published by the Clinical and Experimental report dated 1st July 2020 under the titled ‘Potential benefits of turmeric in COVID-19’. [2]

The US food and drug administration (FDA) has also approved curcumin after reviewing more than 300 human trial results. All these results reported that curcumin has beneficial protective effects against multiple disorders including inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular problems, pulmonary disease, neurological disorder, metabolic diseases, liver problems, and cancers. [1] The secret element of turmeric, i.e. curcumin was discovered by Vogel and Pelletier in the Harvard College laboratory almost two centuries ago. Turmeric contains 2- 5% of curcumin along with other phytochemicals. [3, 4] Along with curcumin, other multiple phytochemicals present in this golden spice can manifest these activities uniquely, additively, or synergistically with curcumin. [5]

How turmeric effective against Coronavirus?

NitaNaturale always insists readers to know in detail for wholehearted acceptance of health-related substances in their life. So that no further confusion can create any dilemma or non-compliance about your treatment or lifestyle measure decision. Following the mechanism of actions of turmeric makes it a promising herbal remedy against Coronavirus.

Turmeric has antiviral property

Turmeric containing phytochemicals interacts with the viral replication cycle by targeting DNA polymerase along with other various essentials molecular requirements for virus replication. Thus, Turmeric restricts viral multiplication. The antiviral effects of turmeric act against various viruses like parainfluenza virus type 3, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, etc. Turmeric can block the virus entrance into our immune system and also hinders virus budding by modifying the surface structure of the virus so that they unable to bind with the target receptor in our physiological system. [1]

Turmeric restricts Coronavirus entry

Researchers have shown that curcumin present in turmeric can slow down viral load by altering surface protein structure in viruses and blocking the entry of viruses to the cell. In childhood, we read about a virus, a single-cell living organism, and does not contain all the required enzymes for replication. After invading, the virus into a host cell, they use the cellular mechanism of the host body for their reproduction. The antiviral agents usually restrict the replication of viruses, so that they cannot penetrate healthy cells and restrict them only in the infected cells. Thus, the infection cannot spread and turns to disease. The antiviral property of turmeric targets the penetration ability of a virus and also restricts the supply of essential cellular components required for viral replication. [1]

Recent researchers estimated that Coronavirus bind with the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor present in our body and spread the infection to different vital organs by spiking the glycoprotein. But the administration of curcumin can bind with the ACE2 receptor and restrict the entry of Coronavirus. [1]

NitaNaturale recommends readers use turmeric as a prophylactic treatment for viral infections. This means you need to take turmeric before start any infection and continue to take throughout the incubation period of the germ.

Turmeric cease coronavirus load

Restriction of viral replication is one of the potential therapeutic strategies to reduce the viral load. Laboratory-based research results showed that curcumin can reduce the viral load by inhibiting SARS‐CoV replication. Curcumin can break RNA synthesis to stop viral replication. [1]

Turmeric slows down coronavirus infection

Viral protease of Coronavirus can impede immune response. Turmeric containing phytochemicals like curcumin can inhibit viral protease by following molecular docking. This mechanism of action of curcumin reduces the binding energies of Coronavirus and inhibit the steady growth of infection. [1]

Turmeric reduces fatality of Coronavirus infection

Different types of interferon (IFN) mediated immune responses can act against viral infection. But the reduction of interferon production in our immune system can increase the fatality of coronavirus, which might be one of the reasons for the higher mortality rate among elderly patients. I have researched different journal papers. And I got the information that turmeric containing curcumin administration could increase the production of IFN and activate our innate immune responses against the fatality of Coronavirus infection by reducing the reproduction of this virus. But early intervention is very important to get this benefit. Therefore, I suggest you start taking turmeric regularly until the pandemic does not over. [1]

Turmeric protects against Coronavirus induced lung disorders

Coronavirus stimulates the secretion of different inflammatory mediators like cytokines into the endothelial cells of the blood vessels present in the pulmonary system. Turmeric has a potent anti-inflammatory effect due to the presence of curcumin in it, which downregulates the cytokines and other inflammatory mediators released in lung infections and reduces the severity. [1] A research result already reported that curcumin administration had the potentiality to act against recurrent respiratory tract infections due to its immune-modulatory effects. [6]

Coronavirus induced lung fibrosis is a devastating outcome of COVID‐19 infection leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Curcumin interacts with the NF‐кB pathway and prevents TGF‐ß overexpression, which is the main culprit of lung fibrosis development.

Water lodging in the lung tissue or pulmonary edema is another cause of COVID‐19 infection severity. Animal research results reported that the anti-inflammatory property of curcumin could be used as a prophylactic treatment to reduce the risk of fluid accumulation in the lungs under hypoxia (inadequate oxygen supply in the lungs). [1]

Turmeric safeguarding the cardiovascular system against Coronavirus infection

ACE2 enzyme plays a vital role in cardiac functioning. Coronavirus infection spikes ACE2 enzyme activity. The lungs, heart, and kidney are the organs where the ACE2 receptor is present. Suppression of ACE2 activity can cause cardiac dysfunction. But curcumin present in turmeric has a specific role in angiotensin receptor, which significantly controls blood pressure and improves cardiac fibrosis. Besides this, the anti-inflammatory property of turmeric also decreases the risk of cardiac inflammation. [1]

Turmeric prevents Coronavirus associated kidney damage

Some COVID‐19 infected patients also have reported kidney damage. Turmeric can improve renal blood flow by correctly modulating angiotensin receptor functioning. Its anti-inflammatory property also provides potential benefits in the treatment of COVID‐19 associated kidney injury. [1]

Turmeric inhibits oxidative stress enhancement due to Coronavirus infection

Coronavirus infection generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which also damages lung tissue. Turmeric has a potent antioxidant property which up‐regulates glutathione, the natural antioxidant present in our body, and neutralizes the excess burden of ROS, and helps to reduce the oxidative stress in the lungs. [1]

Tips to Get Optimum Benefits of Turmeric

Intake of fresh turmeric powder mixing with fat like olive oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, or fish oil for faster dissolving curcumin (curcumin is fat-soluble). Thus, curcumin absorption becomes faster in the blood.
Drink hot turmeric preparations, because heat enhances the bioavailability of curcumin by increasing its solubility in gastrointestinal fluid. I recommend turmeric milk at bedtime to heal your body naturally.
Turmeric is safe to use in a dose between 6–7 g/day orally. [2] You can divide these dose into multiple segments and can enjoy different turmeric recipes so that your taste buds cannot become dull. It is an easy way to maintain long-term compliance for including herbs in your daily diet.
Turmeric latte is one of the health-trendy recipes. Try to prepare the preparation in your kitchen.
Instead of taking turmeric alone, mix it with black pepper, which is the natural source of piperine.

What precautionary measures essential to know about turmeric?

Excessive doses of turmeric can cause nausea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal problems. The dose of turmeric must be reduced if you use a combination of turmeric and black pepper. This herbal combination increases the bioavailability of phytochemicals present in turmeric. A combination of 2 g of curcumin with 5 mg of piperine displayed three times enhancement of bioavailability. [7]

Note: Blogs under NitaNaturale contain some medical terms and concepts, which you may not know in detail. For better understanding, readers can feel free to contact me by filling the form under the contact section.

References