Prospective options of algae-derived nutraceuticals as supplements to combat
COVID-19 and human coronavirus diseases
#MMPMID33412367
Ratha SK
; Renuka N
; Rawat I
; Bux F
Nutrition
2021[Mar]; 83
(?): 111089
PMID33412367
show ga
The outbreak of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that has created huge trepidation
worldwide, has a mortality rate of 0.5% to 1% and is growing incessantly. There
are currently no therapies and/or vaccines that may help abate this viral
disease, but the use of masks and social distancing can limit the spread.
Boosting immunity has been a simple way to resist viral infection and limit
fatalities. In this context, the use of nutraceuticals appears to be a potential
panacea. The ability of algae-based nutraceuticals, mainly Spirulina, to boost
immunity against viral diseases has already been reported clinically.
Spirulina-based nutraceuticals boost the adaptive and innate immunity, and
bioactive compounds, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
peptides, phycobiliproteins, sulfated polysaccharides, and calcium-Spirulan, can
serve as antiviral agents. The presence of these molecules indicates its
potential role in resisting infection and COVID-19 disease progression. This
review focuses on the potential role of algal nutraceuticals as immune boosters
to combat the human coronavirus and other viral diseases. The potential use of
Spirulina-based nutraceuticals for combating COVID-19, its mechanism, and future
directions have also been discussed.
|*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
[MESH]
|*Dietary Supplements
[MESH]
|Biological Products/pharmacology/*therapeutic use
[MESH]
|Humans
[MESH]
|Immunologic Factors/pharmacology/therapeutic use
[MESH]
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