scholarly journals Therapeutic Potential of Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements in the Prevention of Viral Diseases: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saumya Singh ◽  
Prithwish Kola ◽  
Dalveer Kaur ◽  
Gisha Singla ◽  
Vibhu Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Milk Proteins ◽  
The Body ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Nutrient Supplements ◽  
Optimal Functioning ◽  
Tract Infections

Nowadays, despite enormous scientific advances, viral diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity worldwide, and their potential to spread is escalating, eventually turning into pandemics. Nutrition can play a major role in supporting the immune system of the body and for the optimal functioning of the cells of the immune system. A healthy diet encompassing vitamins, multi-nutrient supplements, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and probiotics can play a pivotal role in combating several viral invasions in addition to strengthening the immune system. This review provides comprehensive information on diet-based scientific recommendations, evidence, and worldwide case studies in light of the current pandemic and also with a particular focus on virus-induced respiratory tract infections. After reviewing the immune potential of nutraceuticals based on the lab studies and on human studies, it was concluded that bioactive compounds such as nutraceuticals, vitamins, and functional foods (honey, berries, etc.) with proven antiviral efficacy, in addition to pharmaceutical medication or alone as dietary supplements, can prove instrumental in treating a range of virus-induced infections in addition to strengthening the immune system. Milk proteins and peptides can also act as adjuvants for the design of more potent novel antiviral drugs.

scholarly journals AN OVERVIEW ON ROLE OF ETHNOMEDICINE IN BOOSTING HUMAN IMMUNITY TO COMBAT VARIOUS VIRAL DISEASES

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1425-1432
Author(s):  
Keshamma E ◽  
Sridhar B.T. ◽  
Dakshayini P.N. ◽  
Geethanjali R.
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Black Pepper ◽  
The Body ◽  
Food Plants ◽  
Piper Nigrum ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Tract Infections

Some of the medicinal plants valued in Ayurvedic Rasayana for their therapeutic potential have seen scientifically investigated with promising results. Several plant-based principles have been isolated with a potential immunomod- ulatory activity that can explain and justify their use in traditional medicine in the past and can form the basis for further research in the future as well. Hence, the present review of the literature study was planned to document common and easily accessible functional food plants that can modulate the immune system and are biologically active against several medical problems arising from respiratory tract infections and in addition this review will serve as a guideline to the general public to include important medicinal food plants in their daily diet for strength- ening and improving their immune system and overall health. Based on the knowledge from this review of the literature study we hypothesize that plants may help individuals to overcome the infection by (i) modulating the body's immune system (ii) generating antiviral activity against the infection (iii) reducing other respiratory prob- lems. A substantial number of plant extracts and phytochemicals have been explored for their antiviral property. Herbal preparations owing to their holistic approach strengthen the body's immune system, which in turn may help the body fight against invading infectious viruses. In this review of the literature study, we documented twenty functional food plants with immunomodulatory and antiviral properties that have been reported to induce the im- mune system in several ways. These mainly include liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] Kuntze), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and several others. Thus, the practice of ethnomedicine plays a pivotal role in boosting human humanity to combat various viral diseases and will also help human beings to protect against the current Covid-19 like pandemic situation. Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Immunomodulatory, Antiviral, Onion, turmeric, Zinger, Garlic, Tea, Black pepper.

scholarly journals The role of nutrition in strengthening immune system against newly emerging viral diseases: case of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 240-244
Author(s):  
Meghit Boumediene Khaled ◽  
Nada Benajiba
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Infected Individual ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
The Body ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
World Health ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Prevention Measures

The immune system is involved in the protection of host against environmental agents such as pathogenic micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) and chemicals, thereby preserving the integrity of the body. To preserve organism defense mechanisms, adequate nutritional status should be maintained with appropriate intakes of calories, vitamins, minerals and water that should be continuously provided by a healthy diet. The emergence of new infectious diseases with new pathogenic properties constitutes a serious health issue worldwide. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) represents one of the most recent emerging infectious diseases, caused by a novel coronavirus member called (SARS-CoV-2), identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019, and recognized as pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The nutritional status of each COVID-19-infected patient should be assessed prior undertaking treatments. Nutritional support should be the basis of management of any infected individual. However, prevention measures remain the first priority and strategy to develop throughout proper hygiene, healthy diet and staying home. Keywords: Nutrition, Immune system, Viral diseases, SARS-CoV-2.

Effects of Antioxidants on CD4 and Viral Load in HIV-Infected Women in Sub-Saharan Africa - Dietary Supplements vs. Local Diet

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Nkengfack ◽  
N. Torimiro ◽  
Englert
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiency ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Nutritional Education

In sub-Sahara Africa, micronutrient deficiency, especially of antioxidant micronutrients including vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc, and polyphenols is very common in HIV-positive patients. Amongst adults, women are the most vulnerable. Antioxidants are known to play a vital role in the immune system, reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is induced by excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), due to the HIV infection. Such damage may be prevented or moderated through adequate oral intake of antioxidants, scavenging ROS, as well as protecting cells and tissues against oxidative stress. Antioxidants can be provided to the body through locally available antioxidant rich-diets such as fruit-and-vegetable-based diets and/or dietary supplements. Provision of antioxidants through local diets or dietary supplements exercise beneficial effects on biological markers of the immune system (CD4 and viral load). However, while dietary supplements represent a costly and short-term strategy to limiting antioxidant deficiency, local diets, combined with adequate nutritional education, can provide a low-cost and long-term strategy to reduce oxidative stress, prevent micronutrient deficiency, and slow down HIV disease progression. The former can be applicable in countries around the West, Central, and South coast of Africa, which are rich in natural food resources. In contrast with significant evidence that dietary supplements confer benefits in HIV patients, fewer data are available relating to the benefits of local diets. Thus the need to do more research in this area arises. This review compares available data on effects of antioxidants on CD4 and viral load in HIV-positive women noneligible for antiretroviral therapy. Intake of antioxidants though dietary supplements and local diet, associated with nutritional education, is compared. Studies conducted in sub-Sahara Africa are considered.

scholarly journals Dramatic Increase in Dietary Supplement Use During Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 207-207
Author(s):  
Elif Aysin ◽  
Murat Urhan
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives When the SARS-CoV-2 Virus was seen in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019, people's interest in vitamin and mineral supplement use has increased all over the world. This study aims to investigate changes in supplement use during pandemic on Turkish people living in Asia, America, Europe and Turkey. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was carried out among total 1678 individuals (women, n = 1329 and men, n = 369, Asia n = 139, America n = 507, Europe n = 292 and Turkey n = 760) older than 18 years in January 2021. An online questionnaire was taken by the volunteered participants. In this study, individuals were asked about dietary supplement use before and after the pandemic, which dietary supplements they used in the pandemic process, and why they were used. Results Individual's dietary supplement use before and during the pandemic were Asia (29.5% and 71.9%), America (40.6% and 75.7%), Europe (30.8% and 68.7%), and Turkey (21.3% and 62.2%) respectively. Vitamin C (74.7%), Vitamin D (58.2%) and multi vitamins (34.2%), Zinc (19.7%), Fish oil (17.9%), Probiotics (13.4%), and Propolis (11.1%) are the most commonly used dietary supplements in all regions. Individuals stated that improving the immune system was the main reason to use dietary supplements (53%). Individuals use it as a result of the diagnosis of nutritional deficiency (14%). The maximum use of dietary supplements in all regions is in between the ages of 31–50. Conclusions This study showed that dietary supplement use increased during the pandemic in all regions. Although most of the individuals stated that they took supplements to strengthen the immune system, it is known that supplements do not prevent Covid-19. However, it has been stated that the use of vitamin D, C, Zinc and selenium supplements may be beneficial, especially in those with diagnosed nutritional deficiencies and those with upper respiratory tract infections. Healthy individuals should be made aware of supplements and usage conditions. Funding Sources None

scholarly journals AN AYURVEDIC INSIGHT ON ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM IN RECURRENT RESPIRATORY INFECTION IN CHILDREN

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 4170-4173
Author(s):  
Preeti Devi ◽  
Shrinidhi Kumar K
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
The Body ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Pediatric Practice ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Tract Infections

Chronic as well as recurrent respiratory disorders are major concern in childhood pediatric practice as we commonly come across such cases in day to day pediatric practice. Recurrent respiratory infections are attributed to immaturity of the immune system, functional, structural limitations, dependency on others, unawareness of hygienic importance and nutritional issues related to weaning etc. Excess intake of sweetish substances, growth potential and school environment also contribute for the same. Mean time the congenital abnormalities of the respiratory and cardiovascular system; also, significantly contribute the recurrent respiratory tract infections. Ayurveda explains the stage of Bala or the childhood as stage of immaturity in structural, functional, emotional, and linguistic and behavior and sexual facets with predominance of the Kapha Dosha. Certain of the Respiratory problems in children are also aggravated by the habit of withholding the natural urges as maximum protective reflexes in the upper part of the body pertaining to respiratory system and helps to prevent the portal of entry for maximum infections. Protective reflexes like sneezing, coughing, hiccup, Shrama shwasa, yawning, lacrimation etc., are in true sense keep away the respiratory tract infections. Classics of Ayurveda explain the treatment Kasa in detail and by keeping classical explanation narrated in Kasa Chikitsa of different Samhita. However, classics explains that Pratishyaya when not treated leads to Kasa and Kasa further leads to Rajayakshama. Such incidences are quite common in children as there is immaturity of immune barriers in the growing stage of the child. Hence treatment should contain immune enhancing drugs or other modes of enhancing the immunity which helps to prevent such recurrent infections.

Biofunctional properties of milk protein derived bioactive peptides -A review

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prasad Patil ◽  
Akanksha Wadehra ◽  
Varsha Garg ◽  
Kanchan Munjal ◽  
Sudhir Kumar Tomar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Protein ◽  
Bioactive Peptides ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Proteolytic Enzymes ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Milk Proteins ◽  
Physiological Effect ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
The Body ◽  
Biologically Active

Milk has long been acknowledged as a source of macro- and micro nutrients. Presently, several identified biologically active substances from milk and their derivatives has attracted much attention from the scientific community. These bioactive compounds confer many health benefits that might support disease prevention. Worldwide, there is an increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of bioactive peptides which collectively present a cornucopia of bioactivities for utilization in humans. Bioactive peptides are hydrolysates with specific amino acid sequences that exert a positive physiological effect on the body. Most of the biological activities are encrypted within the primary sequence of the native protein and can be released during digestion by proteolytic enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract or during fermentation and food processing. Milk protein is an important source of bioactive peptides which may contribute to regulate the nervous, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems as well as the immune system. Milk protein derived bioactive peptides are shown to have antihypertensive, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidative and mineral-binding properties. Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins are of particular interest to the food industry due to the potential functional and physiological roles that they exhibit.

scholarly journals Multi-Faceted Roles of Giloy: A Mini-Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ghosh S
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Urinary Tract Infections ◽  
Liver Diseases ◽  
The Body ◽  
Tinospora Cordifolia ◽  
Nutritional Content ◽  
Highly Effective ◽  
Tract Infections

In Ayurveda, Giloy is considered one of the best medicines to treat various fevers and other conditions. Giloy is one of the three Amrit plants. Amrit means the ‘root of immortality’. Hence, it is also called Amritavalli or Amrita in Sanskrit. Giloy is scientifically known as Tinospora cordifolia or Guduchi in Hindi. The stem of Giloy is considered highly effective because of its high nutritional content and the alkaloids found in it but the root and leaves also can be used. This herb activates the immune system of our body and increase vitality in a person. Inclusion of Giloy juice or kadha in diet twice a day can improve immunity. It is full of antioxidants and helps to release toxins from the body. Giloy juice also detoxifies skin and improves skin nourishment. Giloy is also used for liver diseases, urinary tract infections, and heart-related issues. Thus, Giloy can improve immunity and many other metabolisms in our body. However, more in depth researches are arrested to throw some light in immune enhancing activity of this herb.

Peran Beberapa Zat Gizi Mikro Untuk Meningkatkan Sistem Imunitas Tubuh Dalam Pencegahan COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
Nur Amaliah ◽  
Fery
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ivig Treatment ◽  
Plasma Vitamin ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract: The emergence of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, wich  causes severe respiratory tract infections in humans (COVID-19), has become a global health concerm. Most coronavirus infect animals but can evolve into strains that can also infect humans. Recently, we showed that intravenous immunoglobin (IVIg) treatment reduces inflammation of intestinal epithelial cells and eliminates evergrowth of the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans in the murine gut in association with downregulation of proinflammatory mediators combined with upregulation of anti- inflammatory cytokines. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. One of the roles of vitamins and minerals is as an antioxidant that can strengthen the human immune system. The role of vitamin A is more in the maintenance of epithelial cells, which is one of the epithelial cells of the body tissues involved in the non-specific immune system. Vitamin E or α-tocopherol has an important role in erythrocyte membranes and plasma lipoproteins, they are able to maintain the integrity of the cell  membrane because vitamin E has a phenol ring capable of providing hydrogen ions to free radicals. Vitamin C as an electron donor that can break the chain reaction of Reactive Oxygen Species and Reactive Nitrogen Species. Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for protein synthesis and enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH - PX). Selenium has a role as a catalyst in the breakdown of peroxide produced by the body to become a bond that is not toxic. Therefore, the adequacy of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, are necessary in maintaining optimal immune system as a preventive health efforts.   Abstrak: Munculnya coronavirus baru di Wuhan, Cina, yang menyebabkan infeksi saluran pernapasan parah pada manusia (COVID-19), telah menjadi masalah kesehatan global. Sebagian besar virus corona menginfeksi hewan tetapi dapat berevolusi menjadi strain yang juga dapat menginfeksi manusia. Baru-baru ini, kami menunjukkan bahwa pengobatan imunoglobulin intravena (IVIg) mengurangi peradangan sel epitel usus dan menghilangkan pertumbuhan berlebih dari patogen jamur manusia oportunistik Candida albicans di usus murine dalam hubungannya dengan downregulasi mediator proinflamasi yang dikombinasikan dengan upregulasi sitokin anti-inflamasi. Zat gizi mikro adalah vitamin dan mineral. Salah satu peran vitamin dan mineral adalah sebagai antioksidan yang mampu memperkuat sistem daya tahan tubuh manusia (sistem imun). Peran vitamin A banyak pada pemeliharaan sel epitel, dimana sel epitel merupakan salah satu jaringan tubuh yang terlibat di dalam fungsi imunitas non-spesifik. Vitamin E atau α-tokoferol mempunyai peran penting di membran eritrosit dan lipoprotein plasma, vitamin ini mampu mempertahankan integritas membran sel karena vitamin E mempunyai cincin fenol yang mampu memberikan ion hidrogennya kepada radikal bebas. Demikian pula dengan vitamin C sebagai donor elektron sehingga cepat memutus rantai reaksi SOR (Spesies Oksigen Reaktif) dan SNR (Spesies Nitrogen Reaktif). Selenium merupakan mineral kelumit yang penting untuk sintesis protein dan aktivitas enzim glutation peroksidase (GSH-PX). Selenium mempunyai peranan sebagai katalisator dalam pemecahan peroksida yang terbentuk di dalam tubuh menjadi ikatan yang tidak bersifat toksik. Maka karena itu kecukupan zat gizi terutama vitamin dan mineral sangat diperlukan dalam mempertahankan sistem kekebalan tubuh yang  optimal sebagai upaya preventif agar selalu sehat.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants and Isolated Molecules Demonstrating Immunomodulation Activity as Potential Alternative Therapies for Viral Diseases Including COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan A. Alhazmi ◽  
Asim Najmi ◽  
Sadique A. Javed ◽  
Shahnaz Sultana ◽  
Mohammed Al Bratty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Prevention And Cure

Plants have been extensively studied since ancient times and numerous important chemical constituents with tremendous therapeutic potential are identified. Attacks of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria can be counteracted with an efficient immune system and therefore, stimulation of body’s defense mechanism against infections has been proven to be an effective approach. Polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and lactones are the important phytochemicals, reported to be primarily responsible for immunomodulation activity of the plants. These phytochemicals may act as lead molecules for the development of safe and effective immunomodulators as potential remedies for the prevention and cure of viral diseases. Natural products are known to primarily modulate the immune system in nonspecific ways. A number of plant-based principles have been identified and isolated with potential immunomodulation activity which justify their use in traditional folklore medicine and can form the basis of further specified research. The aim of the current review is to describe and highlight the immunomodulation potential of certain plants along with their bioactive chemical constituents. Relevant literatures of recent years were searched from commonly employed scientific databases on the basis of their ethnopharmacological use. Most of the plants displaying considerable immunomodulation activity are summarized along with their possible mechanisms. These discussions shall hopefully elicit the attention of researchers and encourage further studies on these plant-based immunomodulation products as potential therapy for the management of infectious diseases, including viral ones such as COVID-19.

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