Dietary foods containing nitric oxide donors can be early curators of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A possible role in the immune system.

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) is a lethal virus that causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019), the respiratory illness that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though multiple pharmacological trials are ongoing, there is no proof that any treatment will effectively cure or prevent COVID-19. Currently, COVID-19-infected patients are being managed with non-specific medications to suppress the symptoms and other associated co-morbidities. Nitric oxide is a bio-signaling molecule that has been shown to be effective for treating several viral infections in humans. Household Natural foods rich in nitrites and nitrates (NO donors) have been scientifically proven to have therapeutic benefits against immune-related respiratory tract infections. It was understood that NO could inhibit the early stage of SARS CoV-2 invasion into the human cell. Fruits and vegetables containing nitrites and nitrates have been revised and are now thought to be potential anti-CoV agents for effective control of other associated systemic disorders. The purpose of this review is to highlight some key facts about the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 infection with foods rich in nitric oxide and its donors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Improving the body's immune system is the early step to be considered as a preventive measure to stop the spreading of COVID-19 infection. Emerging research continues to mount that dietary nitrates/nitrites from plant foods are being healthy as well as keep us away from infectious diseases. They are now incorporated into low-risk adjuvant therapy for various infections and systemic disorders. This concept portrays the regular consuming foods such as fruits and vegetables that are rich in nitric oxide which have the potential to promote health, improve general well-being, and reduce the risk associated with the highly contagious diseases. Hence, we recommend adding nitrates and nitrites-containing food to the regular diet to improve the self-immunity as well as to fight against COVID-19 disease.