An emerging natural antioxidant therapy for COVID-19 infection patients: Current and future directions

ABSTRACT

Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects millions of people worldwide. The article aims to review the therapeutic perspective on natural antioxidants, their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics in management and cure of COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: We conducted a literature search including World Health Organization and National Institute of Health guidelines and clinical trials registered with ClinicalTrials.gov limited to antioxidants in COVID-19 management. Results: Elderly, immunocompromised patients, and others with underlying health conditions or multiple comorbidities have a high mortality rate. Disrupted redox homeostasis and oxidative stress seem to be biological pathways that may increase personal vulnerability to infection. Antioxidants like vitamins C, D, E, epigallocatechin-3 gallate, and morin have been reported to protect against COVID-19 disease. Reactive oxygen species are immunological regulatory elements of viral replication. Natural antioxidants exhibit potential action in preventing inflammation and organ dysfunction during viral infection. They also increase glutathione level, oxygenation rate, and immunological responses in the treatment of sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusion: No wonder the selection of prevention, treatment, and cure of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 mainly depends upon the antiviral and immunoregulatory activity which they possess. Yet, their efficacy against COVID-19 is of great concern and demands extensive study. © 2023 The Authors. Food Frontiers published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd and Nanchang University, Northwest University, Jiangsu University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University.