RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Prior vaccination is often studied for its impact on individuals' post-infection prognosis. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) medicines, advised by the Government of India as prophylaxis during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, were consumed by the masses in 2020. A study was therefore undertaken to observe any association between the prior usage of AYUSH prophylactic medicines and post-infection severity as reported by recovered COVID-19 individuals. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multi-centre, cohort study conducted in 21 cities of India from 5th August to 30th November 2020. Data from recovered COVID-19 patients, of either sex or any age, captured information about AYUSH prophylactic medicines intake prior to infection, disease severity, symptomatology, duration of complaints, etc. The study participants were grouped into AYUSH intake and non-intake. Primary composite outcome was the disease clinical course. Secondary clinical outcomes were the rate of and time to clinical recovery. RESULTS: Data of 5,023 persons were analysed. Ayurveda or homeopathic prophylactic medicines were consumed by more than half of the study participants: that is, 56.85% (n = 1,556) and 56.81% (n = 1,555) respectively. The overall adjusted protective effect (PE) of AYUSH prophylactic intake against moderate/severe forms of COVID-19 disease was 56.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48.7 to 63.50; p < 0.001). Adjusted PE for homeopathy and Siddha was 52.9% (95% CI, 42.30 to 61.50; p < 0.001) and 59.8% (95% CI, 37.80 to 74.10; p < 0.001), respectively. A statistically significant association was found between AYUSH prophylactic medicine intake and clinical recovery more frequently by the 3rd day of illness (χ2 = 9.01; p = 0.002). Time to resolution of symptoms in the AYUSH intake group was on average 0.3 days earlier than in the non-intake group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: AYUSH prophylactics were associated with statistically significant levels of protection against COVID-19 disease severity. Amongst these, previous intake of homeopathy or Siddha medicines was associated with some protection against moderate/severe illness and with a somewhat quicker clinical recovery. Prospective studies with experimental research design are needed to validate the findings of this study. STUDY REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2020/08/027000).
RESUMEN
Sunlight is pivotal for our survival, and daily UV exposure has impacted the evolutionary course of all forms of life, from microorganisms to humans. Deciphering the role of UVR in regulating the microbial dynamics of environmental and host-associated microbes is crucial. UVR may be responsible for affecting skin pathology by influencing the skin microbiome, both qualitatively and quantitatively, as evident in low-dose narrow-band UVB phototherapy. Some findings have suggested that the skin microbiome has immunomodulatory roles when exposed to UVR; however, its involvement in UV screening or protection has yet to be fully explored. Furthermore, numerous skin disorders are associated not only with an altered skin microbiome but also with an altered gut microbiome. Hence, the skin-gut axis needs to be in physiological homeostasis and immunological harmony. The purpose of this review is to examine the impact of natural UVR on human immunomodulatory mechanisms and the associated cutaneous microbiome, with an emphasis on interactions among UVR, skin homeostasis, vitamin D, and the related skin-gut axis. With the 'nature as an inspiration' approach, ongoing research is trying to decipher photoprotective secrets in several microbial-based natural compounds to be used as sunscreens or other topical formulations. In addition, various probiotics have also been shown to have significant antioxidant, antiwrinkle, and antiaging effects that ameliorate UV-induced cellular and molecular damage, as highlighted in the review. These cosmetics, nutricosmetics, and probiotaceuticals will undoubtedly be next-generation solutions against photoaging and maintaining skin health.
