Indonesian and Malaysian Researchers Find That the Phytochemical Apigenin Shows Promise in Managing Long COVID
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 01, 2025 7 hours, 57 minutes ago
Medical News: The world has been battling the effects of COVID-19 for several years now. While most people recover within a few weeks, many continue to experience lingering symptoms that persist for months. This condition, commonly known as Long COVID-19, includes fatigue, difficulty breathing, brain fog, and muscle pain. Scientists have been investigating ways to manage these prolonged symptoms, as no specific medication has yet been developed to treat Long COVID-19.
Indonesian and Malaysian Researchers Find That the Phytochemical Apigenin Shows Promise in Managing Long COVID
Image: Parsley - a plant that is a rich source of Apigenin.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Long COVID 19
Recent studies suggest that oxidative stress plays a key role in causing Long COVID-19. Oxidative stress occurs when harmful molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate in the body, damaging cells and tissues. Normally, our body uses a natural defense mechanism called the Nrf2 pathway to fight against oxidative stress. However, COVID-19 has been found to disrupt this protective system, leading to increased cell damage and prolonged symptoms. This
Medical News report highlights how researchers are now exploring natural compounds that can help restore the body’s antioxidant system and improve recovery from Long COVID-19.
Apigenin as a Potential Natural Solution
Apigenin is a natural phytochemical compound found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including chamomile, parsley, celery, and oranges. It belongs to a group of plant-based chemicals known as flavonoids, which are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists from Universitas Padjadjaran in Indonesia, Universitas Garut, Universitas Islam Bandung, and Universiti Malaya in Malaysia have been conducting research on apigenin’s potential benefits in combating Long COVID-19.
The Study and Its Key Findings
Using advanced molecular modeling techniques, researchers examined how apigenin interacts with a crucial protein complex called Keap1-Nrf2. Their goal was to determine if apigenin could help restore the body’s natural antioxidant defenses. The study involved molecular docking simulations, which are computer-based techniques used to predict how molecules interact with proteins. The results showed that apigenin had a strong binding ability with the Keap1 protein, allowing Nrf2 to become active again.
Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the interaction between apigenin and Keap1 remained stable over time. The researchers reported a free energy value of -6.40 kcal/mol for the binding process, indicating a strong and favorable interaction. Another calculation method, known as MM-GBSA, confirmed that the free energy value of the Keap1-apigenin complex was -67.039 kJ/mol, further supporting its effectiveness in stabilizing Nrf2 activation.
How Apigenin Helps Combat Long COVID 19
Apigenin was found to have multiple beneficial effects that cou
ld aid in managing Long COVID-19 symptoms:
-Restoring Antioxidant Defenses: By activating Nrf2, apigenin helps the body produce its natural antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress and preventing further cell damage.
-Reducing Inflammation: Apigenin has strong anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue, and lung inflammation seen in Long COVID-19 patients.
-Supporting the Immune System: Studies suggest that apigenin may also have antiviral properties, helping the body fight against lingering viral effects.
Comparing Apigenin with Other Treatments
The research also compared apigenin with another compound, Cpd16, which has been previously studied for its effects on the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. The findings showed that apigenin was superior to Cpd16 in promoting Nrf2 activation and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, apigenin met the essential criteria for drug development, including good bioavailability and safety, making it a strong candidate for future therapeutic use.
Potential Challenges and Next Steps
Despite the promising findings, there are still some challenges in using apigenin as a treatment for Long COVID-19. One of the main concerns is its bioavailability, meaning how well it is absorbed and utilized by the body. The study found that while apigenin has high gastrointestinal absorption, it does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier, which may limit its effects on neurological symptoms such as brain fog. Researchers suggest that future studies should focus on improving the delivery methods of apigenin, such as using nanoencapsulation techniques to enhance its absorption and effectiveness.
Conclusion
The findings from this study provide strong evidence that apigenin could be a potential natural treatment for Long COVID-19. By restoring the Nrf2 pathway, reducing oxidative stress, and decreasing inflammation, apigenin may help alleviate symptoms and improve recovery in patients suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19. However, further research, including clinical trials, is needed to confirm these benefits and develop effective apigenin-based treatments.
Scientists remain optimistic that this natural compound could play a significant role in managing Long COVID-19 and other conditions related to oxidative stress.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Applied Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/3/1493
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Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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