Observational Clinical Study Shows That Curcumin With Catechin Improves COVID-19-Infected Patient's Inflammatory Conditions

Natural Therapeutics Using Herbs And Phytochemicals To Treat COVID-19 And Long COVID Now Gaining Traction Globally.
 
COVID-19 News: The world has been grappling with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As scientists and medical professionals race to find effective treatments, a new observational clinical study conducted at Hawler Medical University (HMU) in Erbil, Iraq, has uncovered a potential game-changer. The study reveals the remarkable benefits of combining curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, with catechin, a natural phytochemical, in improving inflammatory conditions in COVID-19 patients.


Green Tea Rich In Catechins And Curcumin From Tumeric
 
Understanding the Hyperinflammatory Response
COVID-19 often triggers a hyperinflammatory condition characterized by elevated levels of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a depletion of regulatory T (Treg) cells. These abnormalities in the immune system contribute to the severity of the disease and its complications
 
The Study Design
To investigate the effects of nano-curcumin and catechin on immune cells and associated factors in COVID-19 patients, the researchers divided 160 patients into four groups: placebo, nano-curcumin, catechin, and nano-curcumin+catechin. The study evaluated the frequency of TCD4+, TCD8+, Th17, and Treg cells, gene expression of relevant transcription factors, and serum levels of cytokines before and after treatment.
 
Exciting Results
The study yielded exciting results, demonstrating the potential of the nano-curcumin and catechin combination in alleviating the inflammatory conditions associated with COVID-19. Patients who received nano-curcumin+catechin showed a significant increase in TCD4+ and TCD8+ cells compared to the control group, accompanied by a decrease in Th17 cells. Moreover, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors associated with Th17 were significantly reduced in the nano-curcumin+catechin group compared to the placebo group. Notably, the combined therapy also increased the frequency of Treg cells and related transcription factors compared to the placebo group.
 
The Path to Effective Treatments
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage communities worldwide, the urgent need for effective treatments remains paramount. While several antiviral medications and therapeutic approaches have been developed, their limited efficacy and potential side effects have prompted researchers to explore alternative options. Natural compounds like curcumin and catechin offer a ray of hope due to their well-established antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
 
Past COVID-19 News coverages have already showed that curcumin and catechins could be used as adjuvants in COVID-19 and Long COVID treatment protocols.
 
t;https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-herbs-randomized-controlled-trial-shows-that-curcumin-offers-anti-inflammatory-benefits-for-adults-recovering-from-covid-19-and-are-vaccinate">https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-herbs-randomized-controlled-trial-shows-that-curcumin-offers-anti-inflammatory-benefits-for-adults-recovering-from-covid-19-and-are-vaccinate
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-german-study-shows-that-phytochemicals-from-turmeric-inhibit-sars-cov-2-in-vitro-and-could-be-used-as-potential-therapeutics-for-covid-19
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/must-read-covid-19-supplements-chinese-researchers-in-wuhan-discover-that-curcumin-has-antiviral-effects-on-certain-coronaviruses
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-herbs-scientist-study-phytochemicals-found-in-green-tea-such-as-theaflavins-,-catechins-and-myricetins-as-potential-antivirals-against-sars-c
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-therapeutics-computational-screenings-show-a-variety-of-natural-phytochemicals-could-have-efficacy-against-sars-cov-2-including-egcg-from-gre
 
Curcumin: A Multi-Faceted Wonder Compound
Curcumin, derived from the Curcuma longa L. plant, has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. However, its therapeutic application has been hindered by challenges such as low bioavailability and rapid metabolism. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed a nano-range formulation called nanocurcumin, which enhances curcumin's solubility, stability, and biological activity.
 
The Power of Catechin
Catechins, found in various organic foods and medicinal plants, have been extensively studied for their various health benefits. These polyphenolic compounds, commonly found in green tea, cocoa, and fruits like apples and berries, exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Catechins have been shown to inhibit viral replication, modulate immune responses, and reduce inflammation, making them an attractive candidate for COVID-19 treatment.
 
Synergistic Effects of Curcumin and Catechin
The combination of curcumin and catechin in the study conducted at HMU holds significant promise due to the synergistic effects of these compounds. Curcumin enhances the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of catechins while augmenting their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Together, curcumin and catechin work in harmony to address the immune dysregulation and excessive inflammation associated with severe COVID-19 cases.
 
Mechanisms of Action
The observed improvements in immune cell profiles and cytokine levels in the nano-curcumin+catechin group suggest several potential mechanisms of action. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the activation and proliferation of Th17 cells, which are major contributors to the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm observed in severe COVID-19 cases. It also promotes the differentiation and expansion of Treg cells, which help regulate immune responses and suppress excessive inflammation.
 
Catechins, on the other hand, possess antiviral properties that can directly inhibit viral replication and prevent viral entry into host cells. They also exhibit antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress and preventing tissue damage caused by the hyperinflammatory response. Additionally, catechins can modulate various signaling pathways involved in immune regulation and inflammation, further contributing to their therapeutic potential in COVID-19.
 
Future Directions and Clinical Implications
While the observational clinical study at HMU provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of nano-curcumin and catechin combination therapy in COVID-19, further research is necessary to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and diverse populations are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic approach.
 
If subsequent studies confirm the positive effects of nano-curcumin and catechin combination therapy, it could have significant clinical implications. This natural and readily available treatment option may help reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, prevent disease progression, and improve overall patient outcomes. Furthermore, the use of natural compounds like curcumin and catechin could offer a cost-effective and accessible approach, particularly in resource-limited settings.
 
Conclusion
The groundbreaking observational clinical study conducted at HMU in Iraq reveals the potential of combining nano-curcumin and catechin in mitigating the hyperinflammatory response associated with COVID-19. By modulating immune cell profiles and cytokine levels, this combination therapy shows promise in improving the immune response and reducing inflammation in COVID-19 patients. Further research is needed to validate these findings and pave the way for effective, natural treatment options for COVID-19.
 
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Human Immunology.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0198885923000824

Note to readers: Do not attempt to treat yourself for any COVID-19 or Long COVID conditions with curcumin and catechins without consulting a licensed medical doctor first. Also, when using turmeric and catechin, always try to get the dried fresh forms and make then as teas when needed or else in fresh forms but beware of possible gastrointestinal issues. Supplements are a secondary choice and even then only source from reputable brands like Swansons, Doctor’s Choice, Nature Made, Genestra, Nutri factor, Nutri Cost…..and also look out for those using nano-encapsulated forms  ….. Do not purchase any phytochemicals or herbal products that are ready in a liquid form as such products are basically useless and most phytochemicals degrade and  lose their bioactivity in such liquid forms faster.

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