Yet Another Study Extols The Benefits Of Quercetin With Regards To COVID-19

COVID-19 News: A Promising Natural Compound
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are tirelessly seeking effective treatments to mitigate its impact. In this pursuit, quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, has emerged as a promising candidate. This COVID-19 News report explores the potential of quercetin in reducing the risk of developing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as highlighted in a recent review by researchers from various prestigious institutions in Iran.


Yet Another Study Extols The Benefits Of Quercetin With Regards To COVID-19

Thailand Medical News had previously covered numerous studies that covered the beneficial properties on Quercetin in preventing or treating COVID-19.
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/quercetin-is-able-to-reduce-expression-of-ace2-and-tmprss2-but-does-not-prevent-sars-cov-2-from-entering-lung-cells
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-canadian-study-shows-that-quercetin-not-ony-inhibits-sars-cov-2-but-it-also-prevents-syncytium-formation
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/quercetin-emerging-as-one-of-the-must-take-covid-19-supplements-especially-when-considering-the-omicron-variant-and-long-covid-19-issues
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-supplements-numerous-studies-show-that-the-phytochemical-quercetin-not-only-inhibits-sars-cov-2-but-helps-in-other-aspects-of-covid-19
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-supplements-for-covid-19-quercetin-emerging-as-an-adjuvant-for-covid-19-treatments
 
The Research Team
The study was conducted by Marjan Ajami, Mohammadjavad Sotoudeheian, Anahita Houshiar-Rad, Mina Esmaili, Fatemeh Naeini, Fatemeh Mohammadi Nasrabadi, Saied Doaei, and Ali Milani-Bonab. These researchers are affiliated with the Department of Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning Research, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran; the Physiology Research Center at Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran; and the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
 
Understanding Quercetin
Quercetin is a type of flavonoid, a group of polyphenolic compounds known for their antioxidant properties. Found abundantly in foods like apples, onions, berries, and green tea, quercetin has been widely studied for its health benefits. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects, making it a compound of interest in the fight against viral infections, including COVID-19.
 
How Quercetin Works
Quercetin's potential benefits in combating COVID-19 stem from its ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, an enzyme crucial for viral replication. Additionally, quercetin can modulate the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, which play a significant role in the virus's ability to enter host cells. By targeting these mechanisms, quercetin may help reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.
 
The Evidence So Far
The review article gathered data from various studies exploring quercetin's antiviral properties. In vitro studies (tests conducted in a laboratory setting) have shown that quercetin can inhibit the replication of several viruses, including hepatitis C, influenza A, and even the Ebola virus. Moreover, animal studies have demonstrated that quercetin can reduce viral load and improve survival rates in infected mice.
 
Study Findings: Quercetin and COVID-19
-In Vitro Studies
One study highlighted in the review demonstrated that quercetin inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures. The researchers found that quercetin could bind to the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, effectively blocking its activity and preventing the virus from replicating. This finding suggests that quercetin could directly interfere with the virus's life cycle, potentially reducing its ability to spread within the host.
 
-Animal Studies
Another study showed that quercetin supplementation led to a reduction in lung inflammation and oxidative stress in animal models infected with the virus. Mice treated with quercetin exhibited lower levels of inflammatory markers and less tissue damage compared to untreated controls. This anti-inflammatory effect is crucial because severe COVID-19 cases often involve a hyperactive immune response, leading to extensive lung damage.
 
Mechanisms of Action
Quercetin's effectiveness can be attributed to several mechanisms:
 
-Inhibition of Viral Replication: Quercetin has been shown to inhibit the activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an enzyme essential for viral replication. By blocking this enzyme, quercetin can reduce the production of new viral particles.
 
-Modulation of ACE-2 Receptors: The ACE-2 receptor is the entry point for SARS-CoV-2 into human cells. Quercetin may reduce the expression or activity of these receptors, thereby limiting the virus's ability to infect cells.
 
-Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Quercetin can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for the severe inflammatory response seen in COVID-19 patients. By reducing cytokine levels, quercetin helps mitigate inflammation and protect lung tissue.
 
-Immunomodulatory Effects
Quercetin also exerts immunomodulatory effects, which can enhance the body's ability to fight off infections. It has been shown to stimulate the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a key cytokine in the antiviral immune response. Additionally, quercetin can enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and other immune cells, boosting the overall immune defense against the virus.
 
Benefits Beyond Antiviral Activity
Quercetin's benefits extend beyond its antiviral activity. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate the severe inflammatory responses often seen in COVID-19 patients, known as cytokine storms. By modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation, quercetin may help prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
 
Safety and Accessibility
One of the key advantages of quercetin is its safety profile. As a natural compound found in many common foods, quercetin is generally considered safe for consumption. Studies have shown that quercetin supplements are well-tolerated, with minimal side effects even at high doses. This accessibility makes quercetin an attractive option for further research and potential use in clinical settings.
 
Moving Forward
While the evidence supporting quercetin's potential benefits against COVID-19 is promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings in human trials. The current body of research primarily consists of in vitro and animal studies, which, while informative, do not always translate directly to human outcomes. Clinical trials involving COVID-19 patients are necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of quercetin as a treatment option.
 
Conclusion
In conclusion, quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid with well-documented health benefits, shows promise in reducing the risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms. Its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties make it a potential ally in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine.
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_22920.html
 
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-mexican-scientists-recommend-quercetin-for-oxidative-stress-issues-in-long-covid
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-insights-into-the-mechanism-behind-covid-19-induced-acute-kidney-injury-and-the-potential-therapeutic-role-of-quercetin
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/flavonoids-epigallocatechin,-baicalin,-hesperetin,-luteolin-and-quercetin-helps-prevent-covid-19-induced-gastrointestinal-inflammation-and-diarrhea