Bioactivity, bioavailability, and gut microbiota transformations of dietary phenolic compounds: implications for COVID-19

Abstract

The outbreak of mysterious pneumonia at the end of 2019 is associated with widespread research interest worldwide. The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) targets multiple organs through inflammatory, immune, and redox mechanisms, and no effective drug for its prophylaxis or treatment has been identified until now. The use of dietary bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds (PC), has emerged as a putative nutritional or therapeutic adjunct approach for COVID-19. In the present study, scientific data on the mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of PC and their usefulness in COVID-19 mitigation are reviewed. In addition, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of dietary PC are studied. Moreover, the implications of digestion on the putative benefits of dietary PC against COVID-19 are presented by addressing the bioavailability and biotransformation of PC by the gut microbiota. Lastly, safety issues and possible drug interactions of PC and their implications in COVID-19 therapeutics are discussed.

Traditional Chinese medicine in COVID-19

“…Gut microbiome is involved in disease severity and host inflammatory and immune responses in COVID-19 patients 233 . It is worth noting that the anti-COVID-19 effects and mechanisms of TCM may be exerted via the gut–lung axis and mediated by gut microbiota 234 , 235 , 236 . For example, short-term intervention of Qingfei Paidu decoction dose-dependently regulates the host metabolism and gut microbiome in rats, indicating that altering gut microbiota composition may be part of the anti-COVID-19 mechanisms of Qingfei Paidu decoction 237 .…”

Curcumin and Weight Loss: Does It Work?

“…Curcumin and Curcuma longa extract inhibit the growth of microorganisms, both G(+) and G(-) bacteria, which often cause human infectious diseases. Curcumin is known to have an antiviral effect [ 17 ]; it also has been suggested as a potential treatment option for patients with COVID-19 [ 19 ]. Curcumin has an anti-diabetic effect through, for example, enhancing glucose uptake and improving pancreatic beta cell function.…”

Antiproliferative Effect of Colonic Fermented Phenolic Compounds from Jaboticaba (Myrciaria trunciflora) Fruit Peel in a 3D Cell Model of Colorectal Cancer

“…However, some caution in data interpretation is needed, since PC have low bioavailability. Given that a large portion of PC are eliminated in feces, the transformation of PC by gut microbiota may influence the therapeutic potential of these compounds [ 14 ]. Besides being substrates for colonic microbiota, PC fermentation may also generate products that benefit the intestinal environment [ 15 ].…”