Carotenoids: Therapeutic Strategy in the Battle against Viral Emerging Diseases, COVID-19: An Overview

Abstract

Carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals, are naturally found in the Plant kingdom, particularly in fruits, vegetables, and algae. There are more than 600 types of carotenoids, some of which are thought to prevent disease, mainly through their antioxidant properties. Carotenoids exhibit several biological and pharmaceutical benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity booster properties, particularly as some carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A in the body. However, humans cannot synthesize carotenoids and need to obtain them from their diets or via supplementation. The emerging zoonotic virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originated in bats, and was transmitted to humans. COVID-19 continues to cause devastating international health problems worldwide. Therefore, natural preventive therapeutic strategies from bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, should be appraised for strengthening physiological functions against emerging viruses. This review summarizes the most important carotenoids for human health and enhancing immunity, and their potential role in COVID-19 and its related symptoms. In conclusion, promising roles of carotenoids as treatments against emerging disease and related symptoms are highlighted, most of which have been heavily premeditated in studies conducted on several viral infections, including COVID-19. Further in vitro and in vivo research is required before carotenoids can be considered as potent drugs against such emerging diseases.

Blood Sugar, Haemoglobin and Malondialdehyde Levels in Diabetic White Rats Fed a Diet of Corn Flour Cookies

“…According to Furusho et al [ 51 ], supplementation with beta-carotene at 20 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced the levels of ROS and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rats. The antioxidant activity of beta-carotene has been shown to occur indirectly through the maintenance of cell membrane integrity against free radical attacks [ 52 ].…”

Promising Therapeutic Candidate for Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: What Are the Possible Mechanisms and Roles of Phytochemicals?

“…At present, more than 750 kinds of carotenoids have been identified, of which there are about 100 in edible foods. Carotenoids exhibit several biological and pharmaceutical benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity-booster properties ( 266 ).…”

Role of Diet and Nutrients in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Incidence on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Status and Viral Production

“…Carotenoids are described as having antioxidant properties [ 85 ] and as being able to interact with certain cellular signaling pathways involved in the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory processes [ 86 ]. The review by Khalil et al presents the chemical composition, classification, natural sources and biopharmaceutical activities of a number of carotenoids and may provide useful information for their use [ 87 ]. One team studied the antiviral activity of two marine carotenoids against SARS-CoV-2 virus entry: fucoxanthin, a polar, orange xanthophyll, found in several brown algae, and siphona xanthin, a polar xanthophyll, found in green algae and an oxidative metabolite of lutein [ 88 ].…”

“…In the review by Khalil et al [ 87 ], the authors analyzed the existing bibliography and gathered all the existing data concerning the impact of carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptocanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, astaxanthin, crocins and crocetin (present in high amount in saffron) [ 89 ], phytoene and phytofluene and fucoxanthin) on inflammation, immunity and immune function, as well as on their antiviral activity. As a result of this analysis, the authors suggest that carotenoids could be used as potential drugs (with the necessary restrictions associated with certain supplementations) to combat the inflammatory storm resulting from COVID-19 infection, but also to boost the immune response (effects on several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways) [ 87 ]. The authors targeted an interesting candidate for future development: astaxanthin, because of its innumerable properties and antioxidant activities against several symptoms of viral infections, such as inflammation and its acceptable safety profile.…”