Consumption of Phenolic-Rich Food and Dietary Supplements as a Key Tool in SARS-CoV-19 Infection

Abstract

The first cases of COVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2, were reported in December 2019. The vertiginous worldwide expansion of SARS-CoV-2 caused the collapse of health systems in several countries due to the high severity of the COVID-19. In addition to the vaccines, the search for active compounds capable of preventing and/or fighting the infection has been the main direction of research. Since the beginning of this pandemic, some evidence has highlighted the importance of a phenolic-rich diet as a strategy to reduce the progression of this disease, including the severity of the symptoms. Some of these compounds (e.g., curcumin, gallic acid or quercetin) already showed capacity to limit the infection of viruses by inhibiting entry into the cell through its binding to protein Spike, regulating the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, disrupting the replication in cells by inhibition of viral proteases, and/or suppressing and modulating the host’s immune response. Therefore, this review intends to discuss the most recent findings on the potential of phenolics to prevent SARS-CoV-2.

Mediterranean Diet a Potential Strategy against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review

“…Other polyphenol constituents seem to shown a similar antiviral effect [66]. Studies showed that phenolic compounds present in MetDiet are able to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus, through a competitive linkage, hindering the access of the virus into cells [67]. Therefore, following the MetDiet style brings a myriad of polyphenols and antioxidants, with beneficial effects on the progression of SARS-CoV-2.…”

“…A comparative study among a country (Spain) associated with a MetDiet and other countries with less adherence to MetDiet showed that subjects with greater MetDiet adherence could be better protected from harm caused by SARS-CoV-2, especially in subjects more susceptible to severe symptoms of COVID-19, such as the obese population. [67,96,97]. MetDiet has been associated with beneficial effects on body weight, visceral fat, blood pressure, and blood lipids, conditions associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease [98].…”

Mediterranean Diet Influence on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Adverse Reaction: Friend or Foe?

“…The MedDiet’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties are well known [ 35 ]; therefore, it could present a protective effect against COVID-19 [ 14 ]. Indeed, its richness in phenolic compounds has not only anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antioxidant effects, but also the capability to prevent the entry of SARS-CoV-2 through the Spike protein [ 36 , 37 ]. The MedDiet, renowned for its preventive effects on cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, offers potential benefits in mitigating the severity of COVID-19 infection [ 38 ].…”

An Attention towards the Prophylactic and Therapeutic Options of Phytochemicals for SARS-CoV-2: A Molecular Insight

“…Recently, an in-silico study revealed that flavonoids such as apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol bind with the spike receptor protein of SARS-CoV-2; however, quercetin was found to be the most active phytochemical against SARS-CoV-2 and could be a better inhibitor in combating SARS-CoV-2 infections [ 134 ]. In silico and in vitro studies suggested that out of many studied phytochemicals, curcumin, EGCG, theaflavin and resveratrol were found to be effective in impeding the coronavirus [ 135 ]. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound, has been investigated for its antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2.…”