Potential effects of curcumin in the treatment of COVID‐19 infection

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is an ongoing pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with considerable mortality worldwide. The main clinical manifestation of COVID-19 is the presence of respiratory symptoms, but some patients develop severe cardiovascular and renal complications. There is an urgency to understand the mechanism by which this virus causes complications so as to develop treatment options. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, could be a potential treatment option for patients with coronavirus disease. In this study, we review some of the potential effects of curcumin such as inhibiting the entry of virus to the cell, inhibiting encapsulation of the virus and viral protease, as well as modulating various cellular signaling pathways. This review provides a basis for further research and development of clinical applications of curcumin for the treatment of newly emerged SARS-CoV-2.

Commentary: Statins, COVID-19, and coronary artery disease: killing two birds with one stone

“…Although various pharmacologic agents are under active study [ 1 ], there are currently no effective and evidence-based antiviral drugs or drug combinations against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, namely coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, supportive therapy and active treatment of COVID-19 clinical manifestations by using feasible and currently available agents, especially Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, still remains an essential therapeutic approach [ [2] , [3] , [4] ].…”

Union is strength: antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs for COVID-19

“…In vitro studies revealed the antiviral activity of ivermectin against Zika, dengue, Newcastle, and chikungunya viruses, among others [77] , attributed to the inhibition of nuclear importins in mammalian cells, which, in turn, hinder viral replication [78] . A recent study showed that ivermectin inhibited the RBD of the viral spike protein [79] , has good bioavailability, a low price, and few adverse effects 80 , 81 .…”

“…Suppression of pulmonary edema and fibrosis-associated pathways in COVID-19 infection has also been reported [82] . Curcumin derivatives inhibit human A influenza virus in vitro , and docking studies propose curcumin as a potential inhibitor of spike protein binding to ACE-2 [80] , as well as of M pro [81] . Moreover, in vitro studies showed that curcumin inhibits the cytokine storm, such as that observed in patients severely ill with COVID-19 [83] .…”

“… a Curcumin was not tested as part of this drug repurposing study; nonetheless, docking results predict a plausible role as an M pro inhibitor [81] . …”

Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome in the Time of COVID-19: Should We Add a Cup of Coffee?

“…Recent reports summarized diverse natural compounds, with the majority being classified as polyphenols, which demonstrated their potential to inhibit coronavirus in humans ( 69 , 70 ), as well as other viruses ( 71 – 74 ). The potential effects of curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, include inhibition of the entry of virus, its encapsulation, and activity of viral protease, suggesting its therapeutic potential in treating SARS-CoV-2 ( 75 ). The major components of tea polyphenols, such as theaflavins, showed anti-HIV effect ( 76 ), while catechins demonstrated anti-diabetic ( 77 ) and hypocholesterolemic activities ( 78 ).…”