Coronavirus: “Elderberry” is a traditional medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential

Information Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31560964

Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63), one of the main circulating HCoVs worldwide, causes respiratory tract illnesses like runny nose, cough, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Recently, a severe respiratory illness outbreak of HCoV-NL63 has been reported in a long-term care facility. Sambucus FormosanaNakai, a species of elderberry, is a traditional medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential. The study investigated the antiviral activity of Sambucus FormosanaNakai stem ethanol extract and some phenolic acid constituents against HCoV-NL63. The extract was less cytotoxic and concentration-dependently increased anti-HCoV-NL63 activities, including cytopathicity, sub-G1 fraction, virus yield (IC50 = 1.17 μg/ml), plaque formation (IC50 = 4.67 μg/ml) and virus attachment (IC50 = 15.75 μg/ml). Among the phenolic acid constituents in Sambucus FormosanaNakai extract, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and gallic acid sustained the anti-HCoV-NL63 activity that was ranked in the following order of virus yield reduction: caffeic acid (IC50 = 3.54 μM) > chlorogenic acid (IC50 = 43.45 μM) > coumaric acid (IC50 = 71.48 μM). Caffeic acid significantly inhibited the replication of HCoV-NL63 in a cell-type independent manner, and specifically blocked virus attachment (IC50 = 8.1 μM). Therefore, the results revealed that Sambucus Formosana Nakai stem ethanol extract displayed the strong anti-HCoV-NL63 potential; caffeic acid could be the vital component with anti-HCoV-NL63 activity. The finding could be helpful for developing antivirals against HCoV-NL63.

Coronavirus, anotherepidemic is causing havoc around the globe, and especially in Asian countries.The virus infects the respiratory tract resulting in mild common colds to severeMERS & SARS, and there are reports of coronavirus infecting thegastrointestinal system.

The recent outbreakis from Novel Coronavirus (nCoV), a new virus that is affecting humans.According to the studies, the infection is more rampant in the coastal areasand animal & seafood markets. It is reported that the person infected fromcoronavirus was possibly infected from exposure to animals.

In the past,coronavirus was reported in 5 continents, with a fatality rate of nearly 10%.In more than 90% of the cases, fever was a common symptom, with 80% of themdiagnosed with fatigue and dry cough. Further diagnosis also revealed signs ofheadaches, respiratory distress, and low WBC count.

After the recentreports of deaths and spread of coronavirus, WHO advised the nations to takenecessary measures. Centre for Disease Control flagged travel at level 1, whichmeans that there is low risk and does not pose a major threat to healthyhumans. Countries are also advised to prepare necessary measures to tackle thepossible outbreaks, based on the International Health Regulations.

Coronavirus primarilyinfects the respiratory system resulting in mortality. Reports of coronavirusinfecting the brain are also reported in some cases, resulting in long-termneurological disease.

There is no straightdrug for the effective treatment of coronavirus, but some antiviral drugs areproven to treat coronavirus. However, WHO and CDC encourage preventive measuresto stop the possibility of getting infected from coronavirus.

Preventive measuresfor coronavirus:

CDC and WHO advisednations to take certain preventive measures and checks at the airports, whichcould help in finding the spread and control of coronavirus. Below are some ofthe basic safety standards that everyone must follow:

•          Avoid traveling toanimal or seafood markets.

•          Avoid close contactwith infected people.

•          Always carry a handsanitizer.

•          Clean your handsafter tending sick people, sneezing or coughing, treating wounds.

Since there are nodirect remedies for treating coronavirus, natural herbs or plants containingantiviral properties can help in preventing or mitigating the effects ofcoronavirus. It should also be noted that there are around seven differentcoronaviruses that affect humans.However, treating the symptoms of coronavirususing antiviral herbs is the next-best available solution.

1.Mate tea

Mate tea containstriterpene glycosides, which can exert antiviral properties againstcoronavirus. It also contains polyphenols that protect humans from viralinfection. In addition, mate tea is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients. Thecomponents of mate tea boost the immune system and also help in fightingbacterial, fungal, and parasite infections.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is one ofthe best foods that help in fighting the cold, one of the symptoms ofcoronavirus. It contains a cocktail of compounds including vitamin C&K,that boost the immune system and treat flu.

Broccoli is also enriched with phenolic compoundswhich have antioxidant power and can possibly fight against the viral infectionof coronavirus.

3. Green tea

Green tea is widelyknown for its various health benefits due to its high antioxidant content. Itsupports protecting the body when under attack from infections. Green tea alsoboosts immunity and metabolism, which plays a major role in supporting the bodywhen sick. Besides, green tea contains catechins, which slows down theinfection by inhibiting their reproduction.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a promisingfood source that aids the body in fighting cold and flu. Antioxidant, antiviral,antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties of garlic help in treating symptoms of coronavirusthat include cough, cold, and fever. It is also an excellent source to treatbecause of its ability to exhibit high decongestant and expectorant effects.

5. Elderberry

Elderberry is anage-old remedy to treat flu and cold that are caused by viruses. Theyalso contain compounds that boost the immune system and have the ability to fight respiratoryinfections. It is also known tocontain certain elements that disable the infectious abilities of viruses and makethem ineffective.

Bottom Line

WHO and CDC havereported that coronavirus is spreading and is advising the governments to take preventive measures from its mass outbreak. As there is no fixed cure, for now,it is better to follow measures that can help humans fight in symptoms of coronavirus and possibly avoid the severity of its spreading.

Welife Age Revert Includes all those supplement which is helpful to prevent cororavirus.