Curcumin’s effectiveness against Coronavirus
In view of the current Corona virus COVID-19 global epidemic and the panic around it, medical experts have a few suggestions besides washing hands, not being in crowded spaces, etc., on how to boost the immune system and possibly minimize the symptoms as there is no pharmaceutical cure for the disease.
Research on curcumin from turmeric showed anti-viral as well as anti-inflammatory properties. These properties were tested in a 2018 research on feline coronavirus (FPV) that causes a fatal disease in cats. Although the current coronavirus in humans is different from the feline coronavirus, the research showed that curcumin reduced the viral multiplication and lowered the inflammatory response. The research concluded that curcumin had an inhibitory effect on the feline coronavirus.
As the current coronavirus in humans is especially known to attack the respiratory system, some medical experts in India (March 2020) advocated curcumin for reducing lung inflammation caused by the virus.
The current coronavirus COVID-19 causes a significant rise in the inflammatory response in the body. Turmeric/ curcumin, is already well known for reducing inflammation in the body by lowering the inflammation markers TNF and IL-6. Keeping the inflammation in our body low can help fight off coronavirus, according to some medical experts.
Health authorities around the globe are searching now for treatments to aid patients with the novel coronavirus. Two existing rheumatoid arthritis medications Kevzara and Actemra might hold promise in helping patients with lung damage to recover. Both drugs are interleukin (IL-6) inhibitors. Targeting IL-6 and IL-6 signaling leads to effective prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases. But as curcumin has also anti-inflammatory properties it is also recommended against the coronavirus.
In the meantime, for those who are looking for preventive measurements we recommend daily intake of Curcumall : a teaspoon in a glass of water first thing in the morning.
