Ayurveda derived supplements, dietary & lifestyle modifications to boost immunity during illness
In this blog I discuss naturally occurring subtances with immune boosting properties. Supplements do not go through a FDA approval process like medication do, hence while there may be a scientific hypothesis suggesting how they may help, gold standard scientific evidence ( randomised controlled trials ) is not available.
It's important to stress that supplements are ‘supplementary'. This means that they must not replace any kind of vaccination, testing, assessment or treatment of any given viral illness. Just like lifestyle interventions such as exercising, maintaining ideal weight, sleeping well, reducing stress, consuming an anti-inflammatory and balanced diet, they should all be considered as an extra 'add on'…not as a ‘treatment' or 'cure'.
While these are available without prescription and are generally safe, one must check with the pharmacist / allied health professional with regards to any potential side effects or interactions. WebMD has a good interaction checker which also includes supplements.
The information on this blog can be supplemented by the following two videos on Youtube
Ayurveda derived immune boosting supplements-5 min YT Video
Supplements for viral illness-3 min YT video
The supplements discussed on this blog usually have the following adult doses for short term use during a period of acute viral illness. I recommend that patients read through the available scientific evidence and make their own decision with regards to which of these they would like to take, if any.
Quercetin Lipomicel Matrix 250 mg three times a day (or Quercetin Dihydrate 500 mg three times a day )
Black Cumin Seed Oil 1000 mg twice a day
Curcumin 500 mg twice a day
Zinc 50 mg twice a day
Vitamin C 500 mg twice a day
Vitamin D 2500 IU twice a day
Omega 3 1000mg ( 3:1 ratio EPA:DHA ) capsule twice a day
N- Acetyl Cysteine 600 mg twice a day ( for cough )
Melatonin 5mg with Magnesium 150mg at night ( for insomnia / anxiety )
Listerine gargle and Betadine nasal rinse every 12 hours
Maintain activity and relaxation with Yoga and Pranayam
Anti-inflammatory and high protein diet.
Lifestyle, exercise and diet during period of viral illness
It is important to eat well, stay well hydrated and try to keep active during a period of viral illness.
Develop and maintain gentle exercise routine every few hours. Yoga and Pranayam may help you achieve this within an enclosed space. Staying active will reduce risk of weight gain and keep circulation flowing, both of which reduce risk of blood clots.
Gargle with listerine and cleanse nasal cavity with betadine nasal spray twice a day.
Avoid inflammatory foods. These include processed sugars, saturated fats and refined grains stripped of fibre. Choose whole foods and whole grains.
Increasing protein in diet may assist with antibody formation. Food items you should increase in your diet in order to boost immunity and reduce inflammation include :
-Fresh fruits, green vegetables and salads particularly Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cabbage
-Green tea / Hari Chai
-Ginger / Adrak
-Garlic / Lassan
-Cardomonim / Elaichi
-Fenugreek / Methi
-Clover / Laung
-Licorice / Mulethi
-Oregano oil / Ajvain
-Basil / Tulsi leaves
-Cinnamon / Daal Cheeni
-Black pepper / Kaali Mirch
-Nigella Sativa / Kalonji seeds
-Turmeric / Haldi
More details about foods which reduce inflammation can found on these blogs:
Foods which reduce IL6 inflammation
Foods which reduce JAK-STAT inflammation
Continue Long term medication for chronic diseases Studies have demonstrated that medications are associated with reduced in hospital mortality vs controls include
-Statins to reduce cholesterol
-Fibrates to reduce cholesterol
-ACE inhibitors and ARB's to reduce blood pressure
-Metformin to reduce sugar
-Aspirin and blood thinners
Non-Covid Vaccinations as a method to train the immune system
This study demonstrated that low Mumps antibody titres were associated with more severe Covid19 disease
https://mbio.asm.org/content/11/6/e02628-20
This study from Netherlands demonstrated lower incidence of Covid19 in hospital staff who had received Flu vaccine compared to those who had not
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.14.20212498v1.full-text
These
observational studies from Italy showed less prevalence and less
severity of Covid19 in populations which had received Influenza
vaccination
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/8/3/535/htm
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.26120
This observational analysis from Mayo clinic found that uptake of multiple vaccinations were associated with lesser odds of contracting Covid19
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.26120
Antiseptic Gargles & Betadine
In
vitro study from Germany which demonstrated viricidal effects of iodine
and alcohol based gargles against SARS-COV2. These two were more
effective that other mouthwashes and gargles in inhibiting replication
of SARS-COV2 virus.
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/222/8/1289/5878067
This
study compared iodine and alcohol based gargles as well as nasal sinus
rinse treatments to inhibit SARS-COV2 virus. Listerine ( alcohol based )
achieved 99.9 % inhibition within a minute and Betadine ( povidone
iodine ) required 2 minutes to achieve 99.9 % inhibition.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.26514
Small
pilot prospective trial from Malaysia demonstrating SARS-COV2 viral
clearance within six days with Betadine gargle three times a day for 30
seconds each. In comparison, essential oil gargle group achieved 80 %
clearance, tap water gargle achieved 20 % and no gargling achieved 0 %
clearance of virus on repeat RtPCR testing on day 6.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT04410159?term=mouth+wash&recrs=e&rslt=With&cond=covid&draw=2&rank=1
Quercetin: Derived from Ayurvedic plant 'Vidanga' and constituent of 'Triphala'
Cell study: Suppression of Hepatitis C virus replication by NS3 Protease inhibition
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01507.x
Cell study: Quercetin inhibits RNA and DNA Polymerase in bacteria
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01941188
Cell study: Inhibition of SARS-COV and MERS-COV by Cysteine protease inhibition
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14756366.2016.1265519
Cell study: Zinc Ionophone ( increasing intra-cellular levels of Zinc ) effects of Quercetin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25050823/
Computer molecular docking study: Quercetin potential inhibitor of SARS-COV2
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813020339970
Summary:
Quercetin
is a Plant based flavanoid readily available in Onions, Apples,
Strawberries etc. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine and demonstrates a double action of inhibiting SARS-COV2 virus
by Cyteine Protease inhibition as well as Zinc Ionophone action. It
should be taken with Zinc and Vitamin C as it appears to work
synergistically with them.
Black Cumin / Nigella Sativa: Derived from Ayurvedic herb 'Kalonji'
Scientific Papers: Hypothesised actions of Thymoquinone on Covid19
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210803320300531
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7361316/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341537951_Thymoquinone_shield_and_sword_against_SARS-CoV-2
Cell Study: Inhibition of Coronavirus ( not SARS-COV2) by Nigella Sativa
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3933739/
Cell Study: Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus by Nigella Sativa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28480371/
Computer simulation study: Nigella Sativa phytoconstituents bind SARS-COV2 targets
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33289456/
Black seed oil might offer a number of benefits to treat COVID-19 such as blocking the entry of the virus into pneumocytes and providing ionophore for enhanced uptake of Zn2+ which in turn can enhance host immune response against SARS-CoV-2 as well as inhibit its replication by blocking the viral RdRp
Curcumin: Derived from Ayurvedic herb Turmeric
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.675287/full
Cell
Study: Curcumin inhibits Zika and Chikungunya virus. It appears to
inhibit viral cell binding to host cells through a membrane effect on
enveloped viruses.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166354216307483
Curcumin
strongly inhibits TGEV proliferation and viral protein expression in a
dose-dependent manner ( alpha coronavirus family )
https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jgv/10.1099/jgv.0.001466
Computer Molecular docking study: Curcumin theorized to inhibit interaction of SARS-COV2 spike protein with ACE-2 receptor
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/ra/d0ra03167d#!divAbstract
Summary:
Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is involved in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28629136/
Increasing the intracellular Zn concentration with zinc-ionophores such as PT can efficiently impair the replication of a variety of RNA viruses, including poliovirus and influenza virus. This study demonstrates that the combination of Zn and PT inhibits the replication of SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and equine arteritis virus (EAV) in cell culture.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21079686/
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in a diverse array of immune functions; its supplementation has demonstrated beneficial effects in different types of viral infections. Reduced levels of ascorbate have been found in patients with viral infections , sepsis , sepsis-related ARDS , and other critical illness . During infection, vitamin C is necessary for neutrophil killing , is concentrated within macrophages , is responsible of T cell maturation , and promotes phagocytosis and apoptosis of spent neutrophils.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01451/full
Vitamin D may be a prophylactic and treatment strategy against COVID-19. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates a protective effect of vitamin D supplementation against respiratory tract infections.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0065835
This pilot study published in BMJ demonstrated quicker resolution and lower fibrinogen levels in patients who received high dose Vitamin D 60,000 IU Cholecalciferol
https://pmj.bmj.com/content/early/2020/11/12/postgradmedj-2020-139065
This small pilot study demonstrated that administration of a high dose of Calcifediol or 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a main metabolite of vitamin D endocrine system, significantly reduced the need for ICU treatment of patients requiring hospitalization due to proven COVID-19
Omega-3s have anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrythmogenic, anti-fibrotic and membrane stabilizing properties
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0914508715002300
N- Acetyl Cysteine
Thrombolytic effect of NAC on arterial thrombi
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.027290
Study demonstrating use of IV NAC to reduce inflammation in severely ill COVID19 patient from New York, USA.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521661620306513
Melatonin
Melatonin's multiple actions as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral (against other viruses)
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.00226/full#B51
Scientific paper suggesting how Melatonin counteracts changes related to COVID19 hyperimmune response
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7211589/
The possible beneficial effects of melatonin as adjuvant use in COVID-19 in anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, immune response regulation has been repeatedly demonstrated in respiratory disorder models induced by infections and associated complications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7102583/
Magnesium
In this study Patients were administered oral vitamin D3 1000 IU OD, magnesium 150mg OD and vitamin B12 500mcg OD (DMB) upon admission. DMB combination in older COVID-19 patients was associated with a reduction in proportion of patients with clinical deterioration requiring oxygen support and/or intensive care support.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.01.20112334v2
Serum magnesium was inversely correlated with hs-CRP which is a marker of inflammation often associated with metabolic syndrome.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3685774/
Natural Ayurveda derived Antivirals include
-Black Cumin,
-Quercetin,
-Curcumin
-Bromhexine ( only available in Indian subcontinent )
In addition to these, other dietary naturally occuring anti-viral agents:
Glycyrhizzic Acid from Licorice / Mulethi inhibits Coronavirus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15715493/
Berberine is found in Basil / Tulsi leaves, Cinnamon / Daal Cheeni, Black Pepper / Kalli Mirch, Clover / Laung, Oregano / Ajvain has widespread antiviral activity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17239594/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28081706/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25939536/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27535052/
Herbal Remedy mentions:
Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory effects including inhibition of IL6
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29620265/
Androgopholide from Kalmegh reduces IL6
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063649/
Nimbolide derived from Neem inhibits STAT-3
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/ars.2015.6418
Bavachin found from Babchi plant inhibits nuclear kappa B
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29477912/
Garcinol derived from plant Garcinia Indica / Kokum inhibits STAT-3
https://molecular-cancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-4598-13-66
Guggulesterone from Guggul plant inhibits STAT3 and IL6
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18519703/
Links from Healthy Planet & Walmart as examples:
Black Cumin Seed Oil 500 mg-HP
Vitamin C 500 mg chewable tab-HP
Vitamin D 1000 IU Chewable tab-HP
Omega 3 1000 mg (3:1 ratio EPA:DHA)-HP
Omega 3 liquid ( 3:1 ratio EPA:DHA )-HP
Melatonin 5 mg + Magnesium 150 mg-HP
Flintstones chewable MVT for children-Walmart
Flintstones chewable MVT with iron for children-Walmart
Example external links for India:
Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash-Flipkart
Povidone Iodine gargle-FlipkartVitamin D3 60,000 IU -Flipkart
NewRapid Daily Immune Health ,
Boost up Vitamin C & D with Zinc
Nigella Sativa Oil Caps-Flipkart
High EPA Omega 3 Fish Oil-Flipkart
INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER:
I obtained my primary medical education from India and post graduate MD in Family Medicine from the United Kingdom. After working in National Health Service, England for 15 years, I moved to Canada five years ago. As a Family Physician, I consider my speciality as engaging patients, interpreting medical information for them, guiding them through their health journey, promoting wise health choices and encouraging early detection and management of disease.
The information on this blog is accurate as per time of publishing. Scientific information and evidence changes dynamically and my opinions would change accordingly.
Patient confidentiality must be upheld at all times and any patients wishing to discuss specific medical scenarios on social media are requested to do so anonymously in 'third party' sense.
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