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Does turmeric have the power to fight against the deadly novel coronavirus? Let’s find out

Novel coronavirus has no vaccine as of now. But there might be a ray of hope as experts suggest that curcumin can help.
raw turmeric halwa
Raw turmeric halwa can be had by diabetics too! Image courtesy: Shutterstock.
Published by Dr. Saurabh Arora
Updated On: 4 Mar 2020, 06:36 pm IST
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We are all ears when it’s about novel coronavirus – the reason is its severity plus, we still don’t have a drug that can cure it. Yes, that’s scary.

Coronavirus scare has gripped the world today and medical science with all the advanced technology seems to be very small to take on the challenge. It has been declared a global emergency by WHO as it has spread to countries by now. The viral infection causes pneumonia-like symptoms in the human body and respiratory failure is the most common cause of fatality among the infected people. 

Can we fight coronavirus with good old turmeric?
Curcumin a polyphenol found in the turmeric (commonly curry spice) can be a promising answer to the threat. Curcumin has shown excellent antiviral properties against various viral diseases. Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) enzyme due to rate-limiting activity in the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides is suggested as a therapeutic target for antiviral and anticancer compounds.

Haldi health benefits
Drink this cuppa full of haldi for good health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Among the 15 different polyphenols, curcumin through inhibitory activity against IMPDH effect in either noncompetitive or competitive manner is suggested as a potent antiviral compound via this process.

Studies are also promising when it comes to curcumin
Curcumin has also been seen to act against coronavirus in some studies. With all the antiviral properties curcumin shows antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilator effects thereby relieving the respiratory troubles caused by a coronavirus. It also strengthens the immune system to fight against the infection. Curcumin if consumed as prophylaxis might help avert potential infection coronavirus.

A formula loaded with curcumin that might help you fight coronavirus
Curcumin comes with certain problems like low solubility, poor absorption, enterocyte metabolism, and liver first pass. The US Patented formulation SNEC 30 capsules contain Curcumin which is the most bioavailable form of Curcumin till date due to the technology that goes behind its formation. SNEC 30 is a Self-Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) that helps to achieve a concentration of active curcuminoids in the blood.

prevent coronavirus
N95 facial mask is an effective way to curb coronavirus transmission, it’s not foolproof. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

In SNEDDS, each curcumin particle is coated with lipid which resolves permeability issues and makes stable emulsion in the Gastrointestinal fluids. Lipid coated particle transport safely to intestine eliminating enterocyte metabolism. It gets absorbed through the portion of the small intestine and reaches to blood through lymphatic system bypassing the liver first pass aims maximum concentration of drug in the blood. So, that it can provide protection against this deadly disease.      

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About The Author
Dr. Saurabh Arora
Dr. Saurabh Arora

A young and dynamic professional with doctorate in pharmaceutics from Jamia Hamdard University and postgraduate in the same field from NIPER, Mohali, he has invented a patented nano technology-based delivery system for curcumin, the active constituent of haldi. He has a number of national and international research publications and patents to his credits.He regularly speaks and presents at industry meets, conferences, workshops, and webinars on a variety of topics related to the testing and quality of products. He has completed training on “Lean Labs: Lab Performance Optimisation” and has been implementing the principles of Lean Six Sigma for labs which have helped the business grow at over 30% each year.He received the Award for “10 best training and development practices in private sector” on behalf of Arbro Pharmaceuticals Ltd. At the Excellence in Training and Development Awards 2013.

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