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A pilot study on the preventative potential of alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol against SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Mahmut Cerkez Ergoren1, Stefano Paolacci2, Elena Manara3
1Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus; DESAM Institute, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus. mahmutcerkez@gmail.com.
Background And Aim Of The Work:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the current pandemics. This virus attacks the cells by binding to the transmembrane angiotensin I converting enzyme 2. In this study, we experimented a food supplement containing alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol for the improvement of the defenses against the SARS-CoV-2. Hydroxytyrosol has anti-viral properties and is able to reduce the serum lipids in mice. α-cyclodextrin has the ability to deplete sphingolipids and phospholipids from the cellular membranes. The aim of the present preliminary open non-controlled interventional study was to evaluate the efficacy of alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol in improving defenses against SARS-CoV-2.
Methods:
Fifty healthy volunteers at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from Northern Cyprus and six positive individuals for SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled in this study. The in silico prediction was performed using D3DOCKING to evaluate the interactions of hydroxytyrosol and alpha-cyclodextrin with proteins involved in the SARS-CoV-2 endocytosis.
Results:
The 50 volunteers did not become positive in 15 days for SARS-CoV-2 after the administration of the compound for two weeks, despite they were at higher risk of infection than the general population. Interestingly, in the cohort of six positive patients, two patients were administered the spray and became negative after five days, despite the viral load was higher in the treated subjects than the untreated patients who became negative after ten days. In addition, we identified possible interactions among hydroxytyrosol and alpha-cyclodextrin with the protein Spike and the human proteins ACE2 and TMPRSS2.
Conclusions:
We reported on the results of the possible role of alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol in improving defenses against SARS-CoV-2. The next step will be the administration of the compound to a larger cohort in a controlled study to confirm the reduction of the infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 in the treated subjects.
Insights
A food supplement with alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol showed potential in improving defenses against SARS-CoV-2. In a preliminary study, high-risk individuals remained infection-free, and positive cases showed faster viral clearance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Nutraceuticals
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes the ACE2 receptor for cellular entry.
- Hydroxytyrosol exhibits antiviral properties and can reduce serum lipids.
- Alpha-cyclodextrin can deplete sphingolipids and phospholipids from cell membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement containing alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol.
- To assess the potential of this supplement in enhancing defenses against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary open, non-controlled interventional study.
- In silico prediction using D3DOCKING to analyze molecular interactions.
- Administration of the alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol supplement to volunteers.
Main Results:
- None of the 50 high-risk volunteers became SARS-CoV-2 positive within 15 days.
- Two of six SARS-CoV-2 positive patients receiving the supplement cleared the virus in 5 days, compared to 10 days for untreated patients.
- Identified potential interactions between hydroxytyrosol, alpha-cyclodextrin, and SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, ACE2, and TMPRSS2.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol may play a role in improving defenses against SARS-CoV-2.
- Further controlled studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings and the reduction in infection rates.
