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Mouthrinses against SARS-CoV-2: anti-inflammatory effectivity and a clinical pilot study
Matthias Schürmann1, Mohamed Aljubeh1, Carsten Tiemann2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty OWL, Bielefeld University, Campus Klinikum Bielefeld, Teutoburger Str. 50, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany.
Purpose:
The scope of this research endeavor was the determination of the applicability of over the counter mouthwash solutions in reducing the viral load in the saliva of COVID-19 patients and hence decreasing their infectivity. Beyond that, new experimental mouthwashes were investigated in terms of a possible positive immune modulation, which might offer an additional opportunity for a positive pharmaceutical effect.
Methods:
The effectivity of the mouth washing solution was determined on 34 hospitalized COVID-19 patients by measuring the viral load by RT-qPCR in pharyngeal swabs, which were taken before and after rinsing. The inflammatory modulation thru the experimental solutions was assayed in an in vitro model of virus infected nasopharyngeal epithelium cells.
Results:
The clinical pilot study demonstrated that the mouth rinsing solution was able to reduce the viral load by about 90% in the saliva of most patients. This reduction was determined to persist for about 6 h. In the experimental solutions, the ingredients dexpanthenol and zinc were able to reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the cell culture model, while the antiviral response was not altered significantly.
Conclusion:
We recommend the application of mouth wash solutions to COVID-19 patients, since our results indicate a reduction in infectivity and might govern the protection of health care professionals. Further improvement to the over the counter formulation can be made by utilizing zinc and dexpanthenol, as they which might be beneficial for the patients' health.
Insights
Over-the-counter mouthwash significantly reduced the viral load in COVID-19 patients' saliva by 90%, decreasing infectivity for up to six hours. Formulations with zinc and dexpanthenol may offer additional immune benefits.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmaceutical Science
Background:
- COVID-19 poses a significant public health challenge.
- Reducing viral load in saliva is crucial for limiting transmission.
- Exploring adjunct therapies for COVID-19 management is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of over-the-counter mouthwash in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load in COVID-19 patients' saliva.
- To investigate the potential of novel mouthwash formulations for immune modulation.
- To evaluate the impact of mouthwash on viral infectivity and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 34 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- Measurement of viral load in pharyngeal swabs using RT-qPCR before and after mouthwash application.
- In vitro assessment of inflammatory modulation in virus-infected nasopharyngeal epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Mouth rinsing reduced salivary viral load by approximately 90% in most patients.
- The antiviral effect of the mouthwash persisted for about 6 hours.
- Experimental mouthwashes containing dexpanthenol and zinc reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Mouthwash application is recommended for COVID-19 patients to reduce infectivity and protect healthcare professionals.
- Incorporating zinc and dexpanthenol into mouthwash formulations may enhance therapeutic benefits.
- Further research into optimized mouthwash formulations for COVID-19 management is warranted.
