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Turmeric Root and Its Bioactive Ingredient Curcumin Effectively Neutralize SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro
Maren Bormann1, Mira Alt1, Leonie Schipper1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, Universitätsmedizin Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany.
Viruses
|October 26, 2021
Summary
Curcumin, found in turmeric, effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, in lab studies. This natural compound shows promise for complementary COVID-19 treatment, warranting further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, with limited effective antiviral treatments.
- Traditional herbal medicines, including turmeric, possess antiviral properties.
- Curcumin, turmeric's active compound, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of turmeric extract, curcumin supplements, and pure curcumin against SARS-CoV-2.
- To evaluate the potential of curcumin as a complementary therapeutic agent for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Testing aqueous turmeric root extract, dissolved curcumin supplement, and pure curcumin against SARS-CoV-2.
- Utilizing Vero E6 and human Calu-3 cell lines for antiviral assays.
- Quantifying SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in cell culture supernatants post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Turmeric extract, curcumin supplement, and pure curcumin demonstrated effective neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 at non-toxic concentrations.
- Curcumin treatment significantly reduced viral RNA levels in cell culture.
- Curcumin concentrations found in supplements completely neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin is a promising compound for the complementary treatment of COVID-19.
- Further carefully monitored clinical studies are recommended to validate the efficacy of curcumin-containing products for COVID-19 patients.
