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Thymus vulgaris, a natural pharmacy against COVID-19: A molecular review
Ali Nadi1, Amir Abbas Shiravi2, Zahra Mohammadi3
1School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Introduction:
A worldwide pandemic infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a deadly disease called COVID-19. Interaction of the virus and the Angiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor leads to an inflammatory-induced tissue damage. Thymus vulgaris L. (TvL) is a plant with a long history in traditional medicine that has antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. Thymol and Carvacrol are two important biological components in Thyme that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This study is a molecular review on the potential effects of TvL and its active compounds on SARS-COV2 infection.
Method:
This is a narrative review in which using PubMed, Scopus, ISI, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Google scholar, and Arxiv preprint databases, the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic and protective effects of TvL and its active compounds have been discussed regarding the molecular pathogenesis in COVID-19.
Results:
Thyme could suppress TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other inflammatory cytokines. It also enhances the anti-inflammatory cytokines like TGF-beta and IL-10. Thyme extract acts also as an inhibitor of cytokines IL-1-beta and IL-8, at both mRNA and protein levels. Thymol may also control the progression of neuro-inflammation toward neurological disease by reducing some factors. Thyme and its active ingredients, especially Thymol and Carvacrol, have also positive effects on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and intestinal microbiota.
Conclusions:
Accordingly, TvL and its bioactive components may prevent COVID-19 complications and has a potential protective role against the deleterious consequences of the disease.
Insights
Thymus vulgaris L. (TvL) and its compounds, thymol and carvacrol, show potential in combating COVID-19 by reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system. These natural compounds may help prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) complications.
Area of Science:
- * Pharmacology
- * Phytomedicine
- * Molecular Biology
Background:
- * Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, leading to inflammatory tissue damage via ACE2 receptor interaction.
- * Thymus vulgaris L. (TvL), or Thyme, is traditionally used for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
- * Key compounds like thymol and carvacrol possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To conduct a molecular review of the potential therapeutic effects of TvL and its active compounds against SARS-CoV-2.
- * To explore the mechanisms by which TvL may mitigate COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- * A narrative review of existing literature.
- * Databases searched include PubMed, Scopus, ISI, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Arxiv.
- * Focus on molecular mechanisms of therapeutic and protective effects concerning COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- * TvL suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-8) and enhances anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-beta, IL-10).
- * Thymol and carvacrol may mitigate neuro-inflammation and positively influence the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and gut microbiota.
- * TvL extracts inhibit inflammatory cytokines at both mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusions:
- * TvL and its bioactive components demonstrate potential in preventing COVID-19 complications.
- * These natural compounds may offer a protective role against the adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- * Further research into TvL's antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties is warranted for COVID-19 management.
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