Nutraceuticals and Botanicals to Treat COVID-19

As part of the functional medicine approach to treating COVID-19, the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) has identified nutraceutical and botanical agents that may be considered additional treatments against SARS-CoV, published in a two-part series of articles.

These agents can be considered as immunoadjuvants, protease inhibitors, ACE2 modulators, zinc ionophores, and anti-inflammatory agents. The IFM has outlined for each agent the biological plausibility, mechanism of action, strength of evidence, and risk of harm.

Among the agents highlighted are:

• Beta Glucans—Beta glucans induce activity against viral attack.
• Mushrooms—Various species have been shown to possess immunomodulatory effects.
• Chinese Skullcap—Studies show Chinese skullcap statistically decreases viral infection rates.
• Licorice—Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations against SARS-CoV-1.
• Andrographis Paniculata—Andrographis leaves have been used to treat and prevent upper respiratory tract infections; Andrographis promotes viral eradication and specifically inhibits furin protease.
• Astralagus Membranaceus—Astralagus is used in TCM for its antiviral activity, its anti-inflammatory properties, and for priming the innate immune system.
• Berberine—Berberine has been shown to have anti-viral activity across a broad range of viral targets.
• Echinacea—Echinacea preparations have been shown to reduce frequency, severity, and/or duration of upper respiratory tract infections.
• Luteolin—Recent studies suggest luteolin may be a candidate molecule to block SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells and may modulate excessive inflammatory responses.